97 Silverado Steering issues.

[aaamillertime]

Hey all. My steering looses all resistance for a second or two when slightly turning the wheel to the right. It's getting worse and starting to make me a little nervous. All front end parts seem to be tight with no slop that i can find. Has anyone had this issue before? If so how do you fix it? Or what should I look for?



Thanks in advance.

[mbumgua]

You have speed sensitve power steering. It is controlled by a speed sensor located under the dash. When the sensor fails it thinks that you are going slow and gives you a LOT of assist. My 97 silverado had it go out three times before the truck had 5000 miles on it . along with several other issues-- GM bought the truck back from me. Replace the sensor before the truck pulls you into the center concrete divider. I almost ended up that way.

[MyTOY]

If you search this forum for "EVO Sensor" you should find
the part # & instructions. I haven't got to mine yet.

[PAC730]

Thanks for this post, it sounds like the same problem I am having on my 97 suburban, and that's exactly what I am worried about running into a wall at 70 mph when changing lanes, I had the guys at goodyear look at it and they just shrugged their sholders and said " I don't know what's wrong" Is this a real high priced fix? Thanks.

[mbumgua]

Cost about 70 bucks for the part at gm--and about an hour to install/ 15mm socket needed.

[MyTOY]

According to a previous post, the part is $58. I've heard
people say the dealer wanted a couple hundred to replace.
There are very detailed replacement instructions if you search
the forum. I only notice my prob. when going a slow/medium speed
around a corner and only sometimes. It was very alarming at first
but I'm kind of used to it now. A couple people have said theirs
got worse over time.
Good Luck

[jveik]

i wish my steering problem was that easy to fix lol. my 73 c-10 had 35 years of abuse in the frame where the power steering box is mounted and it litteraly pulled 3 out of 4 bolt heads right thru the frame as it was cracked in several areas. it would only turn the wheels when forced against the frame or when it finally hit the wheelwell when turning to the right. i just welded it up because i am in the middle of a frame up restoration and it was easy to get to lol

[abaird]

Originally Posted by MyTOY

According to a previous post, the part is $58. I've heard
people say the dealer wanted a couple hundred to replace.
There are very detailed replacement instructions if you search
the forum. I only notice my prob. when going a slow/medium speed
around a corner and only sometimes. It was very alarming at first
but I'm kind of used to it now. A couple people have said theirs
got worse over time.
Good Luck

It does get worse over time. I hardly drive my 97 because I don't want it to get covered in cement dust at work but I drove it tonight and it is horrible. Driving straight is tricky cause the slightest move and the wheel will jerk to the side. Also tonight, My service engine light came on, could it be related?

[jveik]

i know this is WAY off topic, but do you guys put high lift cams in those engines with the vortec? most pepul around my omaha area are posers that say they are all fast even though they have everything stock and just put a chrome exhaust tip on thier single pipe system. this one kid even told me that his stock air snorkel was a turbocharger system!!! i raced him with my crappy old 73 with a tired 350 just as a joke and i kept up just fine with my 150 horsepower or something. its posers like him that make the rest of you guys look bad lol. he didnt have a dual exhaust or even a good intake manifold for heavens sake!!!

[thecackster]

That steering problem, is kind of what my car used to do. before I got my chevy. I would be going around a corner then it was kinda titen up then WAY LOOSE!....The first time I about shit my pants. Good luck with that and get it replaced ASAP...don't want a smashed truck!

[thecackster]

I know i'm bringing back on old thread, but i'm having a similar problem with my 97 now. It seems to be catching a little bit, then way loose. the steering seems over sensitive while driving as well. It catches at about 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock. Just wondering if any one thinks it is the same problem or if it's different. A co-worker says his chev did that catch thing but not the over sensitive thing and he took it in and they said it was the power steering gear or some bs, but had to take it in again to fix it again...... any feed back would be helpful. Thanks.

[rob67gmc]

If anyone is still reading this thread, I searched for "EVO Sensor" and couldn't find anything. Does anyone have the part# and instructions?

Thanks,
Rob

[MyTOY]

I replaced mine and took pictures. Easy job.
If you want to email me at [email protected] I can reply
with pics & instr. and the part # tonight when I get home.

[rob67gmc]

Thanks MyToy!!!
Email sent.

Rob