Whine/Whistle/Tone at 32 km/h (20 mph) w/Slight Steering Input

WHINE/WHISTLE, OR TONE AT 32 KM/H (20 MPH) WITH SLIGHT STEERING INPUT (MAGNASTEER (R) ONLY) - (1998 BUICK REGAL GS, 1998 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE)

A whine or whistle may be heard in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The tone may resemble a test tone and is most noticeable at 32 km/h (20 mph) with slight steering inputs. The noise originates in the Magnasteer (R) Variable Assist Steering Gear.

Important: For the Buick Regal, this condition applies only to a two month production of the GS model. During that time, the Oldsmobile Intrigue intermediate shaft was substituted for the Buick part. Check the concerned vehicle for a multi-splined intermediate shaft in place of the standard DOUBLE-D style shaft. Replace the splined shaft as instructed under "A Clunk that can be produced, both when the engine is running and when it is off" in this bulletin. Replace the shaft regardless of it's date code.

- To diagnose this condition, disconnect the Magnasteer (R) Variable Assist (MSVA) harness (at the MSVA pigtail) from the steering gear and test drive the vehicle again. If the noise has disappeared, then the MSVA system is the source.

- To correct this condition, replace the Electronic Brake and Traction Control Module with a revised module (P/N 9353511). Refer to the Labor Time Guide for applicable operation number and time allowance.