'98 K1500 Steering Problems going straight $ Level... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Paul Rucker · 12-29-2002, 07:07 PM

1998 K1500 Z-71 Extended SWB, 87k miles, 305, while driving going down the road at any speed, you can feel the steering pull or move for a second to the left, just like someone (invisible) gave it a little tug. I know just by looking at the front tires, it has too much positive camber I believe, the tops of the tires are a little further out than normal, not much though. Various wheel alignment shops say it is within spec. Front end feels like there is play, such as when going over a speed bump slowley with 1 front tire first then the other. The intermirrent grabbing of the steering feels like the front wheels want to wander... I am getting ready to tear it apart to check it out. Perhaps bad wheel bearings, the idler arm , and other arms look tight and I have greased them. I had the idler or draglink replaced last summer. One shop said it needed a draglink and idler, Pep Boys said just one was in order, the other was ok.
Had one of them replaced. can't remember which. I really feels like loose wheel bearings, simple tug on wheel with my hands with the vehicle down feels ok. Also feels like worn tie-rod ends or a loose idler arm. Any easy way to point me in, if anyone has experienced this before. All help and opinions welcomed!

**ThreeQuarter** · 12-29-2002, 07:34 PM

Hey Paul, check out this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=29241

I'm sure it is the source of your problem. Good luck.

*Piston* · 12-29-2002, 07:37 PM

First thing is to find out what (if any) front end componants are loose. You'll need to put a jack under the outer most part of the lower control arm and raise that wheel off the ground about 3"s. Have one person pushing/pulling on the wheel (one had at the top and one had at the bottom) while the other person looks at; Control arm bushings/ball joints, wheel bearing play. Once you've done this to both sides, jack both wheels up and wiggle each front wheel while someone looks at the idler arm, pitman arm and tie rod ends. NOTE: There will be some play in the idler arm, up to 1/4 of up/down movement at the arm.

The postive camber will give you terrible "darting" problems depending on the road conditions. The tire will tend to follow the highest spot in the road. A loose idler will give you "bump" steer and wandering poblems. Also makes for sloppy steering wheel feel.

Did the alignment shops give you a printout of thier alignment job? I'd like to see whet end of the spec range they call good.
and lastly... has it been in a wreck lately?

Paul Rucker · 12-29-2002, 07:43 PM

I really appreciate it, and will check the website listed for better prices! GM {arts direct.com is not responding right now! Thanks again!

Paul Rucker · 12-29-2002, 08:06 PM

Found this site;
http://chevy-parts-for-less.com/chevytrucks.html

$72.00 at the dealer, $39.32 here...Thanks again!

BIGG BELLY · 12-29-2002, 11:11 PM

those trucks are also equiped with an EVO(electronic variable orifice) this controls pressure output from the pump--if you have a bad steering wheel speed sensor it will cause the wheel to tug during corners--it opens and closes the EVO causing you to loose and gain power assist

Paul Rucker · 12-30-2002, 12:08 AM

I checked the other thread concerning the speed sensor, and I plan on changing it this week. I just drove the truck to a convenience store a few minutes ago to pick up a few items, straight and level 35-40 mph, got a tug to the left, 10 seconds later gotta tug to the right. Nothing major, but a little tug nevertheless. I hope the sensor takes care of the problem, otherwise sure feels like suspension stuff.

*Piston* · 12-30-2002, 12:15 AM

If memory serves me correctly this problem shows up "while" turning. It will loose assist then over compensate.

Correct me if im wrong guys, but I dont believe this will happen when the wheel is straight.

Paul Rucker · 12-30-2002, 12:49 AM

Perhaps it is occuring while I am making "normal slight adjustments" on a straight road. Haven't really noticed too much while turning though. Any help is appreciated.

Paul Rucker · 12-30-2002, 07:17 PM

I works great! No more tug, and the steering feels NO DIFFERENT!
I will just leave it disconnected and see what happens! Syre does drive "normal" now! Thanks for all of the help guys! I wouldn't have had a clue without you!

DLE · 01-04-2003, 05:41 PM

would be ok to leave it unhooked ???

*Piston* · 01-04-2003, 05:47 PM

Other than setting a check engine light, it only causes the system to act like a normal P/S system.

I wouldn't see any problem in leaving it unplugged. Although the sensors are fairly cheap and easy to put in.... might as well bite teh bullet and fix it.

12-29-2002, 07:07 PM	#1
Paul Rucker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 10	'98 K1500 Steering Problems going straight $ Level... 1998 K1500 Z-71 Extended SWB, 87k miles, 305, while driving going down the road at any speed, you can feel the steering pull or move for a second to the left, just like someone (invisible) gave it a little tug. I know just by looking at the front tires, it has too much positive camber I believe, the tops of the tires are a little further out than normal, not much though. Various wheel alignment shops say it is within spec. Front end feels like there is play, such as when going over a speed bump slowley with 1 front tire first then the other. The intermirrent grabbing of the steering feels like the front wheels want to wander... I am getting ready to tear it apart to check it out. Perhaps bad wheel bearings, the idler arm , and other arms look tight and I have greased them. I had the idler or draglink replaced last summer. One shop said it needed a draglink and idler, Pep Boys said just one was in order, the other was ok. Had one of them replaced. can't remember which. I really feels like loose wheel bearings, simple tug on wheel with my hands with the vehicle down feels ok. Also feels like worn tie-rod ends or a loose idler arm. Any easy way to point me in, if anyone has experienced this before. All help and opinions welcomed!

12-29-2002, 07:34 PM	#2
ThreeQuarter Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Texan in Iowa Posts: 2,522	Hey Paul, check out this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=29241 I'm sure it is the source of your problem. Good luck. __________________ Ben '68 Chevy C10 Custom LWB 327/TH400 2nd owner '16 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Dblcab 4wd 5.3

12-29-2002, 07:43 PM	#4
Paul Rucker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 10	Thanks a bucnch! I really appreciate it, and will check the website listed for better prices! GM {arts direct.com is not responding right now! Thanks again!

12-29-2002, 08:06 PM	#5
Paul Rucker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 10	Gret Web Site Cheap prices... Found this site; http://chevy-parts-for-less.com/chevytrucks.html $72.00 at the dealer, $39.32 here...Thanks again! Last edited by Paul Rucker; 12-29-2002 at 10:46 PM.

12-29-2002, 11:11 PM	#6
BIGG BELLY Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: jax,fl Posts: 49	those trucks are also equiped with an EVO(electronic variable orifice) this controls pressure output from the pump--if you have a bad steering wheel speed sensor it will cause the wheel to tug during corners--it opens and closes the EVO causing you to loose and gain power assist __________________ 55 big window long bed 69 olds 98 check out my pics photo albums

12-29-2002, 07:37 PM	#3
Piston Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 2,301	First thing is to find out what (if any) front end componants are loose. You'll need to put a jack under the outer most part of the lower control arm and raise that wheel off the ground about 3"s. Have one person pushing/pulling on the wheel (one had at the top and one had at the bottom) while the other person looks at; Control arm bushings/ball joints, wheel bearing play. Once you've done this to both sides, jack both wheels up and wiggle each front wheel while someone looks at the idler arm, pitman arm and tie rod ends. NOTE: There will be some play in the idler arm, up to 1/4 of up/down movement at the arm. The postive camber will give you terrible "darting" problems depending on the road conditions. The tire will tend to follow the highest spot in the road. A loose idler will give you "bump" steer and wandering poblems. Also makes for sloppy steering wheel feel. Did the alignment shops give you a printout of thier alignment job? I'd like to see whet end of the spec range they call good. and lastly... has it been in a wreck lately?

12-30-2002, 12:08 AM	#7
Paul Rucker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 10	Speed Sensor the only culprit? I checked the other thread concerning the speed sensor, and I plan on changing it this week. I just drove the truck to a convenience store a few minutes ago to pick up a few items, straight and level 35-40 mph, got a tug to the left, 10 seconds later gotta tug to the right. Nothing major, but a little tug nevertheless. I hope the sensor takes care of the problem, otherwise sure feels like suspension stuff.

12-30-2002, 12:15 AM	#8
Piston Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 2,301	If memory serves me correctly this problem shows up "while" turning. It will loose assist then over compensate. Correct me if im wrong guys, but I dont believe this will happen when the wheel is straight.

12-30-2002, 12:49 AM	#9
Paul Rucker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 10	Hmmm... Perhaps it is occuring while I am making "normal slight adjustments" on a straight road. Haven't really noticed too much while turning though. Any help is appreciated.

12-30-2002, 07:17 PM	#10
Paul Rucker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: El Paso, Texas Posts: 10	Disconnected it... I works great! No more tug, and the steering feels NO DIFFERENT! I will just leave it disconnected and see what happens! Syre does drive "normal" now! Thanks for all of the help guys! I wouldn't have had a clue without you!

01-04-2003, 05:41 PM	#11
DLE Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 16	would be ok to leave it unhooked ???

01-04-2003, 05:47 PM	#12
Piston Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Olathe, KS Posts: 2,301	Other than setting a check engine light, it only causes the system to act like a normal P/S system. I wouldn't see any problem in leaving it unplugged. Although the sensors are fairly cheap and easy to put in.... might as well bite teh bullet and fix it.



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