Mom's car steering is locking up while making turns.

[GT Fanatic]

She had a 93 Bonneville SC. She says while turning the steering wheel will lock up and she can straighten out. Any ideas to what is causing this? Thanks

[krazy kris]

1st thought would be the power steering

[JC316]

1st thought would be the power steering

Not likely, most cars will gravitate back to center out of a turn even if the PS went out. Tie rods or ball joints would be the first thing that I check. I know that certain late 80's and early 90's GM cars have a problem where a few bolts on the column start backing out and catching, thus psychically locking the wheel.

[GT Fanatic]

My mom is 70. I just went and met up with her and looked at the car and drove it from Plano to North Dallas. At low speed turns I noticed a few times a little resistance. Car was fine at normal speed road curves. Turning from one road to another is were the tightness was a few times. Driving at 5mph without pressing on the gas and turning the wheel from left to right, cause the car to shake from the swerving. I think the pump is starting to go out.