Steering 'grabs"

[142eblue]

When steering to the left or right approximately 20 degrees from center and you bring the steering wheel back to center, the wheel feels like the column binds and then lets go. You notice this when you go into a slight turn and then bring the wheel back. Is this the column intermediate shaft problem I have been reading about? Is the solution on this 99 with 160 K to lube the column. Thanks for the help.

[glenncof]

My 1997 "twiches" with Bridgestone Dualer A/T once in awhile on straight road. It can be either dirction. Don't know the cause but it's slight pull for no reason.

I wore out the first set (66K miles) and never had a problem. Yours may be different but I thought i would post this.

[142eblue]

Originally Posted by glenncof

My 1997 "twiches" with Bridgestone Dualer A/T once in awhile on straight road. It can be either dirction. Don't know the cause but it's slight pull for no reason.

I wore out the first set (66K miles) and never had a problem. Yours may be different but I thought i would post this.

Thanks for the input, I will try swapping tires front to rear. This feels like a tight spot in the column, but it is on both sides of center, If there was a u-joint in the column I woul think it was binding.

[glenncof]

142eblue,

I thought more about this and did some search on this forum. There does seem to be a problem with EVO sensor which controls amount of power assist but this seems to be the opposite of what you have.

I would do more research on this forum. I did see some TSB on lubing intermediate shaft, etc. I'm sure the steering column is sectioned to be collapsable with associated u-joints.

I had a Range Rover that was doing a similiar thing. After making a turn, the steering would not "right" itself to go straight. I had to help it. Problem was steering box, back lash had to be adjusted. It had a adjustment on the top of the box which put downward pressure on the shaft holding the pitman arm. The lower needle bearing was worn allowing it to shift and bind with the steering gear. It was well over 100K and I see yours is at 160K.

Maybe the steering box is worn. To check the above problem get someone to bounce the steering wheel back & forth while you are under the vehicle (not running) and look for odd motion of the pitman arm (gear box to crossbar). I doubt the Tahoe has back-lash adjustment. There are two bolts under driver side fender holding box to frame, maybe more. Doesn't look difficult to replace but never have done it.

If it looks like a problem, pull it and find a local shop to rebuild it. I have had a "new" Chinese water pump go out quickly. It was less expensive than rebuild. I prefer to have local shop pull it apart and I ask to see worn/failed parts.

[777stickman]

Your problem could be the EVO steering system(speed sensitive). To see if it's mechanical or the EVO system remove the wiring plug at the very back of the power steering pump. If the problem goes away it's EVO related, if not it's mechanical. Be aware that this test will cause the steering to very sensitive at hiway speeds so be careful. Do a search in this forum for EVO to see causes and fixes related to this system.............Steve

[142eblue]

Changed the steering position sensor that mounts on the column and the problem is gone. Thanks for the help.

Originally Posted by 142eblue

When steering to the left or right approximately 20 degrees from center and you bring the steering wheel back to center, the wheel feels like the column binds and then lets go. You notice this when you go into a slight turn and then bring the wheel back. Is this the column intermediate shaft problem I have been reading about? Is the solution on this 99 with 160 K to lube the column. Thanks for the help.