1998 Silverado 5.7 steering problems

[Mike in Canada]

I've read some past posts pertaining to the steering stabilizer sensor and from what I've gathered I would say that I have the same problem. I got under the dash to see where the sensor is and could not find it. Someone said that you could disengage the electrical plug on the steering pump and that would rememdy the situation until you could replace the sensor with a new one. I could not find an electrical connection on the PS pump either. Would this suggest that I do not have a sensor to start with? I would appreciate any and all advice that you could give. Thank you in advance.

Mike in Canada

[777stickman]

Mike: Welcome to AF. That was maybe me that suggested removing the connector at the pump and I only suggest this to determine a mechanical or electrical problem. The connector is located at the rear bottom of the pump.

If your pump does not have this connector, could the pump have been replaced prior to or during your ownership?

Please describe what steering problems you are having.

I have not yet seen a '98 without the EVO (Electronic Variable Orifice) steering system.

[Mike in Canada]

Thank you for the prompt reply to my question. Okay, here goes! I will be into a curve in the road and you can feel the steering wheel jerk, as if the power steering was on steroids. It is only for a second or so, but it will do it a few times on that curve. I only seem to notice it going into turns going left, at least I do not remember it doing that into right bends in the road. I will go out again tomorrow and check the bottom of the steering pump. Does this sound like the SSS to you? Thank you.

Mike in Canada

[Chevy-SS]

I have 98 Sily K1500 Ext cab, and I was having odd steering problems. Felt strange while turning right, and steering had excess play. Replaced steering box and Pitman arm. Problems gone.

My Sily did NOT have any electrical sensor on steering box.

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[Mike in Canada]

CHEVY SS

Oh I hope it's not that, but I have also read about that too! Seems many owners have had that happen. What is the easiest way to narrow it down?
I hate to go through the process of elimination just to arrive at that point.
I will be going out in a wee while and will find out for sure if there is a sensor.
Thank you for your input.

Mike

[Chevy-SS]

First test is always for suspension components. You really need two floor jacks, or you could use one floor jack to lift, then place block or something under the lower a-arm, as close to ball joint as possible, lower the jack so a-arm is resting on block. Then use the floor jack under the other a-arm in same spot.

So, now you should have the front suspension off the ground, with the lift-points being the lower a-arms, close to ball joints.

Now you can test front end components -

Wiggle tire (either side) back and forth, as if you were turning right/left. You should feel no excess play. If excess play, then have someone wiggle tire while you carefully get under and look to see which joint is loose - could be tie-rod end, pitman arm, or idler arm.

For ball joint test, get a long pry bar or piece of 2x4 and put under front tire. Now lift. If the ball joint is bad, you will feel and/or see play in the joint. Lower ball joints usually croak way before uppers..............

Good luck

[Mike in Canada]

CHEVY SS Thanks for the tips. So it really is a process of elimination. I should state that it does not do this all of the time. The only time I notice it is going into a bend in the road and sometimes feel two or three jerks on a trip. The power steering fluid smells awful and needs to be replaced. Would this be a factor? Again, thank you. I cannot afford to have the local GM dealer do the work at their rates. I have done a lot of hard repairs in my days and I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty.

Mike

[Chevy-SS]

Mike,

When you wiggle the wheel, there is one more thing that could come into play - loose/worn wheel bearings. So be aware of that.

I would recommend switching tires around too. Rotate the front to rear on both sides and see if you feel any difference.

If tire rotation makes no difference in problem, then check all mechanicals carefully - bearings, ball joints, idler, pitman and tie rods. If those are all nice and tight, then it's probably the steering box.

Of course, make sure PS fluid is clean and reservoir is full and that the belt is not slipping. PS pump could possibly cause odd problem too.............

-

Dave

[Mike in Canada]

CHEVYSS---The fluid is dirty and smells burnt. I was going to use this little pump that I have and suck out all of the fluid that I could get out of the PS pump, fill it will clean fluid, the suck it all back out again after a few miles. I figure if I did this six or seven times it should all be good. Or, is it easier to disconnect a line and drain all of the PS fluids from the system then renew with some new stuff. Thanks again for your help.

Mike

[Chevy-SS]

Mike,

Replacing the fluid is cheap and easy, certainly worth a try. Suction it out, drive a bit, suction again, etc. That's the way I do it. Works OK............

Dave

[Mike in Canada]

Dave, took a good look and found there is no SS sensor. Also found out that my intake manifold gasket is leaking. I think I'm up to it, although the last one that I did was over ten years ago on a 78 Cougar with a 302. That was an easy job, this one will be more difficult. Not sure I like where GM stuck the distributor compared to Ford, but oh well. I have read the postings on some of the intake gasket tips on this forum and found some good info. I will do the power steering tommorow, you just never know. Take care for now.

Mike

[mkowski]

I had the same type issue on a 1995 silverado,after replacing the pump and steering secter to no avail, I noticed a tear in the front axle cv joint boot,remove the axle and found out it would lock up and bind as I tried to swivel it. problem solved. hope this helpsi

[muff34]

Originally Posted by mkowski

I had the same type issue on a 1995 silverado,after replacing the pump and steering secter to no avail, I noticed a tear in the front axle cv joint boot,remove the axle and found out it would lock up and bind as I tried to swivel it. problem solved. hope this helpsi

Check the date on the post chum . the last entery was in 2008...lol