Steering gone out, 93 Silverado k2500

[Matt6969]

I have a 1993 Silverado k2500. I've had the truck for about a month and a half. Ever since the steering has been messed up but functional. If the steering wheel is in the middle I have to turn it almost 1/4 of the way, before it will start to turn the wheels in either direction. This morning I drove a short distance and after few turns, the wheels just went straight and would not turn, as I turned the steering wheel both ways. Popped the hood and the power steering was still making the normal noise when u turn all the way left and right. Checked the fluid and that's good. But wheels wont turn from facing straight. I'd appreciate any feedback on the problem so I can get the truck going again.

[Jsdirt]

Being a '93, I'm guessing your well north of 200k miles?

 

You'll need to look under the truck with the skid plate off, and have someone turn the wheel back and forth as far as possible in each direction - see if the steering shaft is spinning at the steering box, and if so, see if the pitman arm is moving ... and if it is still attached to the center link. Follow that across to the passenger side, and see if the idler arm is still attached to it, or to the frame, and everything is moving normally. Could have a broken component down here. If all that checks out, I'd be looking at a new steering box (especially if the steering shaft moves, but the pitman arm doesn't). 

 

I had a '79 Mercury Capri back in the day that had the pinion gear inside the steering box strip out - one day while pulling out of a side road, I attempted to make a right turn, and ended up in the woods. I could hear the worn out teeth grinding against each other as the steering wheel spun around and around, and around again, while the wheels pointed straight ahead, lol. Glad it was 27 years ago, and traffic wasn't even close to what it is today.

[Doug_Scott]

I think if you look down at the steering box you will see it is no longer attached to the frame.  Should be obvious to see, but if you don't see it, take the above advice and have a buddy/wife sit in the drivers seat and with engine running, turn the steering wheel 2 complete turns in both directions.  You should be looking at the steering box.  You will most likely see the box floopy back and forth instead of turning the wheels.  I think it is fairly common for the frame to crack and eventually break at the steering box mounting point.