Steering Problem on 99 suburban

[diehard_dude]

I have a 99 suburban that has a steering problem i cannot seem to solve so i'm asking here for input.
When turning right there are times that the steering wheel 'drops' as you turn, almost like a soft spot in the steering. It does not always do it on every turn. It is a real treat when pulling the boat, it forces you to really pay close attention so you stay in your lane. The problem happens with or without a trailer attached. It is most noticable when braking but it occurs without the brake as well.

Thus far we have changed the idler arm, the pitman arm, the drivers side ball joint and the problem is still there.
Everything else underneath appears to be in good condition a solid. A boot on one of the tie rods is ruptured but otherwise it all looks good and feels solid with the car raised on jackstands.
Since it is getting expensive to keep going with the shop's 'hunches' i need some input on what i should try or a direction to look.

Any input would be appreciated greatly.

[ubergeek]

I have experienced the same problems with my '99 K1500. The only time I notice it is on one specific right curve on the way home. Other than that, I never notice it. I don't brake in curves, I slow down before them, so I don't think braking has anything to do with it. Only to the right though. I haven't even bothered to try to get to the bottom of it, as it's not so bad that it has caused me problems. Then again, power steering on this thing doesn't seem to be my strong suit, if you read my post below this one.

[Dkohen]

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?

[Craigvalk]

Gee I have the EXACT same problem and searched here for it. Bingo! Thanks a ton for that advice.
I was thinking I was losing my mind with this odd problem.

[madfinn]

I have a 2000 suburban that had the same problem almost since it was new. Since the problem was intermittent the service tech rarely experienced it when driving the truck. They replaced the power steering pump, and the variable speed sensor, checked the front end, and tried a few other things, nothing worked.Then they contacted factory, who told them to replace the steering box,that fixed the problem. Apparently its a problem the factory has seen for a while. Even though mine had almost 60K on it, they did everything for free, didn't cost me a cent.

[gallowayb]

I have a similar problem with my '97. I experience it every day on the drive home from work, a left-hand turn at about 35mph. The wheel darts left and I've got to hold it back.

I also experience the problem when changing lanes (both directions) at highway speeds. It makes for some excitement. The truck feels like it is floating, but I manage to keep it pointed in the right direction. It definitely feels like pinky-finger steering, but I like to use a little force and have a solid feel for the road.

Today GM issued a steering recall, but NOT for the Suburban. The list is as follows: 1996 Buick Regal, the 1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, the 1997-98 Oldsmobile Cutlass, Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo, Malibu and 1998 Oldsmobile Intrigue cars. Some 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supremes and 1997-98 Buick Regal cars were also affected, GM said.

The problem is described as "In some of the vehicles a lower pinion bearing in the power steering gear may separate, causing the driver to experience an intermittent loss of power steering assist or unintended power assist, according to GM. ". Mine feels that way, heavy-handed at times and featherweight at others.

Any suggestions?

[777stickman]

Howdy: I totaly agree with "Dkohen". I disconnected the electrical input to the power steering pump just to try and prove it was not a mechanical problem. The steering "burp" went away!! By the way, it's still disconnected, but I know that the input sensor on the steering column is the culprit. Good Luck.

[brokertwo2000]

I also had a steering burp that would occur above 40 MPH. I disconnected the speed sensor input at the power steering pump. I have driven my '99 Suburban for a month and have not had a problem since. The vehicle handles just fine at all speeds and on or off road situations. I believe there should have been a recall on this vehicle even if all the dealer did was disconnect the speed sensor.

[jude240]

Originally Posted by brokertwo2000

I also had a steering burp that would occur above 40 MPH. I disconnected the speed sensor input at the power steering pump. I have driven my '99 Suburban for a month and have not had a problem since. The vehicle handles just fine at all speeds and on or off road situations. I believe there should have been a recall on this vehicle even if all the dealer did was disconnect the speed sensor.

where is the speed sensor at power steering pump. I am having the same problem. Thanks in advance

[777stickman]

Originally Posted by 777stickman

Howdy: I totaly agree with "Dkohen". I disconnected the electrical input to the power steering pump just to try and prove it was not a mechanical problem. The steering "burp" went away!! By the way, it's still disconnected, but I know that the input sensor on the steering column is the culprit. Good Luck.

Well, it's been almost 3 years ago I posted that!! Wow were does the time go?? Since then I've replaced the pump. One day I backed out and the brakes and steering went away (hydro boost brakes). Replaced the pump and all was well again. Figured the pump was pissed off 'cause it wasn't getting it's electrical gidgits from the EVO plug being disconnected. Also replaced the sensor in the column and hooked everthing back up again. All is well!!

So, here's the deal. Remove that electrical plug (located at the bottom rear of the pump) for diagnostic purposes only and then fix the problem and hook everything back up again...Steve

[Craigvalk]

Originally Posted by jude240

where is the speed sensor at power steering pump. I am having the same problem. Thanks in advance

The problem is a sensor in the steering column *inside* the truck. About a 50 dollar part at the dealer and a half hour to replace it yourself. This sensor regulates the effort to turn the wheel at different speeds. When it goes you start getting odd steering inputs at times. Very annoying. Very easy to fix.
Don't mess with your steering box, just replace that sensor. Real busy at work right now but if you search "steering sensor" someone here posted the procedure and even the factory part number I believe. I did it and it turned out great.

EASY fix.

[Craigvalk]

Originally Posted by jude240

where is the speed sensor at power steering pump. I am having the same problem. Thanks in advance

Here is the info I mentioned in earlier post. When you buy this kit it includes directions. Be careful and you are good to go.

The sensor is on your '97
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/
GM PART # 26064468
PACK QTY: 1
GM LIST: $64.75
OUR PRICE: $36.91
DESCRIPTION: SENSOR

1. Remove the bolt and nut (15mm deep socket) that connects the bottom of the steering column to the intermediate shaft that passes through the firewall. (You may need to turn your wheel to lock to access the nut. Might be wise to make an alignment mark on the shaft)

2. Slide the intermediate shaft towards the firewall. It may feel fairly stiff but it will go.

3. Once the shaft is out of the way, pry out the 3 little plastic tabs that hold the sensor in place and slide the sensor out of the housing.

4. Unplug the wire harness on the old sensor and remove the sensor

5. Plug in the new sensor BEFORE you pop it into place. Trust me on this one!

6. Pop the new sensor into place with the wires at the top. One sidenote here: I found no reference marks, slots, or keys anywhere so I am not sure if it matters how it is aligned. The wires need to be on the top or they won't reach.

7. Reconnect the steering shaft.