Vibration in steering

[JohnT01]

I have an 01 Suburban which I just bought. The truck had a noticeable vibration at highway speeds when I test drove it, so I jacked the front end up to check. (truck has 100K on it) Both front wheels can be moved side-to-side a fair amount, but the play does not appear to be at the tie rod ends, as I was expecting. The steering is somewhat loose, so I tightened the steering box but it made no difference. Any suggestions? I didn't think much of it when I made the offer on the truck but then I hadn't read up on all the steering issues GM seems to be having with these trucks. The truck has brand new tires, so I can't detect any wear patterns. Obviously, it has been doing this a while. Also, this may not be related but I did happen to notice that the steering column does NOT lock with the ignition off & key out.

[SpreadHead]

I have an 01 Suburban which I just bought.  The truck had a noticeable vibration at highway speeds when I test drove it, so I jacked the front end up to check. (truck has 100K on it) Both front wheels can be moved side-to-side a fair amount, but the play does not appear to be at the tie rod ends, as I was expecting.  The steering is somewhat loose, so I tightened the steering box but it made no difference.  Any suggestions?  I didn't think much of it when I made the offer on the truck but then I hadn't read up on all the steering issues GM seems to be having with these trucks.  The truck has brand new tires, so I can't detect any wear patterns.  Obviously, it has been doing this a while.  Also, this may not be related but I did happen to notice that the steering column does NOT lock with the ignition off & key out.

 

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First thing I would check is wheel balance - out of balance wheels often cause vibration at speed that is not noticeable at lower speeds. Is the vibration in the steering wheel?

[JohnT01]

No vibration in steering wheel. I'm thinking of changing tires front to back to see what happens, but based on the amount of play in the front end I don't think it's going to help.

[SpreadHead]

No vibration in steering wheel.  I'm thinking of changing tires front to back to see what happens, but based on the amount of play in the front end I don't think it's going to help.

 

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Yes, if it's not in the steering wheel I would think it is something other than wheel balance. Good luck.

[budhayes3]

As far as looseness in the steering goes, other things to check besides the tie rod ends include the idler arm and center link...possibly the pitman arm also.

[Taaaaaaahoe?]

try jacking it up...grab the tire at 12:00 and 6:00 and see if there is any play in it from top to bottom. I had a hub go bad on me, caused some bad vibes..

 

 

MIke

[94z71]

I'd check the wheel bearings

[Wingnut]

try jacking it up...grab the tire at 12:00 and 6:00 and see if there is any play in it from top to bottom.  I had a hub go bad on me, caused some bad vibes..

 

 

MIke

 

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That type movement can also be bad ball-joints...$$$

 

As to the original question..I agree with budhayes on the idler arm/pittman arm. My 89 went through them like candy, and my 92 is no slouch at eating them either.

 

For vibration, there are a multitude of things that can cause it.

 

-Bearings

-Tire out of balance/round

-Ujoints

-Steering componentry

-Too much coffee

-Not enough coffee

-Tranny

-Rear end

 

Those are in no particular order, of course.

[JohnT01]

No play up & down. I don't think it's the bearings or hubs, since both wheels have the same amount of play. There seems to be some play at the pittman arm but I can't tell if it's in that or in the steering box. ( I *think* it's the box.)

[Peter_C]

Take a good look at the driveshaft like Wingnut listed in his post. They can be out of balance and will cause a major vibration throughout the truck. It is a known Chevy problem.