2016 2500hd Steering Issues

NN16HD · June 7

Hi everyone, looking for some input on an issue I’m having with my truck. It’s a 2016 2500HD Crew Cab LT with the 6.0. A couple of months ago I had the pitman/idler arm and tie-rods replaced at a shop with some good quality parts and then professionally aligned after that. Immediately I noticed that the steering is much tighter/heavier feeling and has zero play of any kind. However the steering will not “return to center” at highway speeds now, for example if I’m going around a slight curve with the wheel turned and I let go of the wheel the truck will continue to turn instead of the wheel re-centering like it used to. It makes it so I’m constantly fighting to keep the truck going straight down the center of the road. I should also note the truck does have the “NV8” electronic steering assist. I’m wondering if I need to have the steering control module re-programmed? Or is it an alignment issue? All of the alignment parameters were in spec from the shop. Maybe someone else has had this issue, I appreciate any feedback, thanks!

davester · June 7

maybe post a pic showing the results of the alignment, someone might see why?

jkptuned · June 8

It wouldn't hurt to get the module re-flashed. Usually only needed when module is replaced. There is a specific procedure to learn the steering angle to the module, that may be off now that the alignment is different. Usually only see it after replacing with rack, or module replacement and they throw DTCs when not learned.

newdude · June 8

On 6/7/2026 at 1:32 AM, NN16HD said:

Hi everyone, looking for some input on an issue I’m having with my truck. It’s a 2016 2500HD Crew Cab LT with the 6.0. A couple of months ago I had the pitman/idler arm and tie-rods replaced at a shop with some good quality parts and then professionally aligned after that. Immediately I noticed that the steering is much tighter/heavier feeling and has zero play of any kind. However the steering will not “return to center” at highway speeds now, for example if I’m going around a slight curve with the wheel turned and I let go of the wheel the truck will continue to turn instead of the wheel re-centering like it used to. It makes it so I’m constantly fighting to keep the truck going straight down the center of the road. I should also note the truck does have the “NV8” electronic steering assist. I’m wondering if I need to have the steering control module re-programmed? Or is it an alignment issue? All of the alignment parameters were in spec from the shop. Maybe someone else has had this issue, I appreciate any feedback, thanks!

Sounds like the alignment isn't right. And or they messed up something on the box doing the pitman arm?

Can you post a picture of the alignment printout showing the before and after?

Edited June 8 by newdude

NN16HD · June 9

Thanks for the reply’s everyone. I will try to find the alignment printout and post that up. Sounds like I’ll be taking it back to have the alignment re-checked

GMCustomerService · 2026-06-22T18:18:46Z

It is our goal to ensure you feel confident and in control while driving your Sierra. We'd like to know more about this as soon as possible so we can provide our layer of assistance between you and your dealer to address the steering concerns. Have you taken it in yet since this post? Please fill out our support form with more information, your username, and forum name so a member of our care team can reach out to you: https://s.chevy.com/support-request