Steering Wheel hard to turn at low speed - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

slick copper · 07-08-2014, 05:45 AM

Hey guys. I've been searching for a while can't seem to find a good answer. My steering wheel is hard to turn at low speeds even feels like it's locking up sometimes on my 2002 Silverado 2500 hd 8.1L. This makes it extremely difficult to turn in parking lots or backing up a trailer. I wondered if it was my power steering pump, but it doesn't seem to be making any unusual noise and my brakes seem to work good (hydro boost). Could it be the intermediate shaft? Or something else. Just over 102K on the odometer. Any suggestions?

Mr-Jack · 07-08-2014, 03:52 PM

check the fittings around the pump for leaks and check the hoses for seapage. might be a small air leak...or something as small as not enough fluid or the cap not on all the way.

mine won't turn full lock unless i'm in gear...gotta remember that it's a heavy motor, and that Allison weighs about 1000 lbs. gonna have to be gentle while turning. I got used to being gentle because of my M/T's

ssxty8 · 07-08-2014, 03:58 PM

Pump turning constantly, no belt slippage, worn steering parts (like ball joints), alignment, tires well inflated? Just thinking.

**Boog** · 07-08-2014, 07:34 PM

You can probably give it just a little bit of throttle and it turns just fine right? I have 2 trucks that do this sometimes.
It could be the pump. Or it could be the steering sensor.
Just to eliminate any parts of the steering linkage being the cause. Jack the front up and place on jack stands. With the engine off turn the steering wheel from lock to lock and feel for any hard spots. Also do a visual of all the front end parts noting wear items like tierod ends and pitman arm, ball joints, etc. Grab the tire and try wiggling side to side and up and down to insure everything is normal there.

slick copper · 07-09-2014, 04:53 AM

I think my alignment is off. Looks off just by looking. Plan to get wheels and tires next month so I'll wait until then. Won't be driving too much. I appreciate the input. Everything seems fine on the pump. Fluid level, belts, hoses. I was just curious if anyone had that same problem and the steering shaft had anything to do with it.

Panelman55 · 07-19-2014, 03:05 PM

I had a steering issue in my 00 Silverado. I pulled the ABS fuse and problem went away. I never searched any further for the problem. ABS light is on and stays on. Just a little info. maybe it helps.

Panelman55

07-08-2014, 05:45 AM	#1
slick copper Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Richmond, KY Posts: 1,137	Steering Wheel hard to turn at low speed Hey guys. I've been searching for a while can't seem to find a good answer. My steering wheel is hard to turn at low speeds even feels like it's locking up sometimes on my 2002 Silverado 2500 hd 8.1L. This makes it extremely difficult to turn in parking lots or backing up a trailer. I wondered if it was my power steering pump, but it doesn't seem to be making any unusual noise and my brakes seem to work good (hydro boost). Could it be the intermediate shaft? Or something else. Just over 102K on the odometer. Any suggestions? __________________ Raymond 1967 Chevy C/10 LWB Custom Optioned "big window truck" AKA Copper. My build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=452594 The story of how I got the truck:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=450939 Ole Smokey Build Thread 2002 Silverado 8.1L Crew Cab SOLDhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=618402

07-08-2014, 03:52 PM	#2
Mr-Jack Beer Drink'n Knuckle Dragger Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Eatonville, WA Posts: 493	Re: Steering Wheel hard to turn at low speed check the fittings around the pump for leaks and check the hoses for seapage. might be a small air leak...or something as small as not enough fluid or the cap not on all the way. mine won't turn full lock unless i'm in gear...gotta remember that it's a heavy motor, and that Allison weighs about 1000 lbs. gonna have to be gentle while turning. I got used to being gentle because of my M/T's __________________ GOD BLESS MY BROTHERS & SISTERS THAT SERVE WITH US *- 67 GMC Long-Wide* *350/SM420* *My BACON Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe*

07-08-2014, 03:58 PM	#3
ssxty8 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: PR Posts: 85	Re: Steering Wheel hard to turn at low speed Pump turning constantly, no belt slippage, worn steering parts (like ball joints), alignment, tires well inflated? Just thinking.

07-08-2014, 07:34 PM	#4
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,019	Re: Steering Wheel hard to turn at low speed You can probably give it just a little bit of throttle and it turns just fine right? I have 2 trucks that do this sometimes. It could be the pump. Or it could be the steering sensor. Just to eliminate any parts of the steering linkage being the cause. Jack the front up and place on jack stands. With the engine off turn the steering wheel from lock to lock and feel for any hard spots. Also do a visual of all the front end parts noting wear items like tierod ends and pitman arm, ball joints, etc. Grab the tire and try wiggling side to side and up and down to insure everything is normal there. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-09-2014, 04:53 AM	#5
slick copper Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Richmond, KY Posts: 1,137	Re: Steering Wheel hard to turn at low speed I think my alignment is off. Looks off just by looking. Plan to get wheels and tires next month so I'll wait until then. Won't be driving too much. I appreciate the input. Everything seems fine on the pump. Fluid level, belts, hoses. I was just curious if anyone had that same problem and the steering shaft had anything to do with it. __________________ Raymond 1967 Chevy C/10 LWB Custom Optioned "big window truck" AKA Copper. My build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=452594 The story of how I got the truck:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=450939 Ole Smokey Build Thread 2002 Silverado 8.1L Crew Cab SOLDhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=618402

07-19-2014, 03:05 PM	#6
Panelman55 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Winston, Ga. Posts: 240	Re: Steering Wheel hard to turn at low speed I had a steering issue in my 00 Silverado. I pulled the ABS fuse and problem went away. I never searched any further for the problem. ABS light is on and stays on. Just a little info. maybe it helps. Panelman55 __________________ In God We trust!!!



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