Steering issue after rack and pinion replacement?

Tiny
LAURIE ANN
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 GMC ENVOY
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Took truck to one of my regular mechanics, I had a power steering leak unfortunately ended up being my rack. Had it replaced. They ended up having to replace the steering sensor also as something happened during the repair. So, no charge to me. I picked it up and noticed the steering was weird.

Mainly noticed when driving straight, the steering wheel can't seem to find center. I know that sounds odd but I used to be able to drive with 1 hand but can't now. The wheel pulls, right or left. Truck seems to drive fine for the most part but the steering is possessed. I took it back.

They test drove it with me in the car, did do a second alignment after and tried to say that maybe the column being 170,000 miles old was having an issue with the new (remanufactured) rack and pinion. This doesn't seem right to me and I'm incredibly frustrated. I think it may be a defective rack and pinion but would like some thoughts before I have to go back, lol.

The truck was steering perfectly fine when I took it in, just was leaking pretty bad.

Thank you for any help.
Friday, November 4th, 2022 AT 8:18 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

Did they replace the steering angle sensor, and do you know if it was properly centered? If you have your receipt, see if it says that on it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, November 4th, 2022 AT 9:38 PM
Tiny
LAURIE ANN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Not on the receipt. Assume because they didn't charge me. They called and said that after they put it together the stabili track light wouldn't go out, something about when the wheel was turned left. I'm not sure whether they said steering sensor or steering angle sensor or if they are the same, they simply replaced it. I'm sorry and I am hoping that's all it is. Thank you for the quick reply and I apologize if this sends two times, did it on my phone but it didn't show up.
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Saturday, November 5th, 2022 AT 5:42 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

If the stability light is on, it certainly can be a result of the steering angle sensor. If possible, can you contact them and ask if they did the centering procedure for the steering angle sensor? That is where I suspect the problem is.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, November 5th, 2022 AT 6:12 PM
Tiny
LAURIE ANN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The stability light is not on at this time. I will stop down and ask on Monday. Thank you for any help, this is driving me bonkers.
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Saturday, November 5th, 2022 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
No problem whatsoever. Let me know what they tell you.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, November 5th, 2022 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
LAURIE ANN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Just spoke to the repair place, the secretary. It was the steering angle sensor that was replaced, and she couldn't say for sure whether the center procedure was done. So, I'm dropping it off Friday to have them do it or redo it. Whatever the case I will let you know what happens. Thank you again.
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Monday, November 7th, 2022 AT 6:06 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

Thanks for the update. I look forward to hearing if that takes care of the issue.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, November 7th, 2022 AT 6:34 PM
Tiny
LAURIE ANN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I apologize as I tried to update via my phone and it appears it didn't go through, I dropped it off last Friday. They stated that all had been done correctly (the SAS centering programming etc.) After going over the whole truck they decided to order another rack. I dropped it off yesterday and hopefully will have it back today without the issue, lol.
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Friday, November 18th, 2022 AT 5:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

No problem whatsoever. I hope that takes care of the issue. If possible, let me know how things turn out. I'm interested in knowing.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, November 18th, 2022 AT 6:55 PM

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