Lots of pulling even after a large amount of repairs....

[Shtiv]

Hi Ladies and Gents,
I have been doing a lot of things to my 2002 Yukon recently to get it in tip-top shape, but the more I do, I feel the more issues arise. So, after recently have a professional alignment done, new brake pads and rotor all around, new passenger wheel hub/bearing, new upper steering shaft/bearing, air ride suspension compressor replaced, new wheels and tires. I am experiencing the worst pulling/clunky steering yet. I have inspected parts around wheels, I do not see anything loose or out of the ordinary. Wondering if any of you may have any ideas? It is driving me nuts and has me concerned especially as I hope to go to the mountains this winter. Any suggestions/help is greatly appreciated.

 

[OR VietVet]

First thing on the alignment. I want to see before and after readings. If the alignment tech did not provide that print out he/she should have. Piss poor quality without it, IMO.

Does the pull happen when driving or when applying the brakes? Clunking a feeling or a sound? Who did the mechanical work, you or a shop?

 

[Shtiv]

First thing on the alignment. I want to see before and after readings. If the alignment tech did not provide that print out he/she should have. Piss poor quality without it, IMO.

Does the pull happen when driving or when applying the brakes? Clunking a feeling or a sound? Who did the mechanical work, you or a shop?

Hi PNW,
As for the alignment I used one of the top-rated shops in the area. Pulling is while driving, worst at speeds around 35. Clunking is a feeling, I performed most of the repairs. Always concerned while driving, just because I've never had such bad "clunky" steering. I'm headed out to adjust the steering gear box to see if that helps anything. Thanks for the help!!

 

[OR VietVet]

Ok, the before and after readings look pretty good. I would like to see just a hair more caster lead on the RF but is ok for now. Be careful adjusting the steering gear box. Just an 1/8 turn at a time. If you go to far you cannot back it up because the damage is done. I would check all your previous work and swap the front and rear tires/wheels and see what happens. You may have a slipped belt in one of the tires. Are all tires wearing even across the treads?

 

[Shtiv]

Ok, the before and after readings look pretty good. I would like to see just a hair more caster lead on the RF but is ok for now. Be careful adjusting the steering gear box. Just an 1/8 turn at a time. If you go to far you cannot back it up because the damage is done. I would check all your previous work and swap the front and rear tires/wheels and see what happens. You may have a slipped belt in one of the tires. Are all tires wearing even across the treads?

Just adjusted the steering gearbox, maybe 3/8's turn at final, feels a little better I believe. What happens if it is too tight and/or damaged?? Tires appear to look great, I will take back to the tire shop and bug them to check them out since they are new and I'm buddies with the manager. I have been in the wheel wells quite a few times checking out the components especially in the front, everything appears to look good and tight. I appreciate your time and responses, thank you!!!

 

[treehan77]

Did you replace the bearing inside the column when you did the steering shaft? Mine stopped after replacing both. First I used dorman bearing and it was worse lol. Right above the brake pedal, try to wiggle the shaft. If it moves at all, it’s gonna clunk

 

[Shtiv]

Did you replace the bearing inside the column when you did the steering shaft? Mine stopped after replacing both. First I used dorman bearing and it was worse lol. Right above the brake pedal, try to wiggle the shaft. If it moves at all, it’s gonna clunk

I did, i was thinking of replacing it again just to see if that’s it. It never was better after replacing and like you may haven’t made it worse.

 

[treehan77]

I had to find a real AC delco bearing. I originally used the newest design ISS from delco, but a dorman bearing because I couldn’t find the delco one. Finally got an old stock one on eBay, rock auto and Amazon didnt have one. Dealer should

 

[treehan77]

The bearing def isnt making it pull though

 

[treehan77]

Have you checked the steering components, ball joints etc

 

[Shtiv]

The bearing def isnt making it pull though

Hmmm... back to the drawing board.

 

[treehan77]

You’d think the alignment shop would’ve said something if it was ball joints or idler/pitman etc but who knows. I’d be sure to check the end links, the rubber bushings often wear out and can clunk. Super easy and cheap, easy to tell too

 

[ivin74]

The intermediate shaft also makes a clunk if it's not greased, have you checked that one?

 

[Shtiv]

The intermediate shaft also makes a clunk if it's not greased, have you checked that one?

I don’t believe so

 

[treehan77]

What I assumed this was what you replaced with the bearing

 

[Shtiv]

What I assumed this was what you replaced with the bearing

I did sorry, brain fart, thought he was referring to maybe something else.

 

[ivin74]

I don’t believe so

Start the video on minute 3:30, thats where you grease the intermediate shaft

 

[Geojarn]

I had a really bad pull issue on a different vehicle a few years ago, it ended up being my new tires. Try swapping sides of the tires and see if it pulls to the other direction, don't worry about directional tires for this test. Belive its called radial rollout or something like that.

 

[HeidiB4]

You’d think the alignment shop would’ve said something if it was ball joints or idler/pitman etc but who knows. I’d be sure to check the end links, the rubber bushings often wear out and can clunk. Super easy and cheap, easy to tell too

I'm assuming all bushings were inspected and replaced at some point as well

 

[Shtiv]

I'm assuming all bushings were inspected and replaced at some point as well

All bushings appear good. I notice a slight wobbling sound, and a rattle/stretching sound occasionally from front driver side or engine, but only can hear in cab not when i put down the window. Also, it seems to be happy when accelerating, but when letting off gas it pulls a little more than normal. I’m thinking something with suspension, wheels or maybe wheel bearing on driver side. You guys have been wonderful and do appreciate all the help!!!