Steering Problem

INVESTIGATION: Campaign Number: UnKnown

Component: Steering

Details: INVESTIGATION REGARDING ERRATIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIV

NHTSA: EA99011 Open Date: 99/05/19 Close Date: 01/02/20 MCS Check Date: 12/29/2003

The above was found on

(P.S. I think that recently I heard on the news that they have a recall starting regarding a similar issue. I don't recall wether it was GM trucks, cars or otherwise.)

Doesn't apply to his truck.

Doc

Only on trucks with the variable power-assist valve. His doesn't have it.

Doc

Bill,

Put the front end up on jackstands, lock the steering wheel, and try to move the wheels manually, left and right. If it moves, track the movement to the worn fron-end compenent.

Doc

Doc, I`m try that right now. Also,is there a good site to check for recalls?

Doc, I just did what you said,and maybe I get a 1/16 in. movement. Probably not even that much. Checked all the front end parts,and nothing seems to be moving at all. So now what?

Hmmmmm. If a PS pump is low on fluid (REALLY low) going around tight bends can have the pump sucking air and you'd feel excessive resistance (complete loss of power steering) until you straightened out. But, you have zero resistance eh?

What kind of shape are the front shocks in?

Doc

The fluid is full,and I`ve done it with the steering locked,and unlocked. All the front-end parts seem very tight. I have have to get this fixed ASAP,cuz I will be pulling me race car very soon.

"Bill S" wrote

It's most likely the EVO sensor, pretty common problem on these trucks in that year. The EVO sensor sits at the base of the steering column inside the passenger compartment. It's not that big of job to replace it.

Here's a bit of the bulletin that pertains to the problem:

REDUCED STEERING EFFORT (DIAGNOSE/REPLACE STEERING #86-32-06 - (09/23/1998) SUBJECT: REDUCED STEERING EFFORT (DIAGNOSE/REPLACE STEERING WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND BEARING ASSEMBLY)

MODELS: 1997-98 CHEVROLET AND GMC C/K, M/L AND G-VAN WITH EVO (ELECTRONIC VARIABLE ORIFICE)

CONDITION:

SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT REDUCED STEERING EFFORT WHILE DRIVING. THIS REDUCED STEERING EFFORT MAY CHANGE BACK TO THE ORIGINAL EFFORT INTERMITTENTLY DURING DRIVING OR REMAIN UNTIL THE NEXT KEY OFF-ON CYCLE. THESE SLIGHT CHANGES IN STEERING EFFORT DO NOT AFFECT THE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT MAY ALERT THE DRIVER THAT THE SYSTEM IS NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED.

Ian

(09/23/1998)

right to say it was the EVO sensor back then. I had the dealer replace it because I was afraid I might activate the air bag. Anyway I had replaced inner tie rod ends and had two allignments trying to fix the problem before I took Ian's advice. Thank again,Rob