Steering Concern

[KC Strip]

I have a 1999 Chevy Suburban (5.7L with 119,000). A few months ago I had the EVO sensor replaced because it felt like I was driving/steering on ice. Today I go out to drive it and the steering feels somewhat loose. Not to the degree that it did prior to the repair, but loose. Any suggestions as to what I should do? Replace the PS fluid? If so, how? Turkey baster? Fluid extractor? If not that, then what?

Thanks for the help,
KC Strip (a.k.a. John)

 

[alreadygone]

Doubt that fluid would be problem. Check tierods, idler arm, pitman arm, etc. for play or looseness. Also joint where steering column joins gearbox (and gearbox itself). Might check warranty on new EVO see if it's still covered.

Bob

 

[Jim 5]

My '98 chev k1500 had a fair amount of play in the steering at this mileage. I ended up having the pitman arm replaced and the steering box adjusted. This did the trick and the steering felt like brand new from 120k to 180k when I sold it.

At this mileage, you are going to get some wear in the places that do the steering...eg. pitman arm connection, tie rod ends and steering box. I'd start there. None of these are expensive issues.

 

[KC Strip]

Thanks for the info, Jim. I've had tie rods & pitman arm (not to mention the idler arm) replaced sometime in the last two years.

Tell me more about the steering box adjustment - just how does that work?

 

[KC Strip]

Thanks for the help, Bob!

 

[cousincletus]

According to the Chrysler service manual, loosen the locknut on the steering box and turn the adjustment screw 1/8 turn at a time, then test drive. I'm sure GM is similar.

 

[alreadygone]

Clete's pretty much right. 1/4 turns are acceptable, BUT you will need to quit well before 2 full rounds. Steering begins to feel "tight" if you pass acceptable adjustment limit.

Bob
Bob

 

[KC Strip]

Thanks for all the help!!

 

[TheTanSedan]

Once front end tightened up, check steering shaft for play. Not unusual for that as a problem. My Dodge is cursed with play at dead center (wanders), and a forum "fix" is a new Delrin bushing being made by a member.

Well worth checking (as is tire balance on a HUNTER GP-9700).

 

[kgb007stb]

Have it checked out by a reputable mechanic, preferably someone who specializes in suspensions/drive terrains. I had a similar problem along with drive terrain coming out of alignment and feeling loose. Cause? A bent sub frame, could not see the damage with the eyes but my mechanic who specializes in suspensions showed me and measured it right in front of me. Now the car turns on a dime, no more loose suspension.

What I could not believe is how much the sub frame affected alignment, some days the car would drive fine, some it would pull to the side. Do not know how this could have happened but the moral of the story, expert advice is much cheaper than trying to guess which part is the bad one.