Question about 2006 Silverado

[RecurveBow]

I'm new here and having the dangest time figuring out where to post a mechanical related question.

 

2006 Silverado Crew Cab Z71. I feel like I've spent more time working on it than I have driving it. It was good for awhile but as the miles go up, so do the issues.

 

Recently, around 25 - 45/50 mph I get a violent shake in my steering wheel. I mean it just about shakes out of my hands. I've toyed around with different possibilities, but there are a few. Just want to know if anyone else has experienced this. I've thought about tie rod/rack and pinion/etc. I haven't really tested anything yet. Don't think its out of balance because I would think it would be doing it all the time. Just wanted to see if anyone has had a similar issue and maybe give me some direction. I'm not one to just start buying parts and replacing them.

 

note: idler and pitman have recently been replaced. Along with transfer case and wheel bearing (twice on the same side). It had started to go out so I replaced it. Then about 10 months later, the abs started engaging on me. So, I replaced the speed sensor. That fixed it for a few weeks but then it started doing it again so I yanked the fuse until I could diagnose it. Turned out the wheel bearing had gone bad again. This is off topic of the original question, just saying I'm about to pull my flippin hair out with this truck.

[kstruckcountry]

Moved to the correct section.

 

The first step is to pick up the truck and start pulling on things, have someone cycle the steering back and forth, etc.

[NARDA1]

Check the tires also, could have a slipped belt, cupping etc.

[govener71]

I would just bring it to a Belle Tire or place that does an alignment and ask them to check it out, They wont do an alignment with broken parts because then they cant warranty it. So they tell you what needs to be fixed, then its too expensive for you, and you go and fix the problems yourself. This is if it is a steering component. On my budys Ford, had a similar issue to yours shaking but his was at a slower speed, He told them what it was doing and asked them to check it out, they said he has a rim that is "out of round" and should be replaced. They checked the tires and rims free of charge.

[Btuggle88]

First thing is to jack up the front end and grab the tire and push it back and forth like you are trying to turn it left or right and check for loose play. If you have loose play this leans toward tie rod ends and idler arm and pitman arm. If you replace tie rods don't skimp replace inner, outer and idler arm and pitman arm. This unfortunately can also be a sign of ball joints, I would suggest replacing ball joints and tie rods and etc. because if you replace just the tie rods and your ball joints are wore they won't align your truck and if they do they are just taking your money and giving you a crappy job. That's just my 2 cents good luck.