k1500 steering drift

[bigT5]

I have a 1996 chevy cheyenne k1500 that drifts to the left but it will drive straight for a second then the steering wheel will turn and make it drift no matter what road im on. I didnt notice this until i put different tires and rims on and this is what i have done to test things

rotated the tires didnt make any difference.

the ball joints on the left are brand new the passenger side ones aren't but they aren't terrible.

tie rod ends don't have and play in them.

idler arm has no play in it.

I'm wondering if its not the steering gear box or the steering stabilizer what do you guys think and how can i eliminate these two things? thanks.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by bigT5

I have a 1996 chevy cheyenne k1500 that drifts to the left but it will drive straight for a second then the steering wheel will turn and make it drift no matter what road im on. I didnt notice this until i put different tires and rims on and this is what i have done to test things

rotated the tires didnt make any difference.

the ball joints on the left are brand new the passenger side ones aren't but they aren't terrible.

tie rod ends don't have and play in them.

idler arm has no play in it.

I'm wondering if its not the steering gear box or the steering stabilizer what do you guys think and how can i eliminate these two things? thanks.

Stablizer can be removed for testing.
Also electronic steering controls should be checked.
A good scanner that is steering control capable may show problem.
Post back any electronic steering codes.

[bigT5]

where could i go that would have a electronic steering scanner is it just a regular scanner that hooks up to my truck?? and does my truck have a computerized steering? and last could the stabilizer make it do that? thanks

[777stickman]

To check for the EVO steering system, look for an electrical connector at the bottom rear of the power steering pump.

Not real sure what MT was referring to, but my high end scan tool will not look at the EVO system on my '98 Sub.

Bottom line is that you changed rims & tires and now you have issues!! Keep rotating to see if that helps.

Let us know..............

[broughy84]

In this post -----> http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...53&postcount=8 you say that the steering stabilizer is very shot. Have you changed it?

[bigT5]

yeah that was a typo it wasn't the steering stabilizer I meant the sway bar link I haven't ever looked at the steering stabilizer

[bigT5]

also so my truck does have the electrical steering thing??? what do I need to plug it in??

also I forgot to mention the tires are just barely a little taller and alot wider and the rims went from 16s to 15s would this do anything?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by bigT5

where could i go that would have a electronic steering scanner is it just a regular scanner that hooks up to my truck?? and does my truck have a computerized steering? and last could the stabilizer make it do that? thanks

Yes you should have electronic controled steering.
Not as much as the little ford car on TV that parks itself.
A dealer or a good repair shop should have a good scanner to check some things on electronic steering.
Some of it will set a code if bad.
But mat not tell all like weak PS pump or internal leakig steering gear.

There is a lot of could be's.
Only proper testing will tell you what the problem is.

Yes on the stablizer.
I have had them get stiff or even bent and only want to push one way.
As in upper post the stablizer can be removed for testing.

Also unplug the electronic steering for testing to see if that is problem.
Outside of unpluging it.
A good high end scanner is required to test them out.
There is several parts to it.
First thing is switch on bottom of steering column that tells the computer to start the assist built into steerng gear.

But keep in mind allignment front or rear and front end parts and brakes and axel shaft joints and broken springs uneven/bad tires wheel bearings and bad steering gear with internal leaks or miss adjusted and slope of road surface and even slipping ps belt or weak pump and several other things can cause drift to right or left.

If the problem only started when tires replaced and nothing else done at the time .
I would have a good look at the tires/wheels.

[gmtech1]

It's possible your old tires were masking a problem, get the alignment checked. If its ok, at least you eliminated that!

[bigT5]

ok well i took it once already to get the alignement checked and they told me they wouldn't do it until the ball joints and tie rod ends are replaced but neither have any slack or play in them so maybe ill try another shop in town. i told myself i would never go there again but just to have them check my allignement i should be ok think?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by bigT5

ok well i took it once already to get the alignement checked and they told me they wouldn't do it until the ball joints and tie rod ends are replaced but neither have any slack or play in them so maybe ill try another shop in town. i told myself i would never go there again but just to have them check my allignement i should be ok think?

What did they say was bad on the ball joints?
A good honest alignment shop can be your best buddie on front end problems.
Or a bad one can be you worst night mare and create a pain in the old pocket book.
Check around Ask around
Word of mouth.
Family friends coworkers neighbors business people and delivery people.
Mailmen and parcel delivery people get around and notice a lot of stuff.
Even a good parts house knows what shops are good and not good.
Chamber of commerce and better business bureau and city hall.
If you find a good referral to a repair shop go look them over and talk to them.
Look for a clean looking busy place with nice people running it.
Ask a few questions and ask about their qualifications and training.
Not all places have trained tech/mechanics.
If they do not find a place that does.
Even all dealers do not have all trained techs/mechanics.

[gmtech1]

If they tell you something is worn out, ask them to show you, don't be rude about it, just ask. A honest shop will have no problem showing you the problem.

[777stickman]

Before you go any further, try this.

As MT-2500 suggested in his post, disconnect the EVO steering system from the back lower side of the pump. If the problem remains you have a mechanical issue. If it goes away you have an issue with the EVO system.

Keep in mind that with the EVO disconnected the steering will be much easier and more sensitive at speeds.

[Chevy-SS]

I must disagree a little bit. The EVO only changes the steering wheel feel resistance, AFAIK. I don't see how EVO problems would make the truck wander.

I recently had severe steering wandering issues with my '98 K1500. I had a bad idler arm, which I replaced. That helped, but did not fix it. In my case, the solution was a new steering box. I purchased a rebuilt unit from Autozone, but it was TERRIBLE! I took it back for a refund and ended up getting a used steering gear box from a junkyard. It needed a new Pitman arm, but now the steering is wonderful, basically like new.

I suspect you need a new steering box. But this assumes that all ball joints, tie rod ends, idler and Pitman arm are tight........

Good luck

-

[bigT5]

ok this is what ended up happening
I have a buddy that owns a auto shop in town he gave me a great deal and I had him do the ball joints the top one wasn't bad at all but the bottom was pretty bad. So I got those replaced and he doesn't have a allignment rack so I then took it up the road to big O for a alignment and indeed my alignment was out. they showed me and told me that my inner tie rod was bad it has alot of slack in it but I had them align it the best they could and as long as I fix that tie rod within 30 days I can have them align it again for free