Lets talk "steering"

[992dr]

I have had my Tahoe moving in close on two years. I have had "floating" in my steering wheel since I have had.
I have replaced my wheel bearings, inners and outers, adjustable sleeves, idler arm, pitman, steering box, and rag joint. I have a new upper shaft to add to the list and will be getting new balljoints to.
Any way, after all of that and an alignment, I still have that floating in my steering. When I say floating, I mean you can turn the wheel while driving/parked in either direction and the wheels do not turn, just the steering wheel. It seems to have gotten worse.
Now, I love this truck, took me forever to find one. When I did, I drove 2400 miles roundtrip for it, never mind what I sold for it.
Has anyone else experienced this?
I cant be the only one out there.

Thanks

 

[TahoeJim]

I don't think there's anything left to try to replace with regards to front end/steering, you've been very thorough. I have no ideas.

With regards to steering, I just wish the Tahoe had 'less' power assist at lower speeds. I know having a Cadillac-ease to it was part of the design going back in the late 90's, but I wish it felt more like newer SUV's and trucks where it requires more effort and feels 'tighter'.

 

[99Yukon_Z71]

We have whats called the Electronic Variable Assist (EVO) powersteering systems in our trucks. It basically works with a variable orifice actuator allowing full flow of PS fluid at low speeds to the gear and restricting flow at higher speeds to give better road feel and stiffer steering response. If there is a fault in the system, then the EVO actuator will revert to FULL ASSIST at all speeds, possibly giving you that "mushy" feeling you are talking about. Check the wires at the EVO found underneath the pump where the pressure hose threads into, if they are OK then most likely the EVO motor is bad. Hope this helps man! Also you might want to check for any codes in the system, but you will need a scanner like a Tech II to communicate with the Power Steering COntrol Module(PSCM) and to do any system checks after repair. The easiest thing you can do is replace the EVO and see if that correct the problem. Other sensors include the steering wheel position sensor, and the VSS sensor.

 

[bowtiefreak]

^^^I agree, plus it sounds like the only part left.

 

[992dr]

Huh, this could be an electrical issue? I'm going to check this out tomorrow.
Thats weird, I never would've tought that.
What's the VSS?

Thanks guys

 

[TigerEyz3]

VSS = Vehicle Speed Sensor

 

[jhc]

I have a 95 with similar problem after replacing everything in the front end. My issue is that the truck steers "too easy" (I'm sure that sounds crazy.) I don't think the 95 has EVO, but I've not tried the VSS. Please let us know how yours turns out. I've been trying to correct this for last 6 months.

 

[99Yukon_Z71]

I have a 95 with similar problem after replacing everything in the front end. My issue is that the truck steers "too easy" (I'm sure that sounds crazy.) I don't think the 95 has EVO, but I've not tried the VSS. Please let us know how yours turns out. I've been trying to correct this for last 6 months.

Jon, the 95's didnt come with Variable assist PS, so changing the VSS will do nothing but waste money for you. The VSS is an input for the Variable assist system in the newer tahoes/yukons/burbans, so in those trucks, a faulty VSS will cause a fault in the EVO system. Just a FYI!!

 

[smrr1]

very interesting. i didn't know about it. mine seems to be a bit loose at highway speeds. everything is tight just very easy to turn at high speed. i will have to check this out.

 

[retorq]

Here's a pic of my Tahoe's front "bushings":

No one has mentioned this as a fix ... my steering had severe float with these "in". I could hear the arms slapping around over large bumps. LOL

 

[Grebbler]

Here's a pic of my Tahoe's front "bushings":

No one has mentioned this as a fix ... my steering had severe float with these "in". I could hear the arms slapping around over large bumps. LOL

What bushings are these?


For the others:

If you turn steering and the wheels don't move - you still have a mechanical issue. When the gearbox input shaft is rotated the pitman arm MUST move or it's out of adjustment / broke. Double check all the parts for play. A grease packed joint can be tight under hand pressure yet be sloppy while driving as the grease is forced to the other side of the joint cavity.

If your steering is too easy, the gearbox needs to be re-configured. A gearbox can be built with different ratios and turning effort and the chances of getting what you like from a rebuilt unit is a crap shoot. The vast majority of auto store units are rebuilt and are not tuned to any particular chassis.

FYI: The input shaft connects to a bar/rod of spring steel then to the gear. As you turn the wheel, the spring rod (can't recall the name of it) twists just a bit and opens the spool valve to apply hydraulic pressure to 'assist' you in turning the wheel. The stiffer the bar the less assist you will get. A thinner bar twists more and applies more assist. The act of a loose/thin spring bar twisting adds to that 'mushy' feel. Gear ratios also play a part in ease of turning. A 4 turn unit will turn easier than a 2.5 without added mushiness - all else being equal.

Simply take your unit to your nearby friendly gear rebuilder and tell 'em what you want. They can swap the part while you wait if they aren't busy.

 

[TigerEyz3]

Look like a control arm bushing. If / when you replace them, I suggest going with graphite injected urethane (Energy Suspension - the black ones). Less flex and able to handle the chemicals, heat, friction better than rubber.

 

[retorq]

What bushings are these?

Ii was the upper rear control arm bushing. I replaced it with Energy Suspension poly liberally coated with their grease.

 

[Grebbler]

Thank you.