Steering is too tight

Chevyluv · June 23, 2003

Hi, I am new here and enjoy this site very much . My question is that my steering seems so tight, that when I turn corners I have to use two hands just to turn, is there anything I can do to make my steering more comfortable?? Thanks!

96 Vortec · June 23, 2003

Put on a bigger steering wheel.

seadoons · June 23, 2003

Good advice from the previous post...seriously though, what year/model truck do you have? If it is a newer one, it sounds like maybe you have lost your power steering pump. You can also check the fluid levels in the steering pump. Make sure it is at the correct level. You shouldn't have to fight a vehicle to get it to turn....

Chevyluv · June 23, 2003

I have a 99 sportside, she has always had stiff steering since the day i bought her, I know other poeple whose steering is soo nice and smooth, I can just spin it with one hand. I just wondered if there was a mod to put on, that I can have smooth steering too. Thanks, I 'll look at my fluids to see if they're low.

seadoons · June 24, 2003

Are you still under warranty? If you have a '99, it should be smooth. I was waiting for you to say it was a '73 suburban or something like that. Since its a newer truck, it should have real easy steerking.

bigtruck21 · June 24, 2003

If you have larger tires that could be the culprit. Check power steering fluid level, pump and pully. Maybe do a fluid change on the pump.

Victory Red · June 24, 2003

Did you buy the truck new, or was it used? Maybe it was in a wreck. Have it checked for bent linkages, shafts, etc... If not, maybe a kinked steering hose or line. Also might want to grease your fittings too, and see if that helps any.

1999GMCZ-71 · June 24, 2003

bigger tires or low air pressure can cause it too. I can steer my truck with my index finger

Shaners · June 24, 2003

Isn't the power steering on these trucks a variable power assist? Maybe the steering isn't switching from (for lack of better words) low boost to high boost. The steeering should feel relatively stiff and solid when going straight, but it should free up when turning the wheel.

Chevyluv · June 25, 2003

Thanks for all the suggestions, I did buy my truck new and I do have larger tires on her, so maybe thats it. The steering does free up a little bit when moving, but not as much as I was accustom to before. Almost seems like manual steering. Checked parts, and fluids, they seem to be o.k. I also have a 97 Chevy truck and the steering is so smooth that I can steer with one finger, thats why I was wondering why mine was so stiff where I just can't spin it also. Is there something I can put on it to make the steering like my other truck? In other words are there different types of steering options? Thanks agian for all the input!!

bigtruck21 · June 26, 2003

If you've ever been in a manual, you'd know. Grandpa had a 66 with no power steering. If you weren't moving, you could barely turn the wheel with both hands on a hard surface. Needed to have a seatbelt on so you could hold your ground against the wheel.