Questions and Answers

A Hard Steering Geo Prizm Q. My son has a 1994 Geo Prizm, 1.6 litre engine, automatic transmission, 190,000. He began experiencing a lot of noise near his front axle when turning left about two weeks ago. It's like something is keeping the wheel from turning and then with a bang it is released. He feels it is too dangerous to drive now.

He replaced both tie rods and the right side CV boot with no fix. He had the left axle replaced but the problem persists.

Some feel it is a transmission problem, he suspects the steering column.

Any ideas?
Jim

A. I think these have a double u-joint in the shaft between the column and the steering rack. It may be seized. Sounds like a cv joint to me but it also could be a transmission problem. Start by checking the joint, if there is one, at the rack. Then let us know.

Here is a handy troubleshooting chart that may help you as well.