2002 Silverado 5.3L Power Steering Pump/Rack & Pinion-Shake/vibration after replacing

[Gito]

I replaced the upper and lower control arms (with ball joints), hub and bearings, sway bar links, rack and pinion (new by Maval) with new tie rod ends, and I still can't figure out why my steering wheel, after turning to either extreme, all the way clockwise or all the way counter clockwise, the steering wheel does not return to center (12:00 o'clock).

I noticed this most of the time when pulling out of parking lots (very sharp clockwise or counter clockwise turns all the way). Once you get on to the road, after a sharp right or left, the steering wheel loses its center position and remains off center (off center to the left 11:00 o'clock or 1:00 o'clock). Vehicle continues to drive straight but the steering wheel will rest off center until I turn the steering wheel again to the other extreme.

So again, when turning the the steering wheel to either extreme, clockwise or counter clockwise, the steering wheel comes back and will rest either at 11:00 o'clock or 1:00 o'clock. If turning the steering wheel all the way counter clockwise, the steering wheel comes back while driving and will rest at 1:00pm. If turning the steering wheel all the way clockwise while driving, the steering wheel will then come back and rest at 11:00 o'clock.

I already replaced the rack and pinion twice and I keep getting the same thing. I cant figure out why this is happening. Could it be that rack and pinions by Maval are inferior?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[tiger862]

Sounds like steering wheel sensor needs recalibration.

 

[atikovi]

Maybe the caster is out of spec?

 

[D60]

Ok it seems like you've replaced everything from the r&p to the wheels, so I'd move to the steering shaft and the column. This guy shows snugging a few T25 fasteners, albeit on a GMT900 that I'm guessing is roughly 15 years old based upon his comment of 12 years old, posted 3 years ago (note to all the YT stars: please post model years in video title). I don't know if the GMT800 columns are the same


This thread has some kinda useful info with a helpful diagram, then just stops dead like most threads:

Loose Steering Wheel

I know there is a ton of info out there on the steering is this truck, but my problem is at the top of the column. The steering wheel in my 2005 1500HD is extremely loose. I changed the ISS and the lower bearing in the steering column, this helped to correct the in and out play but the wheel itse...

www.gm-trucks.com

 

[D60]

Wrong thread!! Too little coffee

 

[Gito]

While parked and idling, I can hear/feel a slight “clunk” when turning the steering wheel all the way counter clockwise. Not sure what might be clunking. Could the caster be so off that this could cause something to clunk?

 

[another Todd]

Wanted to EDIT my last post but for some reason, I'm not able to anymore.

Just wanted to clarify that my original complaint to the alignment shop, after the first test drive by me, was that the steering wheel was not centered and the truck pulled to the right. I mistakenly indicated in my last post that my original complaint was that the steering wheel did not go back to the center position.

I might just drive my truck back to the alignment shop (Firesxxxx) and ask them to put it back on the lift. Is it possible that the shop rushed the second alignment?

It is HIGHLY possible they don't know how to do a proper alignment. Have you looked at the steering shaft coupler, it may be falling apart. I would say loose steering wheel, but those are splined so I doubt it.