Hick Ups

[Catmando]

Hi all, I'm a newbe to this forum and to GM products.

I picked up an '02 Regal LS, which is doing some pecular things.
1) I'll be crusing at highway speeds (70-75) then all of a sudden, with no warning, the car will hick up. Kind of like an electrical cut out for 1/2 second.
2) when I accelerat, either from a stop or passing, the car hesitates and feels like it is bogged down. Suspecting fuel system.
3) Power Steering: are there known issues with this component in this era of vehicle? Had it replace and it is loosing fluid.
4) Squeeking suspension: when I go over speed bumps, real slow, I can hear the suspension squeek. Are rear struts known to do this. I am thinking it is also the tie rod ends in the front.

Any thoughts to my laundry list of questions?

I like the ride and the available power of the 3.8 but hate the seats.😎

 

[RegalGSnewb]

I had a similar problem with my car (a Mazda) at about 100 KPH and above. There was lack of power above that speed, and it felt like it hesitated a bit. It ended up being that some of my spark plug wires developed some microholes in the insulator boots allowing the spark to jump through the rubber resulting in an inadequate spark in the piston chamber. New plug wires solved that for me.

The squeek sounds like it could be coming from the tie rods maybe. There's a little rubber boot that's normally filled with grease I believe, and if it leaks out the squeeking happens over little bumps.

 

[Catmando]

Thanks, I was told that the plugs and wires have been changed within the last 10,000 miles. But, if it is like all the other stuff this little middle aged lady told me....I now doubt it.

However, I don't think that addresses the cutting out for the micro second. It happens so fast with no warning I can't get a grip on its symptoms. It does feel like the entire ignition system cuts out and reactivates. I did catch the tach comming back down to the 2000rpm I was cruising at when it happened.

I am replacing the tierod ends next week, hopefully that will stop the squeeking.

 

[92sub]

I've never replaced tie rod ends for a squeak noise and I've probably repaired 500+ front ends in my lifetime.
My first guess would be struts followed by lower control arm bushings (which are known to wear in these vehicles). If you can repeat the noise by pushing up and down on the car in your driveway, get a helper and lay next to the car while they push and try to zero-in on a location.

The plug wires could certainly cause what you are complaining of. I've had brand new wires do this because the boots weren't long enough and didn't properly seal the spark plugs. So quality matters when it comes to longevity. Take a squirt bottle of water and spray all the wires down from coil to plug. Drive the car around the neighborhood and if that's your problem you'll likely feel it right away.

 

[RegalGSnewb]

Sorry - I should have prefaced my post by saying that I'm not a mechanic, and I've done zero front ends or back ends on any car. What I saw was from Youtube where the car was squeeking, and the person showed a bar with a rubber part on it that he said normally contains grease or something. It was attached to the chassis with two bolts.

 

[pbrktrt]

The ignition cut-out could be a crank sensor or ICM going bad. I would lean toward the sensor.

 

[Catmando]

Niow the front end squeeks anytimne there is a little pressure on the suspension. Like a depression in the road at highway speeds. I am begining to get spooked with this car. I've had it less than 30 days and all this crap is coming to the surface.

When I test drove it I ran it through the mill, 85 on the freeway, rough roads, hi speed breaking. No whines, squeeks rattles ... nothing. now it appears that all this deferred maintenance is coming to light.

 

[RegalGSnewb]

Don't feel bad - whenever you buy an older, used car you basically are buying someone else's problems. 🙄 I'm sure you'll get to the source of the squeek sooner or later. I haven't had mine in for an inspection yet, but I'm sure there's going to be some pricey work that needs to be done. We're all in the same Buick boat.

I've only had my car for a couple of days, but I loooove driving it. The two tone paint isn't for everyone, but I like it a lot! The shifts are smooth like butter and the power is crazy good.

 

[Catmando]

Thanks for the up lifting thoughts. I know when paying cash for cars, there are going to be maintenance issues and your taking on some risk.

I had the power steering pump replaced the same day I bought the car but after a couple of days it started whinning. Yesterday my mechanic said the pressure from the new pump was too much for the seals in the rack and it will cost $700 + to replace it. I was all over youtube and google last night trying to decide if I am going to replace it my self or dump the car, but I can't do that with good conscience and recoop my investment.

Has anyone replaced the steering rack on this platform? if so, should I evven emtertain doing it myself?

 

[Catmando]

Re: Hick Ups Update..

I took the '02 Regal to a shop that i was starting to feel good about, complaining that I am noticing a grinding sensation when I turn left with a load on the engine with varying degrees of severity. The guy told me my tie rod ends needed to be replaced. I knew this before I took it in and I thought I wasn't feeling the grinding sensation in the steering system, but I replaced them myself anyway. Of course it wasn't going to be that simple!

I am disappointed that the tech did not listen to my symptoms, even though he typed them into the computer. Obviously his is not big on diagnostics.

I am thinking it could be one of the rear bearings or a CV joint. Does anyone have any suggestions and/or testing methods I might be able to use?

Thanks for your help,

Catmando

 

[damcqueen]

A grinding that appears while turning is almost definitely hub bearings. I had the same symptom with my 98 GS, replaced the front hubs and completely solved the grinding noise. A warning though, DO NOT buy cheap AutoZone hub bearings. If you want to do the repair once, use Timken brand.