Steering bind

SJ75 · January 15, 2019

2003 Sierra HD 2500 Hydro boost. I am finding that the steering has spots that it feels stiff as the wheel is turned. it is more apparent turning left. Not so much right. On warmer days it is less pronounced than on on cold days. That can very as the temp rises through the day. As the wheel turns it gets stiff in spots and loosens up through other parts of the turn. Drives straight fine. No greater than normal correction needed. Still turns ok. No noises or thumping sensations in the wheel. No drip marks on the ground. I will get a closer look from the under side once the snow melt allows me to get on the ground. No visible leaks from above. Just the steering hoses that do need replacing.

Bearing Problem? seal issue? Fluid Problem? If so is it something in the bearing hub that needs checking or filled?

Thank you. I do expect questions

Shane

Update: If i release the wheel in a turn, it does not self correct back to straight. I dont have to fight the wheel either

Update #2 I got under neith er and was able to look up. The point where the steering wheel shaft enters the hub, a cap piece has popped off and is dripping. not actively dripping when parked. Now when i let go of the wheel, it immediately steers right and continues to turn. even when I turn left and let go, it immediately reverses right. But I am still not having to fight it when going straight.

riverbanks · January 15, 2019

I would think balljoint ,which one thou,you could lift the seal on them a little,look for rust dust

SJ75 · January 16, 2019

Ball joints were replaced two years ago.

riverbanks · January 16, 2019

Greasable replacements?and lubed periodically?and taking grease?one way to isolate is,pop a tie rod end off,then you could turn each side individually,or steering box is starting to fail?

davester · January 16, 2019

Or disconnect the pitman arm from the center link, with the front wheels off the ground, and see how it feels moving the wheels left and right by hand? You should be able to feel any stiff spots that are bad enough to feel when driving.

SJ75 · January 18, 2019

riverbanks, davester I will take a look at those. I was able to get underneither today and look up. A new update has been added with new details

davester · January 18, 2019

On 1/14/2019 at 7:02 PM, SJ75 said:

The point where the steering wheel shaft enters the hub, a cap piece has popped off and is dripping. not actively dripping when parked

Did you mean "power steering gear box" by "the hub"? If so, sounds like you need another one...