Pontiac grand Prix Steering Wheel Just Spins

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Pontiac Grand Prix SE 1995. Replaced oil pan gasket. Did not disconnect the cinch bolt from the steering gear box. Have replaced oil pan gasket. Followed all of the procedures except for disconnecting the cinch bolt from the steering gear.

The motor was raised a few inches in order to aide in removing the oil pan. Upon completion of the work and backing it out of the garage, the steering wheel suddenly started freewheeling. I know this happened because we did not disconnect the cinch bolt, my question is, what is likely the damaged part that will have to replaced? I have not taken the boot off and inspected. Also, anything special that should be done as to avoid any further surprises, airbags?

Answer:
Probably the intermediate steering shaft has become separated. The shaft is basically a slip joint that has a pinch bolt on the steering rack stub shaft and on the lower steering column shaft on the other end. It may just have come apart and needs to re-assembled. Basically a lower and upper half to the shaft.

Remove the pinch bolt off the rack end, and then remove the pinch bolt from the lower part of the column form under the dash. Then remove the intermediate steering shaft from the car. Slide the 2 pieces back into each other, and re-install on the column and rack. Make sure the steering wheel does not run, or you will break the airbag coil in the upper column.

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. I Took to repair garage with no luck. When you start the car, sometimes the steering wheel will not turn. You can put the car in gear and move the car but the wheel will not move or is very stiff. You can come back later and start the car and the steering is fine with good power and assist.

Answer:
If you mean that your car has no power steering, then you may have a broken power steering pump. The shaft inside the pump that is driven by the pulley breaks so it will not turn the pump in order to get power assist. This is a common problem.

To check this, you need to grab the pulley to see if it slides in and out of the pump more than 1/4 inch or so with the engine not running. If it does, the pump needs to be replaced. If that is OK, then most likely your Grand Prix has a bad rack and pinion assembly. Replace it with a new or rebuilt unit.