Bad luck with steering box

[Falcon_LS]

The truck's a '97 Suburban C2500, which has had steering box issues for quite some time. The steering was loose and the truck would drift all over the place, making it practically impossible to keep it in a straight line.

Couldn't source a used box that wasn't rebuilt before, and all the options I had were rebuilds if it wasn't used. Got a shop specializing in steering boxes to rebuild the one that was installed, but it turned out to be damaged beyond repair, so the guy sourced a used one and rebuilt that. Result was better than before, but the steering was still loose no matter what he did. Driving something this size, decent steering and brakes are more important than anything.

Ended up forking out $700 for a GM rebuilt box, hoping that was the end of that. I mean no disrespect, but when I saw it was rebuilt in Mexico, I wasn't feeling entirely confident. It was a special order item, which the dealers did not carry either. I was told it would take two weeks for it to arrive from the US.

Had a professional install the box two weeks later, and so much for the end of my woes - it's harder to turn the wheel to the left than it is to the right, the truck started pulling hard to the right and you need to keep the steering angled left to go in a straight line. It's worse than it was before. So I basically paid $700 for a hunk of junk, which I cannot return because it is a special order item. GMC dealer basically told me to take a dump in my hat.

Had a word with the steering box specialist I previously went to, who said you cannot get all the parts you need, such as roller bearings, shafts, bushings etc. for a proper rebuild. If you need anything other than gaskets, you're SOL. So my question is, where can I source a proper rebuild kit with everything in it?

I'm sick of being pushed from post to pole and spending ridiculous sums of money on something that seems absolutely impossible to fix. Given the size of this thing, the last thing I need is terrible steering. Thanks.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

How are the ball joints on it?

Obviously a different suspension setup, but my Cherokee had bad ball joints. The left side ball joints were sized and the right side were lose.

I can't tell you why, but there always felt to be a lot of play in the steering wheel, it would pull to the right and turn right easier than left.

When I put in the new axle with new ball joints, the steering is precise, tight, no more wondering or pulling and both directions steer the same.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Should have mentioned, the front end is all new. I've used Raybestos Professional Grade (Spicer) parts for everything.

 

[The_Eric]

I find it odd that you've had so much bad luck with the steering boxes. NO doubt that you got a bad one in the GM rebuilt box though.

Have you inspected both the idler arm and it's pivot mount? There's two moving parts in that set up and people often overlook them (the idler mount).

 

[Chris142]

I put an atsco rebuild from azone in my jeep. The 2 nd one has been fine.

 

[kc8adu]

so far a 50% doa rate here on rebuilts.
for example a common saginaw unit for a late 80's g20.
first one noisey and a crack in the case that opened when it was under pressure.
fine at idle but gushed oil when you turned.
second ok.
this has repeated several times around me.
such a simple device yet this bad a failure rate?
will rebuild the next one myself.

 

[Oldmoparguy1]

Can't understand why you should be having such problems. After all, it's a chevy! Is this car different from an ordinary 3/4 ton Suburban cruising down the road in anywhere USA? There must be something unique about your situation.

Oh foo.. just had a thought, are cars in Kuwait right hand drive??

Wayne

 

[Cardenio327]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
it's harder to turn the wheel to the left than it is to the right, the truck started pulling hard to the right and you need to keep the steering angled left to go in a straight line. It's worse than it was before.


After changing pieces it needs someone who really knows what they are doing to align it. Someone that is familiar with doing alignments on full size American pickups. It sounds to me that it isn't the steering box at all, it would seem the cross caster is too high.

Originally Posted By: The_Eric
Have you inspected both the idler arm and it's pivot mount? There's two moving parts in that set up and people often overlook them (the idler mount).


About once a month we change the idler arm and Pitman arm on GMT400 trucks. Seem to be parts that wear out quickly on that model of truck.

Have you tried Rockauto? We need a steering box for our '99 Cherokee. They run about $60 for a rebuilt in USA by a reputable company. Shipping here to Mexico will make it about $215, but still cheaper than a locally sourcing one rebuilt in Mexico or new from China. I'm pretty sure Rockauto can ship to Kuwait too.