07' Gmt900 Sierra Crew Cab Steering Issue

kilo5 · April 3, 2008

My 07' GMT900 truck only has 9500 miles on it, but I am having a problem with the steering and I am wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same problem and/or knows what is causing it. This is difficult to explain, but when I am driving slow (0-20 mph), I can slowly turn the steering wheel (back and forth as I am traveling straight) and it feels like it slightly jerks. Maybe jerk is not the right way to describe it, but it is not smooth. There is a little rubber on rubber type sound when it jerks. Maybe a better word is skips as I am slowly turning the wheel.

It will be about two weeks before I can take it to the dealer, but I find it odd that this is happening.

Does anyone have an idea what is causing this?

gvbhunt · April 3, 2008

My 07' GMT900 truck only has 9500 miles on it, but I am having a problem with the steering and I am wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same problem and/or knows what is causing it. This is difficult to explain, but when I am driving slow (0-20 mph), I can slowly turn the steering wheel (back and forth as I am traveling straight) and it feels like it slightly jerks. Maybe jerk is not the right way to describe it, but it is not smooth. There is a little rubber on rubber type sound when it jerks. Maybe a better word is skips as I am slowly turning the wheel.

It will be about two weeks before I can take it to the dealer, but I find it odd that this is happening.

Does anyone have an idea what is causing this?

If it were an older truck I would tell you to replace the Rag Joint but these new trucks do not have them. Maybe get up under the truck and see if ball joints on the end of the tie rods are loose or broke? You could also probably lift the front end of the truck off the ground so both tires spin free and with the key on but the engine off, turn the wheel back and forth and see if you feel it. If it does not do it that way it could maybe be something to do with the hydraulics of the Rack and Pinion.

The last part is a guess but I always like to troubleshoot it as far as I can before I take ANYTHING back to the dealer so hopefully I can tell them exactly what it is. In my experience if I do not they tend to not find the problem...

kilo5 · April 4, 2008

If it were an older truck I would tell you to replace the Rag Joint but these new trucks do not have them. Maybe get up under the truck and see if ball joints on the end of the tie rods are loose or broke? You could also probably lift the front end of the truck off the ground so both tires spin free and with the key on but the engine off, turn the wheel back and forth and see if you feel it. If it does not do it that way it could maybe be something to do with the hydraulics of the Rack and Pinion.

The last part is a guess but I always like to troubleshoot it as far as I can before I take ANYTHING back to the dealer so hopefully I can tell them exactly what it is. In my experience if I do not they tend to not find the problem...

Thanks, I'll check it out this weekend.

kilo5 · May 9, 2008

My 07' GMT900 truck only has 9500 miles on it, but I am having a problem with the steering and I am wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same problem and/or knows what is causing it. This is difficult to explain, but when I am driving slow (0-20 mph), I can slowly turn the steering wheel (back and forth as I am traveling straight) and it feels like it slightly jerks. Maybe jerk is not the right way to describe it, but it is not smooth. There is a little rubber on rubber type sound when it jerks. Maybe a better word is skips as I am slowly turning the wheel.

It will be about two weeks before I can take it to the dealer, but I find it odd that this is happening.

Does anyone have an idea what is causing this?

If it were an older truck I would tell you to replace the Rag Joint but these new trucks do not have them. Maybe get up under the truck and see if ball joints on the end of the tie rods are loose or broke? You could also probably lift the front end of the truck off the ground so both tires spin free and with the key on but the engine off, turn the wheel back and forth and see if you feel it. If it does not do it that way it could maybe be something to do with the hydraulics of the Rack and Pinion.

The last part is a guess but I always like to troubleshoot it as far as I can before I take ANYTHING back to the dealer so hopefully I can tell them exactly what it is. In my experience if I do not they tend to not find the problem...

Thanks gvbhunt, but I still cannot find the cause of this problem. I do have some additional information that might help solve the issue.

It appears it happens when the outside temperature is over 80 degrees and only when I have driven several miles in a straight direction. Since I work in the city, I can travel several miles before the highway comes to a standstill. Once stopped or going approximate 5 mph (that's when it is noticeable), I can feel the steering stick as I slowly adjust my steering left-to-right. If I get off the freeway and make a few turns the problem stops until I start driving straight again for a few miles. Could something wrong with the power steering pump? If so, how do I check if it is bad?

I took it to the dealer and had the service manager drive the truck. He did notice the sticking, but is not sure what would cause the problem. He stated he would get back with me after he discusses it with his team.

Anyone have any idea what the problem is or has anyone else run into this type of problem with a 07 nbs crew cab?

J-man67 · May 9, 2008

I will play with it tonight when I FINALLLLLLY leave work and see if I can produce the same thing.

TexasAl · May 9, 2008

I have noticed the "not so smooth" steering as well on the truck. It only happens once and a while, but it is there. It is not troublesome enough for me to take it to the dealer. I personally think it is because of the wider, low profile tires my truck came with (Texas Edition 20" wheels). Much more surface area, and a very large wheel that needs to be moved by the steering system. Good luck, and let us know what happens.

-Al