03 tahoe z71 steering problem

[silky]

Hey all,

Truck developed a steering problem on a long drive at below highway speeds. Basically, turning in both directions feels very clunky, as if the power steering comes on and off as you are turning the wheel. Furthermore, the steering will not return to center after a turn...you have to manually return it.

I had some of the steering items replace...pitman arm for example...but the mechanic is saying the steering gear box is bad. Does this sound likely?

[izzy_Britton]

if not the pitman arm, then the box yeah, but i would crawl under there myself and double check the pitman arm myself.

jack the front up, get someone to start the truck and then turn the wheel stop to stop why you lay under it looking for any suspect parts.

[silky]

Originally Posted by izzy_Britton

if not the pitman arm, then the box yeah, but i would crawl under there myself and double check the pitman arm myself.

jack the front up, get someone to start the truck and then turn the wheel stop to stop why you lay under it looking for any suspect parts.

Thanks. Idler arm and other linkages had a lot of play to them. The tie rods were shot too...truck is an 03 with 180,000 miles and has never had any steering work done. I guess it was time. Normally I would do the work myself but I am 1000 miles from home and it is cold here.
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