Power steering driving me nuts

[Pagan84105]

Hi all,
I have a 2019 Yukon slt. Not long ago it started suddenly pulling and eventually the power steering began cutting out and flashes a “power steering drive with care” dash message. I checked all of the things google suggested and eventually replaced the steering rack. This fixed an intermittent front camera and lane keeping assist error that had been popping up, but not the steering issue. Spent 10 hours at the dealer and they just shrug. Just had the alternator rebuilt, no change.
It occurs at random but is more common when slowing down especially if turning. It will clear if I stomp on accelerator and revs hit 4000..
I did recently swap from winter 20’ wheels to new 18” Silverado wheels with 275/70/18 wildpeak but wheel speed wiring seems intact and I drove an 1800 mile road trip with no issues before this started.. any thoughts are welcome and appreciated!
T

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum, from Oregon.

First, because not everyone here knows about electronically controlled power steering, like you have. So, please, in the future make sure to put info in your post, like engine size and if is electronically controlled steering, say so. The phrase, "just had the alternator rebuilt" had me guessing and then I looked it up.

I hate guessing and so does most of us. Wastes time and effort. As a matter of fact, go to your account and build the vehicle info in your "Signature".

Initially, with the rebuilt alternator throwing me for a loop, what got me thinking it was hydraulic steering assist was that you said, "It occurs at random but is more common when slowing down especially if turning. It will clear if I stomp on accelerator and revs hit 4000".

That is probably what led the dealer tech to hope that there was an alternator problem.

Does sound like when the rpm's are up, there is higher voltage being thrown at the electronic steering assist system. Perhaps you could ask the dealer if the wiring for the system, was inspected for a ground problem or resistance problem. In all likelihood, they did not put anything on the paperwork and the tech will not remember but for a FEE. they will be happy to start all over again.

IMO, you need to find a top notch reliable independent garage with a specialist that is familiar with these systems. maybe a hybrid vehicle specialty shop that are accustomed to tracking down electrical fault problems.

 

[Pagan84105]

Apologies for the incomplete information. I didn’t know they came with anything but electric power steering.
I spent 90 mins today tracking down small fixes I read about.. pulled dash and checked/tightened BCM ground. Put voltmeter on battery and checked negative cables for excessive resistance, Cleaned all battery “mega fuse” connections and snugged nuts down. Removed/cleaned/retightened chassis ground behind front passenger wheel. Lastly resecured a mounting point for the drivers side front wheel speed sensor I found loose in the breeze.
Not positive (but I’m betting on chassis ground) but all seems well. Drives fine and no glitches or steering cut outs.
T

 

[OR VietVet]

Apologies for the incomplete information. I didn’t know they came with anything but electric power steering.
I spent 90 mins today tracking down small fixes I read about.. pulled dash and checked/tightened BCM ground. Put voltmeter on battery and checked negative cables for excessive resistance, Cleaned all battery “mega fuse” connections and snugged nuts down. Removed/cleaned/retightened chassis ground behind front passenger wheel. Lastly resecured a mounting point for the drivers side front wheel speed sensor I found loose in the breeze.
Not positive (but I’m betting on chassis ground) but all seems well. Drives fine and no glitches or steering cut outs.
T

Yea, didn't say any of them came with hydraulic power steering but I did not know where the cut off was. I see the signature now. More detail needed.

There is a choice of 5.3 or 6.2 engines. Do all the models have the same transmission?
Add that it has electric power steering. Add anything else that you want to.

That way, ANYTIME you post for anything, the info is right there.

 

[fozzi58]

Not sure if the dealership you went to has a "master tech" on staff but I've had this before and a "re-learn" cleared my issue. All K2XX platforms and later (2014 - current pickups | 2015-current SUV) have electric power assist. Our owners manual (Mine is a 2017) states power steering fluid shoul d be changed every 50k miles but there's no fluid to change cause its electronic - no hydraulics. If you have any electrical issues in your truck, it could cause this as well - alternator not putting out correct charge, battery not healthy, faulty ground cables, bad or blown fuse on the power distribution plate (see top of battery)

Additionally, the SAS (steering angle sensor) may need to be recalibrated. I need mine done and haven't had a chance to do it. Make sure the dealership you were at (or find another) know how to perform that recalibration. Technically any shop with a 2 way scanner and an experienced tech should know how to do this but I don't think a cheap Topdon is a going to work. You need something more advanced like an Autel, Snap-on, or Mustang unit.

Please post results if you find a solution