EVO sensor problem?

[Riche]

1997 K1500 Ext cab 5.7 150,000 miles
I pulled the history on my truck and it looks like it was replaced at the 40,000 mile mark (prev. owner). Well I started to notice what sounded like a low fluid power steering pump whine only when I turned right. Checked the fluid and all is good.
I decided to adjust slack in the steering box since I was replacing the radiator and it was right there. Now in addition to the whine when turning right sometimes my steering is very hard to turn only to the right but every once and a while the power steering kicks in for a spit second a little more than it should. It is sad to think I had so much play in my box that I couldn’t even notice that bad spot in the steering. The spot is very close to what would be considered strait only a little to the right. It happens more when I am accelerating and making a slight turn to the right. I feel like it is the sensor. But I just wanted to see what some of you guys thought before I run out and buy one. The pump whining kind of worries but I am hoping that it only whines to the right b/c of the sensor and not because of something mechanical. Thanks in advance for the advice.
Richard

[Blue Bowtie]

Back off the sector shaft preload, and see what happens.

[Riche]

I was planning on doing that this weekend. I will go ahead and fess up that I may have it to tight b/c it sometimes will not return from a turn. But what bothers me is the pump whining. The fluid level is good and it only whines when I am turning right. Do you think the sensor could cause that?

[79403ta]

not to interrupt the post but...is it common to have to tighten these steering boxes ?? mine needs it but the mechanic told me to just replace it instead dont know if hes trying to get more $ out of me or not

[Riche]

Let me say this... They would not make something adjustable if it was not adjustable? Well anyway, what does it hurt to try? That is the way I feel about it. If you have to go buy a new box after you screw it up so what... If you listen to that Mech. you need to replace it anyway... What if you fix it yourself? You might just save yourself a little chunk of change.
With that being said I loosened up mine and it made my steering not so tight. But I can still feel that bad spot... It is not consistent. I may have to just go for the sensor.

[79403ta]

Well Riche you talked me into adjusting it...20 minutes later..1 busted thumb (man they tighten that jamb nut good) and tighter steering i turned it a 1/4 to a 1/2 a turn and it is so much better still turns as sharp and the steering wheel returns to straight during turning if i let go

[Riche]

He glad to hear it worked. It really gets me fired up when people try to take advantage of others. The guy is not lying to you by telling you that you are better off with a new box. He is just not telling you that you can get by with the one you have...
As for the thumb thing, you can see why I waited till I changed my radiator!!!