Violent Power Steering vibration at stop/idle

[BigNickSnr]

Hey guys.  2011 Sierra 1500 4WD with just over 200k+ .  I was backing in a trailer and all of a sudden I had a VERY violent vibration when turning the steering wheel.  I immediately stopped and shut it off.  I waited a few minutes and restarted it and there is the faintest groan.  As soon as I touch the steering wheel L or R, the vibration is massive, but not especially noisy in terms of whining.  Fluid level is fine and not cloudy and no CEL.  I've read about possible valves needing changed or filters being cleaned, but never anything with what I describe.  Did the PS Pump simply let go or should I look for something else?  I don't want to spend a day throwing parts at it.

[richard wysong]

Welcome to the Forum! How's the belt and hoses? you might want to have a helper turn the wheel while you watch the belt for signs of slipping.  Is the pump securely bolted to its bracket? Have you jacked it up to see if anythings binding? If all that checks out my guess would be the pump is bad

[BigNickSnr]

Thanks for the reply and the welcome, Richard!  The belt is fine.  Fairly new with no slippage and the hoses appear fine.  No cracks, dry rot or leaks.  But that's not to say someone hasn't clogged one I suppose.  I am able to tur the steering shaft back and forth form under the hood while the truck is running and the slight movement in either direction causes the vibration and it's certainly felt in the hose.  The sound even changes when you remove the PS reservoir cap which makes me think it's the pump itself.  I just wanted to see if there were other things I should look at before replacing.

[Bad Bowtie2]

Check PN# 19418403

 

These trucks still have a steering wheel position sensor too. Just a thought.

[thx1138v2]

I had a 2006 Silverado 4X4 with 5.3L engine. It had a device called a "power steering control valve" that fit somehow on the steering shaft. It's purpose was to boost the power steering when sitting still and it was hard to crank the steering wheel over and then reduce the boost when you got up to speed.

 

It worked fine when it was working but when it went out is was a bear to crank the steering over either right or left.

 

You might look into that

[BigNickSnr]

On 1/18/2024 at 9:30 AM, thx1138v2 said:

I had a 2006 Silverado 4X4 with 5.3L engine. It had a device called a "power steering control valve" that fit somehow on the steering shaft. It's purpose was to boost the power steering when sitting still and it was hard to crank the steering wheel over and then reduce the boost when you got up to speed.

 

It worked fine when it was working but when it went out is was a bear to crank the steering over either right or left.

 

You might look into that

 

Thanks but it doesn't appear to be on the 07-13 models.  I'm just going to go ahead and change the pump and hope that's all.

[BigNickSnr]

On 1/16/2024 at 9:20 AM, Bad Bowtie2 said:

Check PN# 19418403

 

These trucks still have a steering wheel position sensor too. Just a thought.

Thanks, I looked into that too, but it doesn't seem like the issue.  Gonna change the pump and hope that's all.

[richard wysong]

Keep us posted with the outcome please.

[BigNickSnr]

On 1/21/2024 at 12:09 AM, richard wysong said:

Keep us posted with the outcome please.

 

My son and I swapped out the PS pump yesterday and all is right with the world again!  That was a weird one though!  I've had PS pumps fail, but never had symptoms like that and certainly never without warning.  I appreciate the responses and support from you all!

[richard wysong]

 Yes I have never seen 1 do that either, thanks for the update!