1997 Buick Century, while driving to a soccer game I began to experience an intermittent loss of power steering. After the game I turned left to exit my parking spot and while turning at low speed I heard a clicking noise and the steering wheel became locked. It took all my strength to turn the wheel straight. I took the vehicle to my friend whom is a certified mechanic (but no longer works for GM) and he advised me that the lower pinion was destroyed which caused damage to the entire gear assemble and power steering pump. I had him replace the defective parts at a cost of $800 plus dollars. Subsequent to this time I am now again experiencing intermittent loss of steering. My mechanic advised itS possible that the rebuilt steering gear placed in my repair contains the same defective pinion bearing because GM may not have communicated the faulty problem to the part suppliers whom rebuild the gear assemblies. In light of the recent news about GM steering gear problems and pending recalls for car models other that the Buick Century I wish to file a complaint with GM to reimburse me for the initial repair and the subsequent follow-up repairs that I will need.

- Miamisburg, OH, USA