2001 4.8L steering, idle, electrical, 4WD problems

[RyanCSpgs]

I have had problems with a pwr steering squeal on LH turns, I believe it was answered earlier as rubbing on the firewall?

Also noticing that the truck is now idling slightly rough and nearly stalling during a stop when AC is on.

The electrical issue that I had today was a complete loss of electrical power and may have been related to the AC on at the time. I'm talking about a complete loss while driving down the road! - everything reset.

Last but not least, the 4WD. I realize that the new 4WD systems make some noise when making a turn at low speed, however the grinding noises are heard even at normal speeds and I have taken it into the dealer and was told that it is the circumference of the tires that is off... BS

Anyone had similar problems and had actual resolution?

[GMMerlin]

Unfortunatly my SI server is down and I can't check for any bulletins that may apply to your concerns. BUT!
On the low idle and stall...the throttle body needs to be cleaned and there is an updated calibration for that concern.
On the loss of power...check the positive cable that powers the under hood fuse box, have seen many of then that are loose causing all kinds of wierd problems..also the ground on the firewall.
Grinding noise-cicumference of tires...thats a giant load of BS!

[RyanCSpgs]

Thanks for the reply, I will definitely keep that info handy as the truck is in the shop right now. I took it to a different Chevy dealer this time around.

[GMMerlin]

Sometimes just changing the repair facility will do wonders in your faith of GM.
Good Luck and keep us posted

[RyanCSpgs]

Picked up the truck today and they did fix some problems. I mentioned the steering and it turns out that I needed a new gear box. Nothing found on the rough idle or electrical. The 4WD.. they replaced the bearing assemblies on both sides.

As I drove home and the truck warmed up, the steering squeal returned (now on both LH and RH turns). I then did a little bit of troubleshooting on my own. The idler pulley (I believe thats the part name) is blackened and the drive belt looks slightly worn. Could this pulley be going bad and causing the wearing and in turn the pwr steering squeal? I am taking the truck back on monday to have this looked over.

[GMMerlin]

What you are seeing is the black paint smearing on the pulley. They are painted black from the factory and the paint will wear off over time....it will also cause a chirping problem from the belt area while the engine is idling.
Definatly take it back and show them whats going on...don't waste time with the service advisor..go directly to the service manager ( a good service manager will stop and listen and most likely get directly involved in the repair process)