Steering wheel locks up while driving

mortus1013 · December 18, 2013

I have a 2010 1500 and while driving down the road and accelerating the steering wheel locked. It stayed locked until I let my foot off the gas. I was able to do it a few more times right after but once I took to the mechanic it doesn't do it now. Any thoughts?

gmtech4 · December 19, 2013

You could open the hood and check the motor mount bolt and mount on the drivers side. If the bolt is gone or the mount is broken or loose, the engine will torque to the right when accelerating. This could bind the steering on the exhaust. If you have help, hold the brake, put it in gear and watch the engine while CAREFULLY increasing the throttle. If the mount is broken you can see the engine tilt.

i dont think so tim

txab · March 25, 2019

1 hour ago, thinkjag said:

I couldn't find the other post you mentioned. Do you have a link?

John

https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/196583-steering-wheel-lock-up/?tab=comments#comment-1923196

You might look at this post in the thread:

https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/196583-steering-wheel-lock-up/?do=findComment&comment=1956479

mortus1013 · December 18, 2013

The mechanic didn't find anything and all the fluids and belts are fine.

scooby5121 · December 18, 2013

It would be a mechanism problem,, inside something where you have to pull apart !

something is worn , steering box, front end component, steering wheel itself jarring on something, pin in lock cylinder,

on and on..

NOT SAFE TO DRIVE ANYWHERE !!!!

Wayde · January 12, 2016

????

Beer Belly · April 3, 2014

My 2011 Sierra has had the steering lock up three times in 60,000 miles, the first time at 8,000. Take note that this has happened while accelerating up an on ramp to a 65 mph highway. The dealer really didn't care at the time, they are no longer my dealer. They never elevated it to corporate at the time, recently asked GM and they said they have never had any reports of this. Funny, since there are three (mine plus two more) complaints to the NHTSA for the steering locking up. Steering locks, and then if you pull really hard it pops very loud and unlocks. If my wife is ever driving it and it does this she will not be able to unlock it. GM doesn't care or want to know about these problems.

Seems GM is getting caught hiding problems.....could this be another we'll hear about years from now after a dozen or so deaths ??.....serious problem with a locking steering wheel.

ChevySilveradoLTZ · January 18, 2017

Wade, I created a post regarding a similar issue with my Silverado. It should be called Steering wheel lock up in off-topic.

txab · December 22, 2013

He's a retired GM Tech with quite a few years of experience.

I've had a broken drivers side m.m. and didn't experience what you suggest

idahoruss · December 19, 2013

You could open the hood and check the motor mount bolt and mount on the drivers side. If the bolt is gone or the mount is broken or loose, the engine will torque to the right when accelerating. This could bind the steering on the exhaust. If you have help, hold the brake, put it in gear and watch the engine while CAREFULLY increasing the throttle. If the mount is broken you can see the engine tilt.

idahoruss · December 21, 2013

Why do you say that Al? Have you never seen a broken motor mount? Are you a forum mechanic or a working mechanic?

Gun Designer · April 3, 2014

My 2011 Sierra has had the steering lock up three times in 60,000 miles, the first time at 8,000. Take note that this has happened while accelerating up an on ramp to a 65 mph highway. The dealer really didn't care at the time, they are no longer my dealer. They never elevated it to corporate at the time, recently asked GM and they said they have never had any reports of this. Funny, since there are three (mine plus two more) complaints to the NHTSA for the steering locking up. Steering locks, and then if you pull really hard it pops very loud and unlocks. If my wife is ever driving it and it does this she will not be able to unlock it. GM doesn't care or want to know about these problems.

thinkjag · March 25, 2019

On 4/2/2014 at 8:27 PM, Gun Designer said:

My 2011 Sierra has had the steering lock up three times in 60,000 miles, the first time at 8,000. Take note that this has happened while accelerating up an on ramp to a 65 mph highway. The dealer really didn't care at the time, they are no longer my dealer. They never elevated it to corporate at the time, recently asked GM and they said they have never had any reports of this. Funny, since there are three (mine plus two more) complaints to the NHTSA for the steering locking up. Steering locks, and then if you pull really hard it pops very loud and unlocks. If my wife is ever driving it and it does this she will not be able to unlock it. GM doesn't care or want to know about these problems.

Did you ever discover the issue? It happened to my 2009 Sierra.

John

thinkjag · March 25, 2019

On 1/18/2017 at 4:33 PM, ChevySilveradoLTZ said:

Wade, I created a post regarding a similar issue with my Silverado. It should be called Steering wheel lock up in off-topic.

I couldn't find the other post you mentioned. Do you have a link?

John

Wayde · January 12, 2016

I have a 2014 gmc Sierra and the steering wheel locked up while pulling into a drive way. The lights on the dash and the intellink display flickered. Also got a warning on the dash showing stabilizer something ect.This is the 2nd time ttso going into the dealer.

Has anyone ever had this issue?