Rack and Pinion Question

Have a 2002 Trailblazer that seems to be making a low "moaning" noise when I turn the steering wheel over at low speeds or turning into a driveway or
parking stall. Does this mean the rack is failing or perhaps low on fluid?

Thanks for your response!
John

As always do the simple stuff first.
Check the fluid..if it is low check for any leaks.
Do you live in an area that is extremely cold? 10 degees f or less right now?

I always thought a steering rack was good provided there was no binding or leakage, but I think a tech in the know can "flow test" a rack IIRC. Other than that, power steering pumps are common failure points on TB's. We do have a decent single run, fin/tube P-steering fluid cooler from the factory, but the pumps are junk. Groaing on turns could also be a dry ball joint or tie rod end, but I havent heard those being problems on TB's.

Joel

This is a common problem on the model line. The factory has yet to figure it out completely. I saw one get two new LCAs (both on the right side), a steering rack, tie rod ends, stabilizer bar bushings, and even a new pair of shocks to try to quiet the noise. None of it solved the problem permanently.

To all:
Thanks for the recent replies. I am going to get the Trailblazer up on a
rack and have someone turn the steering over and over. Perhaps, then,
I can isolate the noise. Again, it sounds like when a power steering pump is
starting to fail. Not a grinding sound, more like a gear noise when there
is low fluid. Checked the power steering fluid level, and it's ok.

John

We had to rebuild the steering rack in our '02 last year. The guy who did the rebuild couldn't get to it for a few days because he had 3 Envoys in ahead of us! ours started as a low fluid situation, which quickly became evident as a leak. It was pumping out as the engine ran. Could have been quite dangerous had I not noticed the puddle on the garage floor and then seen the shiny underside of the truck (covered in fluid).

GM wanted a fortune for a new rack but the rebuild was significantly cheaper through a local shop at about C$700.

In my opinion, there is no reason for a steering rack to EVER fail. Most of my vehicles have run upwards of 300Kms, some up to 500 and I have never had to replace a steering rack. Hell, I've rarely had to add fluid.

Good luck!