Power Steering – Slow / Hard response when backing up..???

Drifthopper · August 8, 2013

Truck : GMT-900 - 2012 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3 L 4x4

Do any of you guys experience hard steering when backing up?

I only notice it on mine when trying to back up my snowmobile trailer.

The trailer is small/short , so trying to get it to go straight is a lot of correction with the steering wheel, and going from lock to lock is difficult at times,,,, like,,, two hands trying to turn the wheel.

I understand the rpm’s are low, just above idle, but when I had my 2004 Silverado, 4.8, I could spin the
steering wheel with one hand when backing up in the same driveway with the same trailer.

Is this normal with the GMT-900's..???

SILVERADOSC540 · August 8, 2013

Not normal for mine anyway. Is it in 4WD?

gnet158 · August 8, 2013

Nope, same resistance going forward or backwards. Check/change the power steering fluld. Mine does make an annoying noise at full lock. It appears to be normal as I had the sales guy fire up two other trucks and do the same thing before I bought mine.

TJay74 · August 9, 2013

More than likely you are at low RPM and the power steering pump is not adding that much assistance so it is causing you to have more effort. Probably something to do with fuel savings while at idle or low engine speeds.

SouthCo · August 9, 2013

I back mine often and with a trailer once in awhile and haven't noticed this. So I would say not normal. Do u notice the slow steering all the time when reversing or just when working the trailer?

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NEFisher11 · August 9, 2013

I am constanly backing my boat/utility trailer/dads boat up and weaving between trees and rocks and all sorts of fun obsticales in our backyard. I have never noticed my steering to be the way you describe and i have the 4.8l. I would say its not normal and time for a trip to the dealer sense its still under warranty.