2006 pontiac grand prix steering issue

[AZAALGMONLY]

Hello!
New to the forum, so please have patience with me. I have a 2006 Grand Prix 3.8L V-6, non-supercharged engine. I recently was told that the rack and pinion was shot. Went to 3 reputable places and 1 dealership who could not point out the problem. Just yesterday, I was backing out of a parking spot and felt what I can only describe as a "rubbing" on the passenger side wheel. Can someone offer some insight on what this might be? I know that rack and pinion and steering are, of course, related, but am trying to differentiate between a bona fide front end issue vs. rack and pinion. Can you guys help?

 

[FordMan77]

Sounds like maybe the a wheel bearing is starting to go, or maybe cv joint. Jack up the front end and start the car. Then slowly turn the wheel lock to lock and see if you can duplicate it. If not, then you know it was something that turns (ie- hub, cv shaft, etc..) and not the rack itself.

 

[AZAALGMONLY]

I know this sounds stupid, but if I start the car, how will the wheel "lock"? Or are you just talking about turning right and left as far as the wheel will go? Thanks for tolerating a beginner's questions.....

 

[FordMan77]

No problem. We were all beginenrs at one point

Just start with the wheels centered, then turn them to the left fully, then fully to the right. Also, make sure you have jackstands under the car to properly support it. Having it on just a jack and starting the car is not a good idea. Can it be done, sure. I've done it a few times but I do not recommend it. A little torque from startup may be all it needs to slide off the jack thus placing the jack in a not so nice place (oil pan, trans pan, radiator, etc...