Steering problem??

Chris97K1500 · February 26, 2003

Well now that I've had this truck for a couple weeks I've been noticing more and more good and bad things about it. So far, the only "bad" thing has been the steering. When I turn to the right, at about 2 or 3 o'clock into the turn the truck jerks to the right, like it is being very over sensitive. Is this common? If not what could be wrong? Thanks, Chris

Shaners · February 26, 2003

<font color='#000000'>Here's what I came up with when I did a search... I knew there was something posted about it earlier. It is the EVO sensor. Here is a couple of copy and pasted posts about it:

jar0023

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Joined: Jan. 2002 Posted: Jan. 24 2002,10:33

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It's your EVO (electric variable orifice) sensor. I just changed mine on my '97 Tahoe and the difference was like night and day. Part cost me $35 bucks from dealer and took less than 30 mins to intall. The sensor is at the end of your steering shaft, just inside the firewall where the intermediate shaft bolts up. Undo one bolt on intermediate shaft, disconnect sensor from harness (connection is on top of column), pull sensor off end of column, reverse process.

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TxDoc

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Joined: Feb. 2001 Posted: Jan. 24 2002,11:12

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I think jar is on target. HE may be the one who provided me with the help below! I had the same problem on a 97. I would be in at the apex of a corner and all of a sudden, it felt like I ran over some ball bearings! It was intermittent and always sudden.

Here is the help I got. Hope it helps you.

"P/N 26064468

It's located at the bottom of the steering column, under the dash. GM says it takes 1 hour to install. The sensor I listed above is for a '97 Tahoe, which I would assume to be the same thing as you GMC. The symptoms you described fit with what this Tahoe is doing. I got the sensor for about 35 bucks at the local dealership. I haven't tried to install the switch yet, but I hope it takes care of the problem"</font>

Z71GUY · February 26, 2003

Yep, Shaners is correct.

My friend has a 96 or 97 Surburban and she had the exact same problem. The part listed above fixed it.

Chris97K1500 · February 27, 2003

Thanks, guys! Appreciate the help. Hopefully it won't get any worse until I get a chance to fix it! Thanks again, Chris

Chris97K1500 · February 27, 2003

One quick question. Is the sensor located within the cab, on the steering column, or is it outside in the engine bay on the steering column? Just wanted to make sure I'm looking at the right place, so I can look to see what I'm getting myself into. Thanks, Chris

Shaners · February 27, 2003

By reading the posts that were "quoted" above, my guess would say that it is inside the cab, and under the dash, and up against the firewall.

Chris97K1500 · February 28, 2003

Thanks, I just wanted to make sure I'm looking on the right side of the steering column.

Jet-X · February 28, 2003

I had mine replaced by the dealer on my 97 GMC Sierra, just before I sold it. It cost me $165. I think the part was ~$40. I kept the old part and cut it open to see If I could find out what was wrong. Its basically some copper pads with some fingers which wipe across them. My guess is the copper was oxidized to the point where it wasn't making a good contact. The part is located near the bottom of the steering column inside the cab and has a pigtail connector plugged into it. My failed at around 57K miles.

stebob · December 15, 2003

Old post, I know, however, I'm having the same kind of problem. I have picked up the EVO sensor and went to replace it. It looks like I will have to tear the entire column apart to replace it. It does sound like that is the case from what is listed above. I remove the locking screw and nut but it does not come apart. I'm not sure how to go about doing this. The steering shaft goes through the center of this doughnut looking sensor. Anyone help me out? Pretty please?

asepgrad98 · December 15, 2003

Steering Wheel Position Sensor or Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement

Removal Procedure

Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. Set the steering wheel in the LOCKED position.

Caution

Before servicing any electrical component, the ignition key must be in the OFF or LOCK position and all electrical loads must be OFF, unless instructed otherwise in these procedures. If a tool or equipment could easily come in contact with a live exposed electrical terminal, also disconnect the negative battery cable. Failure to follow these precautions may cause 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.

Remove the nut and the bolt from the upper to the lower steering shaft connection. Slide the lower shaft down.

Remove the 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 sensor and the bearing in a sideways direction.

Remove the position sensor and bearing assembly from the steering column jacket by pulling the assembly straight out.

Remove the position sensor from the clips in the bearing assembly.

Installation Procedure

Install the position sensor into the bearing assembly.

Install the bearing into the steering column jacket.

Align the notches on the bearing and the column jacket.

Important

Do not apply force to the sensor and the bearing in a sideways direction.

Seat the bearing fulling into the jacket.

Connect the 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.

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.

97whitez71 · December 15, 2003

Replaced mine a few months ago. Here is what I went by:

"Its not that hard but it is in a tight spot. You'll need a 15mm box wrench or socket/rachet combo. Underneath your dash at bottom of your steering column before it goes into the firewall there is one bolt that connects steering wheel shaft to your steering box shaft. Remove this one bolt and push lower shaft forward towards firewall. This will allow you room to remove sensor. It is inside a little

plastic casing with three catch pins holding it in place and one connection plug. The plug may be wrapped in shrink foam and located just above steering column toward wheel. It took me more time to get the foam off the plug than it did to do

the acutal job. If you have access to MEK solution it would probably melt foam wrap without harming anything else. Just follow steps and reverse for install. Hope this helps."

Hope this helps.

99-2door · December 15, 2003

To clarify:

Only 97-up have this system.

I replaced the sensor on my dad's 99 c1500 Suburban a few months back. Now my 99 K1500 Tahoe is starting to act up, I need to go get the part for it I guess.