Power steering sensor on steering column

[alvocado]

I've been experiencing some power steering issues which feel a lot like a low fluid condidtion. I get the noise/sensation at low speeds when turning, primarily in one direction. Someone at the dealership indicated this could be an issue with a power steering sensor which is located on the steering column. I've had the pump checked and it doesn't appear to be defective. There are no leaks, fluid level is fine, but the problem persists after nearly a year.

 

Anyone familiar with this part and have experience in replacing it? It looks like you remove the secondary shaft section and simply swap out the piece. With that said, an exploded diagram always makes accessing the part much easier than reality. The part runs $70 so I don't want to invest the time to change it if this is a wild goose chase.

[Bish]

I've been experiencing some power steering issues which feel a lot like a low fluid condidtion.  I get the noise/sensation at low speeds when turning, primarily in one direction.  Someone at the dealership indicated this could be an issue with a power steering sensor which is located on the steering column.  I've had the pump checked and it doesn't appear to be defective.  There are no leaks, fluid level is fine, but the problem persists after nearly a year.

 

Anyone familiar with this part and have experience in replacing it?  It looks like you remove the secondary shaft section and simply swap out the piece.  With that said, an exploded diagram always makes accessing the part much easier than reality.  The part runs $70 so I don't want to invest the time to change it if this is a wild goose chase.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I replaced mine and you have the procedure down. It is that simple. You need to unplug the old sensor and plug the cable into the new but it is simply. Just make sure you don't spin the wheel with the steering shaft disconnected or you can screw things up.

 

Regarding the symptom, mine wandered on the highway like it was applying too much assist randomly. It is a fairly common problem. Some have had success blasting the sensor with WD-40 around the shaft.

[alvocado]

Maybe I'll try a shot of WD-40 before ordering the part. Thanks for the input; sounds like a pretty easy install if I decide to do it.

[gixxered]

I've been experiencing some power steering issues which feel a lot like a low fluid condidtion.  I get the noise/sensation at low speeds when turning, primarily in one direction.  Someone at the dealership indicated this could be an issue with a power steering sensor which is located on the steering column.  I've had the pump checked and it doesn't appear to be defective.  There are no leaks, fluid level is fine, but the problem persists after nearly a year.

 

Anyone familiar with this part and have experience in replacing it?  It looks like you remove the secondary shaft section and simply swap out the piece.  With that said, an exploded diagram always makes accessing the part much easier than reality.  The part runs $70 so I don't want to invest the time to change it if this is a wild goose chase.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I replaced mine and you have the procedure down. It is that simple. You need to unplug the old sensor and plug the cable into the new but it is simply. Just make sure you don't spin the wheel with the steering shaft disconnected or you can screw things up.

 

Regarding the symptom, mine wandered on the highway like it was applying too much assist randomly. It is a fairly common problem. Some have had success blasting the sensor with WD-40 around the shaft.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

[gixxered]

where is the secondary shaft?

[txchevy4ever]

I've been experiencing some power steering issues which feel a lot like a low fluid condidtion.  I get the noise/sensation at low speeds when turning, primarily in one direction.  Someone at the dealership indicated this could be an issue with a power steering sensor which is located on the steering column.  I've had the pump checked and it doesn't appear to be defective.  There are no leaks, fluid level is fine, but the problem persists after nearly a year.

 

Anyone familiar with this part and have experience in replacing it?  It looks like you remove the secondary shaft section and simply swap out the piece.  With that said, an exploded diagram always makes accessing the part much easier than reality.  The part runs $70 so I don't want to invest the time to change it if this is a wild goose chase.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Just out of curiostiy, is the direction to the left? Does it happen more when it's cold? If so, then it could be the gearbox... had to have mine replaced on my 2000 Tahoe.

[alvocado]

 

 

Just out of curiostiy, is the direction to the left? Does it happen more when it's cold? If so, then it could be the gearbox... had to have mine replaced on my 2000 Tahoe.

 

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Actually, it does happen when turning the wheel to the left but it doesn't seem to be temperature dependant. I had the power steering gear box replaced under warranty when the truck was less than a year old after a total failure. The steering went out completely and I couldn't turn the truck to the left.

 

Did you also experience the whining noise similar to a low fluid whine when the gear box was failing? That's what made me believe it was either the PS pump valve or the column sensor.

[txchevy4ever]

Did you also experience the whining noise similar to a low fluid whine when the gear box was failing?  That's what made me believe it was either the PS pump valve or the column sensor.

 

I did. My mechanic, a guy I've used for years in a small self-owned shop says they fail that way, not being able to turn to the left.

 

I originally took it into him because of what I thought was a power steering pump problem... a whine... I would be surpised if your gearbox was failing again... perhaps this time it's the pump but who knows...

 

With the not being able to turn to the left thing, it really sounds like it could be the gearbox though... hope you figure it out and that it doesn't cost you an arm and a leg.

[sgiangregorio]

I cleaned up my EVO sensor tonight, and the sloppiness I started experiencing the other day went away. I had no other symptoms though, just felt like I was all over the place, basically too much power assist all the time. I cleaned it and reinstalled and it felt much tighter again.

[txchevy4ever]

I cleaned up my EVO sensor tonight, and the sloppiness I started experiencing the other day went away. I had no other symptoms though, just felt like I was all over the place, basically too much power assist all the time. I cleaned it and reinstalled and it felt much tighter again.

 

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That is great news! Glad it wasn't anything more expensive!

[wmwtn]

I'm an old user replying to a message so I can start a new thread. EVO woes (I think)...