Hello, I own a 1998 Cadillac Deville. About two months ago my power steering randomly stopped working. The car can drive straight or backwards no problem but the moment you try to turn either direction it begins to make a horrible sound and the car starts to shake. My power steering fluid is fine and I don't seem to have any blown fuses or anything.

This problem ONLY occurs when trying to turn. It runs just fine but is impossible to drive anywhere!.....unless that place just so happens to be directly in front of me!

 

I think your steering rack is shot. There are little valves in the rack which direct the flow of the fluid to either side to give you power assist.

If it is the rack you are looking at a new or rebuilt unit, tie rod ends possibly as well. I would go with a rebuilt rack as opposed to new from GM or cheap new from some unknow parts supplier. I'd go with new AC delco tie rod ends. This is not really a job for the do it yourselfer since the engine cradle has to be lowered about 3 inches to get at the rack. Sometimes the hoses and fittings need to be changed as well plus a flush of the fluid. All told it will be $1,000 to $1,200. Doesn't matter that it's a Cadillac, job would run the same on a Bonneville or Lesabre.

 

Thank you very much for all of the information!
Hmm is there anything else it could possibly be? I really want to try everything I can within my ability before I bring it to a shop

(no $)

 

The only other thing I can think of right now is the magnasteer connector. It is an electrical connector on the rack near the steering shaft. Make sure it is connected and not damaged. Probably easiest to see it from underneath the car. Normally when the rack goes you can still steer but just with great effort. Maybe you'll get lucky and find it to be the connector. Always hard to figure out problems on-line without seeing and driving the car, but there are two ideas for you anyway.

 

Thank you so much honestly, I'm going to run outside and do what I can right now!....I'll let you know!