Since Mid December, I have been to 2 garages, 7 visits to garage, $2,000 in work, and still have a steering issue.
When this started, I had two problems... the steering was extremely loose and it would spontaneously jerk in direction of turning (similar to a binding effect, then it will break loose suddenly jerking in that direction). I had the steering box replaced, this helped with the loose steering, but the sudden "jerking" in steering continued. This will occur at random, I can go days to a week without it happening, or it can happen on every turn/bend in a single day. The faster I am going or harder turn I am taking, the more noticeable and scary it is.
Parts that have been replaced in attempt to fix this issue are:
Steering box
Pit-man arm
Steering pump and lines
Linkages were checked and lubricated (not replaced)
Shocks
Things ruled out as they are not on this model:
Steering box sensors
Steering pump cooling system.
One garage mentioned that the steering shaft had a "little bit of play", but not enough to be of concern.
I am at a complete lost with not being comfortable driving this truck, running out of money to spend on it, and have a large headache.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time.
I have a 1997 Silverado as well and I had the same problem. I replaced the steering wheel position sensor that is located in the steering column under the dash inside the cab. It only takes 5 minutes to change and I haven't had a problem since and that was 2 years ago.
Yes, that would be the issue. The position sensor sends a signal to the EVO (Electronic Variable Orifice) which is connected at the bottom of the power steering pump.
It's a common issue with older Chevy trucks.
I also have a 1997 Silverado and it did the same thing when turning... scary around other traffic. I had a friend who told me that they are set up to turn in different increments depending on how fast you drive... so if you are taking a big turn at a slow speed it senses that and then you don't have to turn the wheel as much.. I didn't quite understand it, but he just went under the truck and unplugged a specific wire from the steering box... and it's been perfect ever since.
Where is the steering wheel position sensor located and how much are they to replace? I have a 98 Chevy and mine does it too, yet it's scarier due to my truck being jacked up! How are hard is it to change out this part? I have to get this problem fixed!
I have a 97 1/2 ton ext cab, 5.7 Vortec. Bought with a 118k.
The truck is a tank. 167000 miles. Tranny done at 124k. The mechanic that did it builds race cars, total race cars, and is a retired Chevy mechanic. It shifts hard from 1st to 2nd and he made it do it that way when he rebuilt it. He said it's better for the tranny if it shifts faster. Can almost get a second gear scratch on pavement with an auto tranny. It's awesome!
The steering dive drift thing is an issue. Was told to replace the pittman arm, haven't done it yet.
Replaced the window regulator in driver side door, and door handle.
Water pump at about 135k. Got the mystery coolant leak developing, tried stop leak, SEEMS to be working.
Put new plugs and wires in it last winter. Starts like a champ every time.
Latest issue was headlights turning off when I turned the switch on, daytimes work great, could get them to work if I tilted the steering wheel just right. Then they just quit. Took the plastic collar off the column in the cab below the steering wheel, found the ground wire corroded completely off. It is part of a 11 plug connection, pain in the butt to get off, but soldered the wire back on and no problems yet.
I love this truck, I live in a small town in Iowa and during the winter months cut and haul huge loads of wood, haul deer, furbearing animals, and anything else I can fit in the bed of this truck. Summer time? It's flatheads and beer cans with a snapping turtle on the side, put good rubber on it and 3 feet of snow or 3 feet of river bottom mud, nothing beats a 1997 1/2 ton 5.7l Vortec 4wd Chevrolet pickup.
Maybe I got lucky, and maybe I just jinxed myself, but hey, one awesome truck. Let's hear it.
alxwilhelmi@aol.com
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