2010 Sierra steering problem

turkish · July 4, 2012

Has anyone experienced a loss in power steering on these trucks? I've had a nagging problem since new with the steering becoming very difficult when at low RPMs. It came to head the other day when backing up a trailer. This required some pretty quick steering changes that were simply impossible at idle. I took it in and they replaced the PS pump. The problem may be a bit better now, but the steering is noticeably difficult when the wheel is turned rapidly (almost when it is jerked) at idle RPMs. I realize a jerking of the wheel is not all that common, but there are situations where this makes tasks more difficult.

SouthCo · July 4, 2012

My 2010 has never experienced any steering issues. I have just over 10k miles on her now. Keep us posted.

Daryl LBZ · July 5, 2012

My 2009 and 2011 both did/do exactly what yours is doing.

GMCustomerService · July 6, 2012

Have you had a chance to bring this to the attention of yuor dealer? I would recommend mentioning it on your next visit. If you find that you need additional assistance, feel free to contact me privately with the last eight of your VIN. Thank you in advance.

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

adamjeeps · July 6, 2012

There was a TSB to replace the power steering hose with a new less restrictive hose on certain 2007 models:

Bulletin No.: 08-02-32-001C

This bulletin in being revised to include 1500 Series Trucks New Body Style Only. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 08-02-32-001B (Section 02 - Steering).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a shudder or vibration in the steering wheel during low speed parking lot maneuvers.

Cause

This vibration/shudder may be caused by unstable fluid flow characteristics inside the power steering hose assembly.

Correction

Important:

DO NOT replace the power steering pump or gear.

Technicians are to replace the power steering inlet hose assembly with P/N 25858603.

Refer to SI for power steering inlet hose removal and installation procedures.

turkish · July 6, 2012

I just picked the truck up from the dealer again -- couldn't reproduce problem. Well, while I was picking it up, the service mgr was there and had the consultant manning the desk work with me a bit, since things looked a bit slow. I got him to turn lock to lock and he admitted feeling resistance. I will say that it was raining and their floor was very slick -- the resistance was about HALF of what I feel at other times. I am to bring the truck back in and deal with this same consultant.

They did do some looking on the service dept computer while I was there. The only guidance they could find from GM was something about changing the steering gear. I think they may try that next. Though mostly quite helfpul, the service mgr did make a comment about "maybe being normal operation" that made my face start getting hot. I asked if all the '12s did the same thing, to which he responded, "they might've changed some steering components since 2010."

"Couldn't reproduce" AND "normal operation" shticks in one visit -- man, I'm living right! I must wonder how much effort would've been expended duplicating the problem before my return if this thing was out of warranty.

To be honest, I think it would make me happier if this WAS normal operation. At least then I'd know something wasn't wrong that they were unwilling to correct. I KNOW this isn't normal, though. This thing is impossible to parallel park on a busy street -- utterly impossible. Also a 3-point turn after backing out of a parking spot leaving their lot, required 2 hands to turn the wheel. If I pause to let it "catch up," it's fine.

canadiantowman · July 7, 2012

I have had this problem with my truck since day one.

turkish · July 7, 2012

DarylNHT and Canadian, do you guys simply deal with it? Have you ever tried to get it fixed? Do you have tips for coping?

canadiantowman · July 7, 2012

My truck has been at the dealer for so many things I'm getting tried of visiting them even though they are very nice to me.As of right now I still have the rear cab noise and since getting the last TSB for it my back seat now rattles plus I need to get the TSB for the rear springs done too. When I drop it off this week I'll see what they say about it.

turkish · July 8, 2012

I think there is something fishy with the belt/pulley system. My other complaint with the truck is something I believe is likely "normal" but still a nuisance and not something I notice on other vehicles -- this complaint is that at low RPM driving in VERY HOT south Louisianan weather, the AC cools noticeably less than at highway cruising (constant 2k RPM). I theorize that the pulley system on this truck is designed for fuel efficiency and not steering and A/c performance.

BlackZ71Silverado · July 8, 2012

I haven't noticed this with my 2010 but I don't use it much. Going to have to pay attention to see if this happens.

txdutt · July 9, 2012

you hit the nail on the head, my truck does it but the only time I notice it is in parking lot manuevers some of the time...I'm thinking of swapping out the ps fluid with some RP or Lucas synthetic to see if that helps out...

ruggedlife · July 9, 2012

never noticed it on my 09 and it was on 35's which is even more stress to the system..., haven't noticed it on my 12 yet, also never noticed it on any customer vehicles either...weird

turkish · July 11, 2012

you hit the nail on the head, my truck does it but the only time I notice it is in parking lot manuevers some of the time...I'm thinking of swapping out the ps fluid with some RP or Lucas synthetic to see if that helps out...

Try backing a trailer up a very slight grade in tight quarters -- just enough of a grade and just heavy enough load that it will crawl without giving any extra throttle. You need to make fairly large and rapid steering corrections, RPMs are slightly less than normal idle speed (and you CANNOT give it any RPM to improve that) -- this part is the key. This equals ZERO power steering.

00Silverado4x4 · July 11, 2012

you hit the nail on the head, my truck does it but the only time I notice it is in parking lot manuevers some of the time...I'm thinking of swapping out the ps fluid with some RP or Lucas synthetic to see if that helps out...

Try backing a trailer up a very slight grade in tight quarters -- just enough of a grade and just heavy enough load that it will crawl without giving any extra throttle. You need to make fairly large and rapid steering corrections, RPMs are slightly less than normal idle speed (and you CANNOT give it any RPM to improve that) -- this part is the key. This equals ZERO power steering.

Been there, done that, completely sucks. I was putting my TT between two trees and then a sharp turn to one side. Awesome spot to camp, getting to it..no so much. I scuffed the crap out of my plastic fender "protectors" going up hill slightly. Zero power steering is right, especially since the front tires were on paved "road" so I had no give from the ground to turn the wheel. Felt like I was driving my brother old F-something hundred pickup with manual steering.

On a good note, since I replaced my idler arm and pitman arm my truck "seems" to be much easier to steer than it has ever been (and I bought it brand new.) I religiously lube up my chasis so I'm not sure why these parts made such a difference.