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Loose steering

Tiny
ROBERT.ANDERSON04
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
My steering feels loose when I drive my Suburban. It tends to want to sway from side to side. I have replaced all the tie rods and the ball joints. I have had the front end checked out at a shop and had the alignment done. Is it te steering box going bad or do I need to install a steering stabilizer cylinder kit?
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Monday, May 4th, 2009 AT 6:31 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
ZACKMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,202 POSTS
Yes this truck had problem with the steering box here is a video that shows how to replace it.

https://youtu.be/KKeFqHLuRQ0

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers
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Sunday, May 10th, 2009 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
STEVE KYLLONEN
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 25,000 MILES
I suspect gear box is bad, I replaced all other front end parts and steering is still loose. Would like to see inside picture of gear box. Do they go bad, if so first experience.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2018 AT 1:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
Have a helper move the steering wheel rapidly back and forth about 6" while you watch the input shaft at the gearbox. The pitman shaft should turn at the same time. If there is a lag before it starts to turn, there are two possibilities. If the pitman shaft moves sideways a tiny but noticeable amount, bottoms out, THEN starts to turn, the bushing is worn and the gearbox must be replaced. More likely the sector shaft needs to be adjusted. That is done by loosening the lock nut on top and tightening the center bolt. The center bolt usually takes a 5/32" allen wrench. Just tighten it 1/8 turn and try it. Overtightening it will cause it to bind when steering straight ahead and will be irritating to drive. Tighten it another 1/8 turn if its getting better, but remember where you started from.

Caradiodoc
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+2
Tuesday, July 31st, 2018 AT 1:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
STEVE KYLLONEN
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Awesome, Thank you.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2018 AT 1:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2 LINSEY
  • MECHANIC
  • 287 POSTS
Thank you for using 2CarPros. Com. We appreciate your donation and look forward to helping you in the future.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2018 AT 1:37 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TALLFRIE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
Hello,

While driving at speeds of over thirty mph or so when I go around right hand tuns I loose tension in the steering wheel for a second or so and then it comes back. It is a bit scary and only happens while steering to the right.
Thanks for your help,
Jeff
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2018 AT 1:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Check out belt and tensioner belt maybe slipping
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2018 AT 1:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SHANE1989
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
Hi my name is shane and I have a 1999 chevy suburban 1500 2wd and a little while back the steering has become very loose. I can turn the wheel left and right quite a bit before there is any response from the wheels themself. How exactly can I fix this problem.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2018 AT 1:38 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GBGTEXAS
  • MEMBER
  • 46 POSTS
You need to have the front suspension/steering linkage checked. You will probably find that you have a worn/loose pitman arm or possible gear box problems.
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Tuesday, July 31st, 2018 AT 1:38 PM (Merged)

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