Automotive Forums .com - the leading automotive community online! Automotive Forums .com - the leading automotive community online!
Automotive Forums .com - the leading automotive community online! 
-
Latest | 0 Rplys
Go Back   Automotive Forums .com Car Chat > Chevrolet > Avalanche | C&K | Silverado | Suburban | Tahoe > Suburban
Register FAQ Community Arcade Calendar
Reply Show Printable Version Show Printable Version | Email this Page Email this Page | Subscription Subscribe to this Thread
 
Thread Tools
Old 10-19-2008, 08:56 AM   #1
cris2004
AF Newbie
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 67
Thanks: 3
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
98 Suburban steering has excessive play

All of the play is in the steering box I believe. I can watch the steering shaft rock back and forth about ninty degress w/o the pitman arm budging.

Can this be a result of low pressure in the pump? I have noticed a loss of steering power at very slow speeds when turning, but not every time. The fluid is fine.

Is the box adjustable? I see the same ol bolt and locknut as on even older boxes. What is the best way to check a box?

My first idea is to get a new pump I suppose. I've had this since 97 and fixed a few of things in 240,000 miles, is it just time?

Its 4wd if it matters
Thanks very much
cris2004 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-19-2008, 09:05 AM   #2
maxwedge
A990 racer
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Chestertown, New York
Posts: 16,954
Thanks: 25
Thanked 371 Times in 365 Posts
Re: 98 Suburban steering has excessive play

Not the pump, this is internal wear, the adjustment will not correct that much play.
__________________
maxwedge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-19-2008, 09:08 PM   #3
cris2004
AF Newbie
Thread starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 67
Thanks: 3
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Re: 98 Suburban steering has excessive play

Thanks. I did inadvertently exaggerate the amount, but it is about 45 degrees after checking today.
I was really wondering if the pump could be at all responsible. I suppose I'll replace it with the box all the same. Thanks.
cris2004 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-19-2008, 10:47 PM   #4
sub006
AF Enthusiast
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Palos Verdes Estates, California
Posts: 621
Thanks: 0
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Re: 98 Suburban steering has excessive play

You didn't say how many miles on your Sub. When my '90 was getting close to 400,000, the play got progressively looser in just a couple of months.

Turned out the frame had cracked and the steering box was hanging by a thread of metal! The fix was a 4WD aftermarket reinforcement braket that welded on to repair and strengthen the frame.
sub006 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-20-2008, 07:48 AM   #5
cris2004
AF Newbie
Thread starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 67
Thanks: 3
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Re: 98 Suburban steering has excessive play

It has 240,000 on it.
I had to weld the frame together way back when it was fairly new! I hadn't noticed a problem, but saw a lengthy split when putting a hitch and winch on the front.
The box is tight to the frame, doesnt move at all.
cris2004 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-08-2009, 02:03 PM   #6
rtryrktrx7
AF Newbie
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 30
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: 98 Suburban steering has excessive play

My 99 has 94k on it, and it has excess play. I feel like the duke boys driving the general lee. My frame is not cracked, but can figure out what is causing the issue. Interested to here the solution.
rtryrktrx7 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-10-2009, 03:33 AM   #7
bigdase
AF Newbie
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: san jose, California
Posts: 2
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Re: 98 Suburban steering has excessive play

my 99 has the same play. what is the problem?
bigdase is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-24-2009, 08:09 PM   #8
cris2004
AF Newbie
Thread starter
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Posts: 67
Thanks: 3
Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post
Re: 98 Suburban steering has excessive play

I never did replace the steering box or pump, adjusting the lash on the box was sufficiant to take up all the play.
This does assume all the links and hardware are in good shape.
Thanks!
cris2004 is offline   Reply With Quote
 
Reply

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD

Go Back   Automotive Forums .com Car Chat > Chevrolet > Avalanche | C&K | Silverado | Suburban | Tahoe > Suburban


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:49 AM.

Community Participation Guidelines | How to use your User Control Panel

Powered by: vBulletin | Copyright Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
 
 
no new posts