Steering loose but no position sensor or worn parts

[augr]

I have read on other threads about the steering wheel position sensor malfunction making the steering overly loose but when I got under the dashboard, it didn't have one. Is this normal not to have one? All the manuals and my alldata show a steering position sensor present on my vehicle but it's either missing or I have a model that doesn't have one.

2001 Chevy Tahoe 5.3 2WD

Also, does anyone know the correct torque/adjustment method for the steering box adjuster screw? I can't seem to find it anywhere.

The car swerves always making me correct the path of the vehicle making it unsafe at freeway speeds. It feels loose but there are no worn bushings or tie rods, ball joints, pitman arm, etc. all look good. I need to take it in to grease the front end (the only tool I don't have!) since I haven't done that in a while but when I get it back, I do want to adjust the steering box and I did buy a steering wheel position sensor but again, when I got under the dash to replace it, I didn't have one.

Any ideas are much appreciated. Cheers!

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by augr

I have read on other threads about the steering wheel position sensor malfunction making the steering overly loose but when I got under the dashboard, it didn't have one. Is this normal not to have one? All the manuals and my alldata show a steering position sensor present on my vehicle but it's either missing or I have a model that doesn't have one.

2001 Chevy Tahoe 5.3 2WD

Also, does anyone know the correct torque/adjustment method for the steering box adjuster screw? I can't seem to find it anywhere.

The car swerves always making me correct the path of the vehicle making it unsafe at freeway speeds. It feels loose but there are no worn bushings or tie rods, ball joints, pitman arm, etc. all look good. I need to take it in to grease the front end (the only tool I don't have!) since I haven't done that in a while but when I get it back, I do want to adjust the steering box and I did buy a steering wheel position sensor but again, when I got under the dash to replace it, I didn't have one.

Any ideas are much appreciated. Cheers!

your vehicle may have a worn steering box. this has been reported . if so you will need to replace it. adjusting is not a set proceedure unless you are experienced at this.

jack up the vehicle and check for worn tie rods and ball joints. idler arms also. you will need a pry bar and a support under the lower control arm to check out the front end components.

you need to lube the front end every year in a warm area. in the rust belt twice a year. this is when these components are checked. use a lithium based grease .

if rusted grease comes out a good chance the joint is worn.

my guess is the inner tie rods...poor GM seal/boot design..

[gmtech1]

Something else you can do. With the truck on the ground, have someone rock the steering wheel side to side, just in the range of the play. While that is happening watch the steering shaft where it connects to the gear box. There may be a plastic cover over the coupler. I have seen the coupler wear out. If its all ok , inspect the rest of the linkage untill you can see where the play is.

[777stickman]

One way to check for the EVO steering system is to look for a wiring connection at the lower rear of the power steering pump. If there is a connector there, disconnect it for a test drive. A bad steering wheel sensor will most likely rear it's ugly head when going into a left or right turn, not when going straight down the freeway. As mention above, you've most likely got some worn parts and/or an alignment issue.

[j cAT]

the position sensor is mounted on the lower portion of the steering column. the SIGNAL goes to the bcm . the EVO electronic variable orifice is mounted on the back of the power steering pump. this varies effort to the steering by controlling power steering pump hydr fluid flow. the two components work to increase or decrease power steering effort . this will not cause the steering to wander or be sloppy..

It was mentioned alignment as a possible cause. this reminded me that if your vehicle has dropped in the front [lower vehicle height] this will cause the toe to be off by having your front wheels pointing outward [positive toe] this will create a bad tracking when going down the road at highway speed every time you hit even a small road surface defect.

If the vehicle has dropped , first get that fixed , then if it is still a problem have the alignment checked ..

DO NOT GO TO A TIRE SHOP !

THE toe issue should show the inner tire treads worn more than the outer.

[augr]

UPDATE:

I tightened up the steering box and it made 100% improvement. I hand tightened all the way in and backed off 1/4 turn. I think I'll go 1/8 and see how that performs.

I am still baffled by the lack of the steering position sensor but I'm still huntin' for it. Maybe removed from a previous mechanic but I can't be sure until I really get under the dash and take a thorough look.

There is a sensor behind the steering pump. Will try disconnecting and see if it makes a difference.

Thanks all will report back when I have more time to work on it. However I do suspect this desert heat has done a number on the bushings so I can definitely see how there would be slight play in each component that compounds to too the general looseness.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by augr

UPDATE:

I tightened up the steering box and it made 100% improvement. I hand tightened all the way in and backed off 1/4 turn. I think I'll go 1/8 and see how that performs.

I am still baffled by the lack of the steering position sensor but I'm still huntin' for it. Maybe removed from a previous mechanic but I can't be sure until I really get under the dash and take a thorough look.

There is a sensor behind the steering pump. Will try disconnecting and see if it makes a difference.

Thanks all will report back when I have more time to work on it. However I do suspect this desert heat has done a number on the bushings so I can definitely see how there would be slight play in each component that compounds to too the general looseness.

read post #5 . the EVO is mounted on the back of the power steering pump. good chance this is causing the steering effort to be erratic.

[no-logic]

I have an '03 4WD with 80K on it and I am having the same problem. Front end components are tight with new idler arm and pitman arm, alignment done, played with tire pressure, and adjusted the steering box which seemed to help initially but didn't last long. It has no EVO. This thing is driving me nuts!! I'm constantly correcting to keep it going straight and in the wind it is much worse. I'm told that at 80K the steering box should not be worn out. Any progress on yours?