Power Steering Problem

yukon_denali_05 · September 21, 2008

I have a 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL. I went to a local Firestone and received an oil change and a wheel alignment. The wheel alignment felt really good when i was driving it on my way home. As soon as I get in the drive and position the wheel to the left, i lost power steering. The wheel turns to the right side with no problem, sitting still. I put it in park and i hit the acceleration while attempting to turn to the left and it was turning with some squealing. I just for leaks and checked the power steering fluid level - no leaks found and fluid level is fine. The only other thing that I can think of is that the power steering went bad. But there was no signs of bad power steering that would leave to the eventual thing going bad. Also, given that it turns to the right with no problem and gives a problem when turning to the left, is still a result of a bad power steering??

Could it have something to do with the result of having a wheel alignment performed? Could a bad wheel alignment job cause something like this. Anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks,

Beer Belly · September 22, 2008

I'm not sure of your situation....but I've got the same thing with my 2006 Silverado, the dealer sez it's normal....I do recall a Bulliten on this problem that may include your truck...something about replacing certain Steering Boxes....mine wasn't one of them....I've almost hit a couple of cars while whipping into parking spaces because I lose P/S when making making the left turn

yukon_denali_05 · September 23, 2008

OK, i went to two different shops today (Firestone and local mechanic) and both told me the same diagnosis. Without telling them what I thought the cause of the problem was, they both indicated steering gearbox. They both told me that these are common problems on GM trucks and that lots of owners have been complaining but GM does not consider it a "safety" issue. Well, that it Full of Sh@t. I would ask any GM exec whether they'd let their family in one of these vehicles with the same problem. Well, I did call a few GMC/Chevy dealers and they told me that there is no recall on my truck. This SUCKS. And obviously, they quoted me a price of 1 arm and 1 leg.

I'm resorting to buying aftermarket replacement parts and taking it to my local mechanic to replace the parts. Besides the steering box, i've been hearing alot about changing the steering shaft and pitman arm. Does the steering box already come with the steering shaft?