99 erratic searing

[Shadetree Tuner]

My 99 1/2 ton 2wd has a strange stearing problem. Sometimes when exitting on the expressway ramp, while making a sweeping turn, the stearing will make a sudden turn in the direction that I am turning. It will jerk hard to the right if I am turning right. Have flushed the fluid and it seems to help for awhile, then does it again. I am sure it is stearing box related. Anyone?

[IceFog14]

This is from Dkohen on 09-29-2003, 06:56 PM hope this helps me too I've got the same problem with my '97 always happens at about 35 mph and typically I notice it on - on/off ramps.

I had the same problem, on right turns, all of a sudden, the power steering would kick in. Any way the mechanic wanted big $$ to replace the PS pump - I wanted another opinion. It turns (pun intended) out there is a variable speed steering sensor that needs replacing. This is the sensor that modulates the PS, the slower you are going the more PS you need, like in the parking lot and the faster you go the less PS you need.

This sensor is located on the steering column, above the brake pedal. I purchased the sensor from the dealer for about $60 (cheep compared to a new pump). The dealer wanted another $250 to install the sensor?

I asked the mechanic there how to do the operation – he said it takes them 1-2 hrs depending on experience. I was prepared to spend the better part of a day as I am NOT a mechanic – it took me about 20 minutes! And totally solved the problem. Because of it’s location you have to be a bit of a contortionist, laying on your back working up on the steering column. You first have to unbolt the steering column – and it will separate into 2 pieces. There is a rubber boot that goes around the column where it passes through the firewall be careful with this boot as you spread the steering column apart, and don’t push this boot into the body cavity. The steering column will spread apart allowing you to remove/install the sensor. The sensor is shaped like a large washer, flat and round with a hole in the middle for the steering column and is held in place by some plastic clips. You can pop the sensor free with a screw driver (remember the orientation for the new sensor) and unplug it from wiring harness. The hardest part of the operation is getting the plug through some small little space between the metal frame structures? Maybe it will be easier for you?

Installing the new one is easy. Slip it over the steering column and clip it in place. Plug it in to the wiring harness and bolt the steering column back together.

I hope this helps?

[suburban_lee]

That's an exact description of the problem I had for 3 years. It was in fact the steering position sensor. It lists for $60, but if your willing to pitch the dealor an offer, you can get it for $50 (wholesale for $45). You might continue to search this forum, there is a very detailed instruction on changing this part that I used.