Binding steering

Danimal260 · May 5, 2015

So, I just bought this truck about 8 months ago and this just started maybe a few weeks ago. Turning either left or right, the steering starts binding/sticking. Return ability is near zero when I turn a corner. Now when it rains, this issue goes away and steering is smooth again. I've lubed the what fittings I could find and I'm at a loss. Does anyone have any clue as to what could be wrong, before I take it in. (I was a mechanic for 4.5 years and I do the majority of repairs to our vehicles. Thanks.

gmtech4 · May 5, 2015

4wd engaged , ? Had an accident and steering needs an alignment ?

You're right about taking it in

Danimal260 · May 5, 2015

4WD not engaged. No accidents from me. Just started happening.

Danimal260 · May 5, 2015

Also don't have to be moving to feel it binding/sticking. Just turn the wheels lock to lock is enough to feel it. Happens within the first 1/2 rotation of the steering wheel either way.

Beer Belly · May 5, 2015

When I come to a stop, put it in reverse to back into a parking space, mine loses P/S every once in a while....does the same going forward now and then.....never happens when the dealer has it.

00Silverado4x4 · May 6, 2015

Dumb question but how is your tire pressure? Also when a similar type thing happened on my previous truck I found the pitman and idler arms were worn out and had a lot of slack in them. Once they were replaced my difficulties were gone.

Danimal260 · May 6, 2015

Tires were just rotated this past weekend (after problem started again). I'll check those out soon. May end up replacing both and getting an alignment. Just hoping its not the steering gear. They tend to be pricy. Also I notice a clunking in my steering wheel. Pretty sure that's related to my steering shaft.

gmtech4 · May 7, 2015

Tires were just rotated this past weekend (after problem started again). I'll check those out soon. May end up replacing both and getting an alignment. Just hoping its not the steering gear. They tend to be pricy. Also I notice a clunking in my steering wheel. Pretty sure that's related to my steering shaft.

DO NOT jump to a steering box !!!!

GMCustomerService · May 8, 2015

Hi Danimal260,

I'm sorry the steering wheel in your Silverado is binding. I see you mentioned trying an alignment and tire rotation to resolve the concern. Were you able to get this taken care of? If not, please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you out!

Thanks,

Kayla K.

GM Customer Care

Tires were just rotated this past weekend (after problem started again). I'll check those out soon. May end up replacing both and getting an alignment. Just hoping its not the steering gear. They tend to be pricy. Also I notice a clunking in my steering wheel. Pretty sure that's related to my steering shaft.

Danimal260 · May 13, 2015

Truck was parked in my driveway last Friday and not driven and still had the issue. Rained on Friday and Saturday and humidity was around 90%. Sunday when I left for church, lo and behold, it wasn't happening any longer. Go figure. Still not binding currently.

Nanotech Environmental · May 14, 2015

My 2006 now does this every once in a while. It started about a month ago. When it happens, it seems to do it when it's warm out, but it's not consistent. I suspect it's possibly something in the steering box. Truck has almost 252,000km on it.

I had a '84 years ago that would stick and pull to one side like nobodys business for the first mile or so when it was really cold out. You'd fight it and it would all of a sudden let go without warning, almost sending you into the ditch, then it would be fine for the rest of the day. It started doing it at about 300,000km IIRC. I got that steering box replaced as soon as I could, it was kinda dangerous.... .