Steering Wheel Spins freely not connected to tires and then jams when

tssilverado15 · September 8, 2015

2015 Silverado double cab. I parked my truck, put shifter in park, pulled key out of ignition. Then while leaving the truck touched the steering wheel and it spun with no resistance and made a rattling sound , front wheels not moving during all of this . After turning wheel some more heard more rattling then a click and wheel locked. Next time I got in to go somewhere, the steering wheel was jammed and the key didn't turn. Has this happened to anyone?

bdbake01 · September 9, 2015

Seriously? Wow. I think I'd call the dealership and wait for a tow. Hasn't happened to me ('14 here).

POS VETT · September 9, 2015

Well, these trucks have EPS, so something in the unit/module must be bad.

Nothing like that has happened to my '15.

tssilverado15 · September 9, 2015

Its been to dealer twice, first time they replaced a solenoid, second time the say they all do that.

ghgmi · September 10, 2015

I thought EPS implied a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the rack, and that an electric motor also pushed on the rack for assist. But what you experienced makes it sound more like steer-by-wire or something. Is there no mechanical connection?

If, while safely parked, you turn the (normally functioning) truck off but not all the way back to lock, can you turn the wheels given enough effort, like with hydraulic power steering?

tssilverado15 · September 11, 2015

With key on and engine off, the steering wheel does move front wheels( with using a very high amount of force) , it seems to need more force than a hydraulic steering

There must be a mechanism that disconnects the steering wheel from the front wheels and at the same time locks the steering wheel which isn't working properly

If you turn truck ignition

off and move wheel slowly it locks, but more quickly it rattles and spins free

07Softail · September 11, 2015

Seriously? Wow. I think I'd call the dealership and wait for a tow. Hasn't happened to me ('14 here).

NO.... $hit that's crazy!

RT

bdbake01 · September 11, 2015

NO.... $hit that's crazy!

RT

Wait, are you agreeing or disagreeing with me? Personally if I thought my steering wheel had the possibility of NOT being connected to my front wheels - under any circumstances - I wouldn't feel comfortable driving it. I kinda need my steering, like, all the time.

ghgmi · September 12, 2015

With key on and engine off, the steering wheel does move front wheels( with using a very high amount of force) , it seems to need more force than a hydraulic steering

There must be a mechanism that disconnects the steering wheel from the front wheels and at the same time locks the steering wheel which isn't working properly

If you turn truck ignition

off and move wheel slowly it locks, but more quickly it rattles and spins free

That's just scary. What do they gain from EPS, less than 1 mpg on a truck I'd guess. Why not just stick with hydraulic?

2016 Sierra Owner · September 12, 2015

That's just scary. What do they gain from EPS, less than 1 mpg on a truck I'd guess. Why not just stick with hydraulic?

Every mile gained is a win for them in the Governments eyes when they are being watched. I'm sure there will be more down the road. Electric driven A/C?

07Softail · September 12, 2015

Wait, are you agreeing or disagreeing with me? Personally if I thought my steering wheel had the possibility of NOT being connected to my front wheels - under any circumstances - I wouldn't feel comfortable driving it. I kinda need my steering, like, all the time.

I totally agree...I think this electric steering is BS...but that's what the BIG 3 is shoving down our throat!

RT

ghgmi · September 13, 2015

I'm sure there will be more down the road. Electric driven A/C?

Since the A/C can be engaged/disengaged with a clutch as needed, I suspect it's well behaved from a power point-of-view. The PS pump runs all the time.

I totally agree...I think this electric steering is BS...but that's what the BIG 3 is shoving down our throat!

On a smaller car the power consumed by the hydraulic PS pump is a noticeable hit in the mileage of the car. I just don't think it would be as noticeable in a larger, heavier truck.

tssilverado15 · September 13, 2015

What is everyone's experience with the steering lock when you shut off your truck? When I shut off engine and remove key, I typically use the wheel to push or pull myself out then the wheel spins freely for half a turn then locks.

When you shut the ignition and remove key do you experience this or does the wheel lock right away and not spin a half turn?

Do you use the wheel to push yourself out?

Do you see a difference after you turn it off and remove key locking it moving the wheel slowly or quickly?

The dealer tells me what I am experiencing is normal, I am just trying to determine if its really normal for the Silverado/Sierra or not.

Other than that the truck is great, I am getting good gas mileage, 24 MPG on the highway and it rides quietly and smoothly!

ghgmi · September 13, 2015

Literally half a turn? I'd consider up to about 4 inches normal, but I've not driven one of these newer trucks (mine was a gmt800).

avgas · September 16, 2015

I have a 2014 GMC SLT and I can tell you for sure that there is a mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front tires. We have electric power assist not electric steering.

I just cant see from a safety point of view that a steer by wire system would be somethig I would want.