99 C/K1500 handling issue - something feels loose

number9 · July 23, 2004

My 99 K1500 Z-71 has been transmitting a weird feeling through the steering wheel lately. When I hit a bump or cross on/off a bridge seam on the interstate it feels as if something is loose in the front end. I can feel it in the steering wheel and it feels like the front end bounces or shakes a coule times before settling down. It is not the shocks where the front pogo-sticks - it is something loose. Is this ball joints / tie-rod ends / any suggestions?

chris_kucia · July 23, 2004

From what I've heard, the steering idler arm is a common wear part on these trucks, as well as some other GM vehicles (Astro vans).

This is the steering component that "mirrors" the steering box on the passenger side of the linkage.

commanche1 · July 28, 2004

my 1998 chevy 1500 does this to. i put new michliens on too.my whole truck shakes and does same as yours.i know the feeling.it feels like a hop.i dont know what it is .not tires.try putting 200 pds in your bed over rear wheels.you may be getting the CHEVY BUNNY HOP.let us know.

Wingnut · July 28, 2004

Could be several things, but I would start with what chris_kucia said. Idler arm/pitman arm(s).

My 89 ate those things like candy. My 92 is on it's third set. I put Moog parts in this time, so hopefully, it will be the last time it needs them.

But it could also be tires, tierods, shocks..Several other things.

Shaners · July 28, 2004

Check out the steering components for wear. It could also be the intermediate steering shaft, but that clunk is normally felt at slower speeds when the wheel is slightly off center.

commanche1 · July 28, 2004

how do you check the idler arm/pitman arm?

OUMike · July 28, 2004

You have an old body 99'?? Anyone care to explain?? I thought 99 was new body?? I have a neighbor with a 99' Z and it is NBS. I don't understand.

OUMike · July 28, 2004

From what I've heard, the steering idler arm is a common wear part on these trucks, as well as some other GM vehicles (Astro vans).

This is the steering component that "mirrors" the steering box on the passenger side of the linkage.

Actually the idler arm problem was something that the older Astro vans had trouble with. We had an 89' Travel Quest that was constantly going through them. The newer Astros are supposed to have fixed this problem.

commanche1 · July 28, 2004

how do you it?

Chris97K1500 · July 28, 2004

OUMike, 99 was a change over year, GM made some "classic" OBS trucks before the NBS 99's came out. Sort of what Ford did this year. You could buy '04 "Classic" F150's or the NBS F150's. A way to check for loose steering parts is to start your truck, have someone turn the steering wheel while you watch everything move under the truck. If the steering wheel is turning, but the wheels aren't, just look for whatever is the last to move. That's what's worn out. I'lm sure there may be an easier way, but I always check mine this way. Chris

One other thing, I would strongly recommend you get a steering stabilizer on your truck. The steering wheel doesn't jump around while hitting bumps. I could tell a huge difference backing out of my driveway after putting it on. I got one from SkyJacker.

Wingnut · July 28, 2004

Yeah...That's how I could tell when mine was wearing out....Lots of play in the steering wheel. I could move it 2 inches left or right of center before the wheels started turning.

Replacing them isn't all that difficult if you have a picklefork...Preferably an impact type. If you don't, most autoparts stores have them for loan-out.