1995 2 door Tahoe 4wd steering problem?

[Jimmyz]

I just picked up a 1995 2 door Tahoe with 4wd/ I had a couple 4wd Suburban in this same platform but never had a problem with the steering. This Tahoe's steering wheel is a lot harder to turn, almost like it don't have power? Not sounds coming from the pump so I don't think it bad, but who knows? Before I tear into it, I thought I would ask here first?

 

[Eman85]

Before "tearing into" anything do some diagnosing. Of course fluid level and belt condition should be checked first. What condition is the steering and ball joints? When you turn to the end of steering and hold it there do you hear the pump?

 

[Jimmyz]

Before "tearing into" anything do some diagnosing. Of course fluid level and belt condition should be checked first. What condition is the steering and ball joints? When you turn to the end of steering and hold it there do you hear the pump?

fluid lever is good; Belt looks good too. No dry rot or cracks in it. Don't hear pump making noise

 

[east302]

What year Suburban did you have?

Later models (97+ I think) with EVO steering also had a different part number for the gearbox. It may be anecdotal as I’m unsure of what the internal differences are, but I unintentionally swapped a 96 power steering gearbox into my 98 and noticed heavier steering. It was an improvement and I’ve read of others that thought the 88-96 C/K platform steering was heavier than the 97-00 versions.

 

[Eman85]

If you turn the wheel all of the way either direction and hold it there you should hear the pump. You say harder to steer, does it have some power assist?

 

[Jimmyz]

If you turn the wheel all of the way either direction and hold it there you should hear the pump. You say harder to steer, does it have some power assist?

Yes if I turn the wheel to full lock right and left I can hear the pump. Don't think it has power asst? It's a 1995 2 door Tahoe with 4wd. But I don't know, is it in the RPO codes? Here's some pictures.

 

[Jimmyz]

What year Suburban did you have?

Later models (97+ I think) with EVO steering also had a different part number for the gearbox. It may be anecdotal as I’m unsure of what the internal differences are, but I unintentionally swapped a 96 power steering gearbox into my 98 and noticed heavier steering. It was an improvement and I’ve read of others that thought the 88-96 C/K platform steering was heavier than the 97-00 versions.

1997 and 1998 both were 4x4

 

[OBSTheBest]

I believe you just may be learning firsthand about one of the differences from your 1997 and 1998 models to your 1995.

My 1995 and 1999 are nearly night and day different when it comes to their steering.

I've owned 1996, 1997, and 1998 in the past and can say the 1995 and 1996 had very noticeable heavier steering.

1998 was the real sweet spot that the steering felt so much more fluid.

Assuming your gearbox and ball joints are in good standing, you are fine. Nothing to panic about.

Very nice truck btw. Looks very clean!

 

[Eman85]

When I say power assist I mean does it steer the same with the truck off as when it's running. Power steering pumps are usually not a problem except for some leakage. If you hear the pump change at full lock it usually means it's working as designed, what you hear is the pump reach maximum pressure. Our 97 has what I think is too much power steering assist, I'd rather it was harder to turn.

 

[Jimmyz]

Well, nothing‘s leaking. The front end is nice and tight, no bad tie rods or ball joints. I even changed the front tires and it steers the same so maybe that’s just the way it is? it doesn’t bother me. I just wanna make sure it’s correct.