Questions and Answers

Saturn Drifts And Wanders Q. Okay man. I've got what may sound like a stupid question. My girlfriend has a 1996 Saturn with a "twin-cam 16 valve" (?????) engine, automatic transmission, 160,000 miles, P/S, and A/C. It has started driving like one of those drunk cars they have teenagers drive in the high school parking lot to simulate what its like to drive drunk.

It drifts all over the place. Its not like you can't control it but its kind of weird. The power steering pump is squealing; that leads me to believe the pumps bearing is bad. But I don't know if this car has a rack and pinion or not. If so does the P/S pump control the valves for the rack and pinion?

The reservoir is full and somewhat clean. I'm thinking the rack and pinion is shot but I could be wrong. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mark

A. Sounds like you are describing some play in the steering? Could be loose ball joints, tie-rod ends, low tire pressure, loose rack-to-body mountings? Lots of things. You should have someone check it as soon as possible. If it's power steering related, it could be internal play in the rack and pinion.