1999 Z71 steering issue - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jgowin · 04-05-2014, 10:33 PM

My 99 Z71 that a steering issue, the truck turns nice and easy to the right but turning left it feels like manual steering. I suspected the idler assemble so I replaced the idler, idler bracket, and pitman. After reassembly it still feels pretty much the same. I did feel slack in the idler before replacing and suspected it was binding. What would be best to check next? The tie rods and ball joints appear to be ok but maybe I'm overlooking something.

**Boog** · 04-06-2014, 07:16 AM

I would separate the pitman arm from the steering sector. With the wheels off the ground turn them from side to side and feel for resistance. If none found then get inside and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock and feel for resistance. That should narrow it down some.

Jgowin · 04-12-2014, 09:34 PM

I'm leaning toward replacing the steering box, the steering is free and easy with the wheels off the ground, but I'm going to check the power steering hoses to make sure one of them are not clogged or failed internally. If the hoses check out I'm most likely replacing the gear box.

Jgowin · 04-16-2014, 10:05 AM

Well the issue turned out to be the steering box, installed a rebuilt unit from Advance, refilled the power steering fluid, and purged the air from the system. Turns nice and easy now, the original gear box had only a little bit of play and turned easy with no weight on the wheels. The truck has a 150k on it which fairly low for a 15 year old truck.

04-05-2014, 10:33 PM	#1
Jgowin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Oakman GA Posts: 98	1999 Z71 steering issue My 99 Z71 that a steering issue, the truck turns nice and easy to the right but turning left it feels like manual steering. I suspected the idler assemble so I replaced the idler, idler bracket, and pitman. After reassembly it still feels pretty much the same. I did feel slack in the idler before replacing and suspected it was binding. What would be best to check next? The tie rods and ball joints appear to be ok but maybe I'm overlooking something.

04-06-2014, 07:16 AM	#2
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,067	Re: 1999 Z71 steering issue I would separate the pitman arm from the steering sector. With the wheels off the ground turn them from side to side and feel for resistance. If none found then get inside and turn the steering wheel from lock to lock and feel for resistance. That should narrow it down some. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

04-12-2014, 09:34 PM	#3
Jgowin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Oakman GA Posts: 98	Re: 1999 Z71 steering issue I'm leaning toward replacing the steering box, the steering is free and easy with the wheels off the ground, but I'm going to check the power steering hoses to make sure one of them are not clogged or failed internally. If the hoses check out I'm most likely replacing the gear box.

04-16-2014, 10:05 AM	#4
Jgowin Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Oakman GA Posts: 98	Re: 1999 Z71 steering issue Well the issue turned out to be the steering box, installed a rebuilt unit from Advance, refilled the power steering fluid, and purged the air from the system. Turns nice and easy now, the original gear box had only a little bit of play and turned easy with no weight on the wheels. The truck has a 150k on it which fairly low for a 15 year old truck.



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