Wifes car rehab

Well my wife has a 99 pontiac sunfire se 4 door with a 2.2 liter ohv motor.

The issues we're having: 1 power steering issues: I have PS but it whines and kind of makes a grinding noise. 2 transmission: it has an auto tyranny that is about 4-5 yrs old. It doesn't engage into drive 2nd or 1st gears when it's cold whenever it warms up it shifts right into gear. Also I've noticed that when I turn a corner fast the trans slips it doesn't slip any other time but it does then.

The good: 1 well we've had this for 4 yrs and it's never left us stranded... It doesn't leak fluids or smoke and has about 250*** miles. I know we should just get something newer but it's kind of a part of the family now...
Anyway here's a few pics sorry it's so dirty ;

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have u checked tranni fluid. lack of fluid can cause an auto tranni to slip randomly or around corners. as for power steering, ur pump is probly just old and tierd. i would try and change both fluids to proper amount before tearing into it. especialy the transmission fluid. just to eliminate the smaller stuff and to varify theres a problem. it worked on my moms bonnivelle. i could move the gear knob to 1,2,3,drive,reverse, and it wouldnt move. draind all the fluid (it was only half a quart in ther) put in new fluid and it drove and shifted fine. got really lucky. other than that i dont know much about autos. im sure if theres a problem, somone on here will help u.

Fluid level is good (on both!) the trans fluid was changed about 4 months ago because I had a bad leak at the rad. Speaking of which the radiator and almost ever coolant line has been replaced on this car. (off topic I know I know...)

I see you own jbody car.I would suggest going to and do some searching.In short a j body is a cavalier,sunbird,sunfire,skyhawk etc.I own a 85 cav myself and this site is good for info.Just check out the maintenance page or poke around to see if your issues are listed in posts.Do the search button and see if this helps you.The slipping in turns makes me think your cv joints are the problem not the trans.Tired I am so trying to get this straight.

thanks 87forever i have checked them out in the past but only breifly and more to see about a 3.8 motor swap the wife and i were contemplating... i think im going to change the trans filter and fluid and check the cv joints...(what would i check for loosness/play i know that if the boots are torn then they probably need changed they dont tick though.) thanks for all the advice guys

On your model yr and even my old one I know these cars are prone to wheel bearing issues front(mostly like your newer model and up) and check the strut mounts,also a issue and maybe your tie rod ends.Even if the boots are good the bearing inside may just be worn and with your mileage I would def consider replacing them.The 3rd gen stuff some go forever and no issues and others not so good.Idk what else to suggest just the general items that just wear out.That is all for now.Good luck

does anyone have any info on changing cv jionts because i have never done it and dont want to fu** $hit up and j body forums has had a few posts about cv jiontys and i think maybe the slipping issure is from them maybe