Finally have good steering!

[sprucegoose]

Well, after replacing almost all my front steering components (tie rod ends, pitman and idler arms) I finally got her back to where it steers and handles nice again. It was not untill I replaced the EVO steering speed sensor on the column though that I saw the biggest improvement!

For a $40 part (at O'Reilly) I can't believe I didn't find out about that and try this first! At 237K mi. all the rest of those original parts needed to be replaced anyway I'm sure. There was quite a bit of movement at every joint...

It just steers like a totally different truck now. It only took me about 15 minutes to replace the part and it would have been less if that darn rubber boot that the steering shaft passes thru the firewall wouldn't have popped out... Very tough to get back in!

[roadrunner2]

Good job Dave and NOW! Happy AND safe motoring.

[sprucegoose]

Originally Posted by roadrunner2

Good job Dave and NOW! Happy AND safe motoring.

Thanks roadrunner! Yes, safe is a key word there. I was really starting to try and keep my wife and daughter from driving the truck as I just didn't trust that steering. They are so hooked on it, they'd rather drive "the Beast" any time over my Riv "Elvira". Don't quite get that, as I love that car!

Anyway... I just feel so much better about it being roadworthy now, I wouldn't hesitate taking it on a nice long road trip. In fact, I think the U.P. of MI is calling for me to go on a snowmobiling trip!

[Kenn Weakley]

We have 1999 Tahoe that took off to the right on a dry road at about 35 and hit a guy wire right before the truck would have slammed sideways into a light pole and shot back on the road .. the strange steering problem was not fixed after about $800 new front end work when we took it to the deal a year ago .... now the dealer and your blogs make it clear that there is a problem with a cheap sensor that could have killed my wife yesterday and wiped out the passenger side of the Tahoe . Had it not been for the guy wire it could have been a lot worse.... Local dealer just happens to be changeing another one just like it today when I called and now knows it was not the front end that needed working on so this problem must be manifesting itself on all Chev Trucks as they get a little older and should be fixed before they cause more wrecks or deaths without the driver being able to avoid them. I see lots of blogs on the same thing now.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Kenn Weakley

We have 1999 Tahoe that took off to the right on a dry road at about 35 and hit a guy wire right before the truck would have slammed sideways into a light pole and shot back on the road .. the strange steering problem was not fixed after about $800 new front end work when we took it to the deal a year ago .... now the dealer and your blogs make it clear that there is a problem with a cheap sensor that could have killed my wife yesterday and wiped out the passenger side of the Tahoe . Had it not been for the guy wire it could have been a lot worse.... Local dealer just happens to be changeing another one just like it today when I called and now knows it was not the front end that needed working on so this problem must be manifesting itself on all Chev Trucks as they get a little older and should be fixed before they cause more wrecks or deaths without the driver being able to avoid them. I see lots of blogs on the same thing now.

the EVO sensor is a device that reduces steering wheel assist when above 30 mph approx...most that have this problem find that the steering is difficult at low speeds/stopped ....also this can jump between full assist to no assist which makes turning the steering wheel easier then harder ...

It is also a common problem with these vehicles that the steering box is worn which causes difficult steering ....

If a vehicle suddenly makes a right or left turn this is usually from a damaged worn steering componet that caused the front wheels to move in the uncontrolled position..

this sensor does not turn the steering wheel or wheels direction ...

this sensor makes turning the steering wheel easier or harder ....

[sprucegoose]

Wow Kenn, that sounds pretty scary! Sounds like you wife is probably OK and that is the best news... Sorry to hear about the trashed Tahoe though.

Mine didn't have nearly that type of effect, just more of a tendancy to ocaisionally "catch" or change feeling in the wheel on cornering. This sometimes made you slightly jerk the wheel as it surprised or scared you more than anything. Mine would also wander back/forth even when all those other components were replaced. I think it was all that bouncing in and out of sensitivity in the steering that made your hand just feel like you were constantly having to adjust. It tracks pretty good with little or no wandering after I replaced the EVO sensor, depending on road surface and cross-winds of course...

[chris peter]

Where is the EVO steering speed sensor located?

[sprucegoose]

Originally Posted by chris peter

Where is the EVO steering speed sensor located?

As I mentioned in my original post here it in on the steering column itself. Located under the dash it is kind of hard to see, but it is a donut shaped electrical sensor with a single connector running to it. Sorry I don't have a picture of it, I threw the old one out long ago...

[Florenciosc]

Hi, everyone. I'm reading about this EVO sensor. My Suburban has the following problem, when you're driving straight and run over road bumps, the truck slightly turns either right or left quickly, Its not much but its noticeable. Making the ride steering unstable, unlike other GM trucks I had on the past . Just replaced Pitman & Idler arms, and problem corrected slightly, everything on suspension & steering components are ok.

Should I replace this sensor?
Thanks,
FSC

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by Florenciosc

Hi, everyone. I'm reading about this EVO sensor. My Suburban has the following problem, when you're driving straight and run over road bumps, the truck slightly turns either right or left quickly, Its not much but its noticeable. Making the ride steering unstable, unlike other GM trucks I had on the past . Just replaced Pitman & Idler arms, and problem corrected slightly, everything on suspension & steering components are ok.

Should I replace this sensor?
Thanks,
FSC

ball joints worn , or worn bushings can cause this.

did the alignment shop check/adjust for this issue.

If a tire shop did the alignment this would mean probably not.

also if the alignment has too little toe this will do this.

shocks that are worn can cause excessive drop on bumps , this will throw off the tracking.

[777stickman]

Originally Posted by Florenciosc

Hi, everyone. I'm reading about this EVO sensor. My Suburban has the following problem, when you're driving straight and run over road bumps, the truck slightly turns either right or left quickly, Its not much but its noticeable. Making the ride steering unstable, unlike other GM trucks I had on the past . Just replaced Pitman & Idler arms, and problem corrected slightly, everything on suspension & steering components are ok.

Should I replace this sensor?
Thanks,
FSC

95% of the time the EVO sensor will rear it's ugly head when driving on twisty roads. So, maybe it will cure your issues or you may have to look more closely at the items j cAT described.