02' & 04' high steering effort silverado

mrado · February 3, 2007

New to this forum and looking for help. I have two silverado's a 2002 and 2004 reg cab short bed Z71's w/ 5.3 engs. 02' has 24,200mi, 04' has 33,500mi. The problem (although the local dealership says there isn't) is high steering effort in both trucks. It seems to take a considerable amount of grip to turn the wheel in both no matter when sitting or going down the road and turning. I say this as I also have a 2002 Tahoe that requires very little effort as in one handed or one fingered steering. In the past I've also owned a 98' silverado and a 96' Tahoe and both of those required very little effort as well. Is high steering effort the nature of the beast in the 02'-04' pick-ups or is there an adjustment or part that can be added to make driving these as pleasurable as the Tahoe?

MS3DALE · February 3, 2007

This bulletin isn't for the '02 model-year but might be your problem for both trucks..........

Document ID# 1848789

Subject: EI06002 - 670 Gear Box Power Steering Pump, P/S Performance Concerns #05-02-32-008A - (07/20/2006)

Models: 2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT

2003-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe

2003-2006 GMC Sierra, Yukon, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL

This bulletin is being revised to close the engineering investigation and provide repair information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-02-32-008 (Section 02 -- Steering).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a lack of steering assist when stopped or during parking lot type maneuvers. A lack of steering assist could occur if the brakes are applied and turning the steering wheel with the vehicle stopped or during parking lot type maneuvers. This condition will go away or greatly improve once vehicle begins to move or is above parking lot speeds. This concern can be aggravated by worn tires, low tire air pressure, low power steering pump pressures, and tires larger than stock size.

Correction

Important: In all cases, it is recommended that the proper tire size and the maximum tire pressure is set according to the manufacturer’s specification as noted on the door placard; especially for the front tires.

Perform the "Power Steering System Test" found in SI. Make any necessary repairs based on system diagnosis.

1.1. FOR 2500 AND 3500 VEHICLES ONLY - If diagnostics did not lead to any repair, this concern is a normal operating characteristic. No further repairs should be made. A Field Product Report should be submitted - refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 02-00-89-002D.

1.2. FOR 1500 SERIES VEHICLES ONLY - If diagnostics did not lead to any repair, this concern is a normal operating characteristic.

If the vehicle is equipped with a 670 gear box, replacing it with a 680 gear box may increase the customer satisfaction.

To determine if the vehicle is equipped with a 670 gear box, inspect the mounting bolts that attach the stub shaft housing. A 670 gear box will only have 3 mounting bolts. If the stub shaft housing does not have any mounting bolts or has 4 bolts - DO NOT PROCEED WITH THIS BULLETIN. The vehicle is not equipped with a 670 gear box.

If replacing a 670 gear box with a 680 gear box, it will be necessary to replace the power steering gear, union fitting and both inlet o-ring seals.

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

88965542

Power Steering Gear

26025709

Union Fitting

26001594

Inlet O-ring Seal

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, choose the one labor operation that reflects the corrective action:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

E9050

Pump Assembly, Power Steering - Replace

Use Published Labor Time

E9740

Gear Assembly, Power Steering - Replace

Use Published Labor Time

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

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Document ID# 1848789