6 replies to this topic

[daltongc]

Hey guys,

I just bought this 1998 GMC Sierra 1500 2wd with 149k. I had it aligned yesterday and the front end components are all fine, which says a lot for their durability as they are all original. I have noticed that sometimes I feel some resistance in the steering wheel when turning, the suddenly it "breaks loose" and turns easier. The guy at the alignment shop referred me to a mechanic who said this is because of a faulty steering wheel position sensor. He says that because of the speed compensated steering, the system needs the feedback from the SW position sensor, and that when they get old and faulty, they can exhibit these symptoms. He said the sensor is located on the steering column and that it would take about an hour to change. Total cost to change including parts, $150. Has anyone else run into this and where is this sensor located. How hard is it to change?

Thanks!

Edited by daltongc, 15 July 2008 - 06:06 PM.

[M. Cueva]

Service Information
1998 GMC Truck GMC C Pickup - 2WD | Chevy Pickup, GMC Pickup, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1911096 #07-02-32-001: Reduced Steering Effort (Diagnose/Replace Steering Wheel Position Sensor) - (Feb 27, 2007)

Subject:Reduced Steering Effort (Diagnose/Replace Steering Wheel Position Sensor)

Models:1997-2001 Chevrolet Silverado Classic

1997-1998 Chevrolet Astro, Express

1997-2001 GMC Sierra Classic

1997-1998 GMC Safari, Savana

with EVO (Electronic Variable Orifice)

This bulletin is being revised to update affected model years and parts information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin 86-32-06.


Condition
Some customers may comment about reduced steering effort while driving. This reduced steering effort may change back to the original effort intermittently during the 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.


Cause
The condition may be caused by high electrical resistance in the steering wheel speed sensor. The high electrical resistance is a result of inadequate contact pressure of the electrical contactor in the sensor.


Correction
Follow steps 1, 2 and 3 of the strategy based diagnostics for the condition. Refer to section 2B5 of the service manual, Diagnostic System Check. Verify that there are no stored DTCs. The conditions stated above typically will not set a DTC. If no DTC is found, do the following diagnosis:

• Disconnect the 3 wire connector from the steering wheel speed sensor.
• With the key in the OFF position, use a digital multimeter (DMM) to test for resistance between CKT 1057 (ORN/BLK) and CKT 1059 (LT BLU).
• Rotate the steering wheel slowly from lock to lock.
• Record the highest reading. If the reading is above 12K ohms, replace the steering wheel speed sensor and bearing assembly. If the reading is below 12K ohms, the steering wheel speed sensor is operating as designed.

Parts Information
Part Number

Description

26081626

Sensor Kit - Steering Wheel Position (Silverado and Sierra Light Duty)

26064468

Sensor - Steering Wheel Position (Astro, Safari, Express, Savana, Silverado HD and Sierra HD)


Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

E7690

Sensor, Steering Wheel Rotation - Replace

Use Published Labor Operation Time

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.


WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

[M. Cueva]

Service Information
1998 GMC Truck GMC C Pickup - 2WD | Chevy Pickup, GMC Pickup, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1361876 #03-02-36-002: SMU - Revised Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement Procedure and Steering Wheel Position Sensor Centering Procedure - (Jul 30, 2003)

Subject:Revised Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement Procedure and Steering Wheel Position Sensor Centering Procedure

Models:1998-2003 Buick LeSabre, Park Avenue

1998-2003 Cadillac DeVille, Seville

2003 Cadillac CTS

1998-2003 Chevrolet Corvette

1998 Oldsmobile Achieva

1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue

1998-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora

1999-2003 Oldsmobile Alero

1998-2003 Pontiac Bonneville, Grand Am

1998-2000 Chevrolet C/K Pickup Models

1998-2003 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe

1999-2003 Chevrolet Silverado

2002-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

1998-1999 GMC Suburban

1998-2000 GMC C/K Pickup Models

1998-2003 GMC Yukon

1999-2003 GMC Sierra

2000-2003 GMC Yukon Denali, Yukon XL

2003 GMC Sierra Denali

This bulletin is being issued to revise the Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement procedure in the Variable Effort Steering (1998-2001 model years) or Steering Wheel and Column (2002-2003 model years) and add the Steering Wheel Position Sensor Centering procedure in the Steering Wheel and Column sub-sections of the Service Manual. Please replace the current information in the Service Manual with the following information.

The following information has been updated within SI. If you are using a paper version of this Service Manual, please make a reference to this bulletin on the affected page.


Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement

Removal Procedure

• 
  
  Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in Cautions and Notices.
  
• Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in SIR.
• Remove the steering column from the vehicle. Refer to Steering Column Replacement.
• Remove the following from the steering shaft:

  3.1. steering shaft seal (7)

  3.2. sensor retainer (6)

  3.3. steering wheel position sensor (5), refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor Centering.

  3.4. 2 lower spring retainers (4)

  3.5. lower bearing spring (3)

  3.6. lower bearing seat (2)

  3.7. adapter and bearing assembly (1)

Installation Procedure

• 
  
• Install the following onto the steering shaft:

  1.1. adapter and bearing assembly (1)

  1.2. lower bearing seat (2)

  1.3. lower bearing spring (3)

  1.4. 2 lower spring retainers (4)

  1.5. steering wheel position sensor (5) refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor Centering.

  1.6. sensor retainer (6)

  1.7. steering shaft seal (7)

  1.8. Enable the SIR system. Refer to in SIR.

• Install the steering column to the vehicle. Refer to Steering Column Replacement.
• Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in SIR.

Steering Wheel Position Sensor Centering

Removal Procedure

• Important: Identify the type of steering wheel position sensor from the illustrations below BEFORE removing the sensor from the steering column. Once you have identified the steering wheel position sensor, follow the instructions listed in the removal procedure.
  
• Verify the type of steering wheel position sensor.
  
  
• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor (1) connector will be on the right.Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you do not have to align the sensor before removal. Centering is not required when it is time to reinstall.
  
• Remove the connector from the sensor.
• Remove the sensor (1) from the adapter and bearing assembly.
• To install the sensor, proceed to step 1 in the installation section.
  
  
• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:

  • A foam ring (2)

  • A pin hole (1) for centering the pin (note location of the pin hole)

  • A flush rotor flange cuff (4)

  Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must make an alignment mark on the rotor flange cuff (3) before removing the sensor. Failure to do so will cause misalignment when installing the sensor. A new sensor will be required if misaligned.
  
• Make an alignment mark on the flush rotor flange cuff (3).
• Remove the connector from the sensor.
• Remove the sensor from the adapter and bearing assembly.
• To install the sensor, proceed to step 5 in the installation section.
  
  
• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:

  • A raised rotor flange cuff (3)

  • An alignment mark (2) on the rotor flange cuff (3) for installation

  • A pin hole (1) for the centering pin (note location of the pin hole)

• Remove the connector from the sensor.
• Remove the sensor from the adapter and bearing assembly.
• To install the sensor, proceed to step 9 in the installation section.
  
  
• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:

  • A raised rotor flange cuff (3)

  • An alignment mark (2) on the rotor flange cuff (3) for installation

  • A pin hole (1) for the centering pin (note location of the pin hole)

  • A sensor clip in FRONT of the sensor

• Remove the connector from the sensor.
• Remove the sensor clip from the sensor.
• Remove the sensor from the adapter and bearing assembly.
• To install the sensor, proceed to step 13 in the installation section.
  
  
• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:

  • A flush rotor flange cuff (3)

  • A pin hole (1) for the centering pin (note location of the pin hole)

  • An alignment mark (2) on the flush rotor flange cuff (3) for installation

• Remove the connector from the sensor.
• Remove the sensor from the adapter and bearing assembly.
• To install the sensor, proceed to step 17 in the installation section.
  

[M. Cueva]

• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:

  • A flush rotor flange cuff (4)

  • A pin hole (2) for the centering pin (note location of the pin hole)

  • An alignment mark (3) on the flush rotor flange cuff (4) for installation

  • A foam ring (1)

• Remove the connector from the sensor.
• Remove the sensor from the adapter and bearing assembly.
• To install the sensor, proceed to step 21 in the installation section.

Installation Procedure

• 
  
  Important: If reusing the existing sensor, no centering of the sensor is required.
  
• If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated.
• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor (1) connector will be on your right.From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor (2) connector will be on your left.
  
• Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
• Install the connector to the sensor.
  
  
• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:

  • A foam ring (4)

  • A pin hole (7) for the centering pin (note location of the pin hole)

  • A flushed rotor flange cuff (6)

  • An alignment mark (5) for installation

• From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor will have:

  • Double D flats (1)

  • A foam ring (3)

  • An alignment tab (2) for installing into the adapter and bearing assembly.

  • A view of the inside of the connector

  Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must align the marks on the flush rotor flange cuff before installation. The alignment mark must stay aligned until the sensor is seated into the adapter and bearing assembly.
  
  If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated. If the new sensor did not come with a pin installed, you must reorder a new sensor.
• Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
• Install the connector to the sensor.
  
  
• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:

  • A pin hole (3) for the centering pin (note location of the pin hole)

  • A raised rotor flange cuff (5)

  • An alignment mark (4) for installation

• From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor will have:

  • Double D flats (1)

  • An alignment tab (2) for installing into the adapter and bearing assembly.

  Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must align the marks on the raised rotor flange cuff before installation. The alignment mark must stay aligned until the sensor is seated into the adapter and bearing assembly.
  
  If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated. If the new sensor did not come with a pin installed, you must reorder a new sensor.
• Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
• Install the connector to the sensor.
  
  
• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:

  • A pin hole (2) for the centering pin (note location of the pin hole)

  • A raised rotor flange cuff (4)

  • An alignment mark (3) for installation

• From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor will have an alignment tab (1) for installation. This sensor does not have double D flats.Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must align the marks on the raised rotor flange cuff before installation. The alignment mark must stay aligned until the sensor is seated into the adapter and bearing assembly.
  
  If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated. If the new sensor did not come with a pin installed, you must reorder a new sensor.
• Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
• Install the connector to the sensor.
  
  
• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:

  • A pin hole (2) for the centering pin (note location of the pin hole)

  • A flush rotor flange cuff (4)

  • An alignment mark (3) for installation

• From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor will have an alignment tab (1) for installation. This sensor does not have double D flats.Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must align the marks on the flush rotor flange cuff before installation. The alignment mark must stay aligned until the sensor is seated into the adapter and bearing assembly.
  
  If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated. If the new sensor did not come with a pin installed, you must reorder a new sensor.
• Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
• Install the connector to the sensor.
  
  
• From the technicians point of view, the FRONT of the sensor will have:

  • A pin hole (3) for the centering pin (note location of the pin hole)

  • A flush rotor flange cuff (5)

  • An alignment mark (4) for installation

  • A foam ring (6)

• From the technicians point of view, the BACK of the sensor will have:

  • Double D flats (1)

  • An alignment tab (2) for installing into the adapter and bearing assembly.

  Important: If reusing the existing sensor, you must align the marks on the flush rotor flange cuff before installation. The alignment mark must stay aligned until the sensor is seated into the adapter and bearing assembly.
  
  If installing a new sensor, it will come with a pin installed in the sensor. Do not remove the pin until the sensor is seated. If the new sensor did not come with a pin installed, you must reorder a new sensor.
• Looking at the FRONT of the sensor, align the sensor with the steering shaft and install into the adapter and bearing assembly.
• Install the connector to the sensor.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.


WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

[M. Cueva]

Service Information

1998 GMC Truck GMC C Pickup - 2WD | Chevy Pickup, GMC Pickup, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon (VIN C/K) Service Manual | Document ID: 1413529 Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement (Centering Not Required)
Tools Required
J 42640 Steering Column Anti Rotation Pin


Removal Procedure

• Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
• Install J 42640 or set the steering wheel in the LOCKED position.Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.
  
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Disable the supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR). Refer to Disabling the SIR System in SIR.Important: You MUST make an alignment mark on the upper to lower steering shaft connection. You will need the alignment marks for installation.
  
• Make an alignment mark on the upper and lower steering shafts where they connect before removal.
• Remove the nut and the bolt from the upper to the lower steering shaft connection.Slide the lower shaft down.
  
• Remove the steering wheel position sensor connector by using a suitable tool in order to pull the connector down around the right side of the steering column for accessibility.
  
  
  Important: Do not apply force to the steering wheel position sensor and the adapter and bearing assembly in a sideways direction.
  
  The steering wheel position sensor does NOT require centering.
• Remove the steering wheel position sensor and adapter and bearing assembly from the steering column jacket by pulling the assembly straight out.
• Remove the steering wheel position sensor from the clips in the adapter and bearing assembly.

Installation Procedure

• Important: A new steering wheel position sensor does NOT come with a pin installed.
  
  The steering wheel position sensor does NOT require centering.
• Install the steering wheel position sensor into the adapter and bearing assembly.
• Verify the following before installing the steering wheel position sensor:

  • The front wheels are in the straight-ahead position.

  • That J 42640 is installed or the steering wheel is in the LOCKED position.

• Install the adapter and bearing assembly into the steering column jacket.

  3.1. Align the notches on the adapter and bearing assembly and the steering column jacket.

  Important: Do not apply force to the steering wheel position sensor and the adapter and bearing assembly in a sideways direction.

  3.2. Seat the adapter and bearing assembly into the steering column jacket.

• Connect the steering wheel position sensor connector.Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
  
• Align the marks on the upper and lower steering shafts, where they connect, that you made during the removal procedure.
• Install the bolt and the nut to the upper end of the shaft.Tighten
  Tighten the nut to 62 N·m (46 lb ft).
  
• Connect the negative battery cable.
• Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in SIR.

© 2008 General Motors Corporation. All rights reserved.

[daltongc]

M Cueva, Thanks for the lowdown on this. Too bad I'm way past warranty, or I'd take it to the dealer. it looks like it could be a pain to install and get everything just right.

[daltongc]

M Cueva, I'm just thinking aloud here, but is it possible to disconnect this sensor and have the system use the same rate of boost all the time?