Powersteering slipping? 1997 1500 Sub

[Redbelly]

In my 1997 1500 Sub: Mid turn the steering slips or jumps a bit. It only happens while turning. It almost feels like air in pump or something. It there a way to bleed the system? Or could this be the steering sensor I have read about? Any advice would be great.

Thanks,
Jay

[EKJ]

I would go for the steering sensor on your steering shaft!

[Redbelly]

I looked around and that sounds like what I need to do. I hope I don't have to get it from the dealer, would I tell the guy at Pep Boys I need a steeting sensor, is that what it's really called? Is there a good thread on this somewhere? Would it be in a Chilton's or Haynes manual?

Thanks for your help.
Jay

[suburban_lee]

Steering position sensor. Dealer only when I changed mine a year ago. Around $60. GM is ticking me off. How about a recall, people!!

[jeff_heintz]

Originally Posted by Redbelly

I looked around and that sounds like what I need to do. I hope I don't have to get it from the dealer, would I tell the guy at Pep Boys I need a steeting sensor, is that what it's really called? Is there a good thread on this somewhere? Would it be in a Chilton's or Haynes manual?

Thanks for your help.
Jay

Yes, its a dealer only item. I had the same problem with my '97 k1500 and I removed the sensor and cleaned its contacts and the steering shaft and have not had any problems since. It's been about 6 months. It might work for you. If you do this you ahve to split the steering shaft just remember, DO NOT ROTATE THE STEERING WHEEL or you will damage the airbag sensor unit. Don't ask me how I know this. Good luck.

[jeckols]

I replaced the sensor on mine and it seemed to help w/ the loose feeling but did not completely fix the problem. I often loose power steering when turning at low rpm... like into a parking spot. Anyone know anyhting about that?

[EKJ]

Have you tried changing your drivebelt? These can get a hard surface and slip without a sound.

[jeckols]

Originally Posted by EKJ

Have you tried changing your drivebelt? These can get a hard surface and slip without a sound.

no, I haven't. My uncle is an mechanic and he thought it might be slipping too but after checking it out doesn't think that's the case. Tried another sensor too just in case I might have gotten a bad one... no luck there either.

[gregory914]

Have you checked the fluid level, my 97 was doing that at slow speeds and the fluid was in the safe zone but I put some in anyways and that slow speed problem went away.

As to the sensor...What a Joke!!! Come on GM these things go bad so oftem it's stupid. With 119K miles I'm on my forth or fifth one I lost count. The problem is that you can lose control of the truck on icy roads because you lose all steering feel.

It's a toss up between the steering sensor and the fuel pumps as to which is a bigger saftey problem. Come on GM DO THE RIGHT THING and have a recall.

Sorry but those two things realy tick me off!!!!