98 Suburban Steering Sensor

[tonyalynne]

The steering sensor in our suburban has been going out for a while - it's never been anything major. The only thing that happens when it "goes" is it feels like you've hit a small bump in the road, a tiny tug in the steering. When I or my son drive, when we notice it, it's gone before there's even a thought to react. My daughter and husband, though, always try to compensate for it. Recently, my daughter swerved to miss something in the road, the sensor "went" and she overcompensated, went off the highway into a ditch and the truck rolled. Luckily, all walked away with a few bruises and a scrape on an elbow. My truck, on the other hand, is a mess. I don't believe there was any frame damage done - the kids weren't going that fast; it rolled because the dropoff from the road was really steep REALLY quick and they went off at an angle, the passenger side had nowhere to go... poor truck... I don't know how many times I've been told to "shoot it", stupid people... perfectly fine truck and because I'm a chick, they're a #ick...

SO... I've got someone to do the bodywork for a decent price ($12,000 at one body shop... jerk wanted to replace both bumpers and there's absolutely NOTHING wrong with EITHER bumper). What I'm wanting to know is... is there a way to simply disable the steering sensor? I found a post about an EVO steering sensor, and I don't know if this is the same thing, seems like I remember being told a differential steering sensor. The post I found gives instructions for changing it as well. I'm pretty mechanical, so if this is something I can do on my own, I'd love to.

btw... if anyone's interested..this is a vid of pics of our truck and the tow guy flipping it back onto its feet. The music makes it sound kind of sad, but you have no idie how much we love that truck. & btw, we can't really get another one because a brand new sub is over 50,000 and we'd have to have it customized with 3 bench seats... we have 9 people in our family.
http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p...edium=text_url

[777stickman]

What most everyone calls the EVO (Electronic Variable Orfice) sensor is really called the Steering Handwheel Speed Sensor (HWSS). This all part of the Variable Effort Steering system. Replacing it is not too hard and 80% of the time will cure the problem you described. If you want to disable the system (I did this to make sure my problem was not mechanical) there is a wiring plug at the back and bottom of the power steering pump. However, removing this connector will make the steering much more responsive at speeds, so use your best judgment on this.

[tonyalynne]

do you change it behind the power steering pump as well?? The post I read said it was in the steering column. I'm going to research to see if I can find a diagram to where it is.

[777stickman]

It's the sensor on the steering column that cures 80% of these problems.

[v8_ranch]

I need to do this also on my 97. I have heard that it is not too bad of a job. Anyone have a procedure for it?

Thanks,SV

[dsharpless]

You're so right! I saw I know 20 people call the steering speed sensor on the column the EVO. Two diff animals. You sound like ur no dummy. I need some help with my steering if u or antone's willing to listen.