Steering Stiff After Repair

[StuckinMN]

I recently bought a 2008 Yukon Denali. When I test drove it the steering was fine. The small town dealer I bought it from (just the owner works there) said he needed to replace the CV joint. So I picked up the vehicle a few days later - during a huge snow storm.

Anyway. the steering is a bit stiff (I have another Yukon to compare it with). I thought about changing the power steering fluid, etc.

Recently, I changed the oil at a shop. My wife said "Wow, the steering is easy like the other one now." So I called the shop and asked if they lubed it or what. The guy said 'probably'. I told him what happened and he said it may be because it was put on a lift and blah, blah.

Well, it started stiffening up after a few days and now it is back to the way it was.

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[89Suburban]

Did you check the steering fluid level?

 

[B-train]

I wonder if you have some suspension pieces that are getting worn and changing the suspension/steering geometry

 

[StuckinMN]

Did you check the steering fluid level?

Yes, of course.

 

[StuckinMN]

I wonder if you have some suspension pieces that are getting worn and changing the suspension/steering geometry

Hmmm. This is beyond my pay grade. Could be.

 

[B-train]

Camber/caster changes can make the steering stiff. Toe changes usually make it twitchy or wandery

 

[swathdiver]

Well, maybe the other CV joint needs replacing now. In FWD cars of yesteryear, they clicked when turning when they were bad. I don't know how ours sound and act when they are going bad.

 

[B-train]

Another thing I thought of was to look at the steering shaft knuckle that bolts to the top of the rack and pinion. It is part of the steering shaft. I had the boot rip on my 2008 and it got corroded (luckily only CA corrosion, not midwest salt corrosion). So, I found that it was somewhat stiff and didn't like certain angles.

I cleaned it all out with brake clean and air. Then I sprayed the shit out of it with spray grease and kept moving it in a circle, spraying as needed. It lubed right up and has worked great since. Might be worth checking out.

FYI replacing the boot and clamps is a real treat......can be done though with one person, just have to get creative.