Hd 2500 Silverado No Steering At Idle Parked

benhogan · October 11, 2008

Hello everyone this is my first post.

I have a 2005 HD 2500 gas. I just had a fisher 8.5 xtreme V snow plow installed. I used a 8.5 western MVP last year on the truck with no steering problems. So, I don't think it is from the weight of the plow.

With the plow on I have no power steering when the truck is not in motion, vertually no steering. I was in to the dealler today to have them look at it. They changed the power steering pump and replaced the intermediate steering shaft with no change except it took $1,000 out of my pocket. The dealer is know saying it is because my tires are to wide. I have Goodrich TA tires on it. I think they just want me to buy some tires too so they can charge me another $1,000.

When I left the dealer with the plow on my truck it fell off because they never made sure the pins were engaged. It's a good thing I wasn't going fast.

Would anyone know what the problem with my steering could be?

Kodiak450 · October 11, 2008

I copied your post and sent it to an online buddy of mine to see what his response would be. This is what his response was.

"V plows are heavy and they tend to be located further out from front of truck which makes them feel even heavier. (this plow is about 200 lbs heavier that old plow and feels a lot heavier on front axle because of GC of plow too) Your power steering has a fixed amount of max boost available. Demands above this level will make steering feel heavy. When you install bigger tires it places increased leverage against steer box meaning it takes more effort to turn wheels. Throw in a heavy plow and it can sometimes exceed limits of steering (it takes highest effort to steer at standstill). You could try increasing tire pressure in front to about 65 PSI or more and see if that helps but big tires are not helping you here. This problem you are having I look at as a warning of sorts in that your current configuration is taxing limits of steering system and increasing strain on it. Oh, one more thing I just thought of. That truck (like mine) has a electro boost steering in that boost is restricted when vehicle is in motion to give you more road feel. You might check to see if this was not damaged (control circuits for it) when plow was installed and it is stuck in a lower boost mode".

benhogan · October 11, 2008

I copied your post and sent it to an online buddy of mine to see what his response would be. This is what his response was.

"V plows are heavy and they tend to be located further out from front of truck which makes them feel even heavier. (this plow is about 200 lbs heavier that old plow and feels a lot heavier on front axle because of GC of plow too) Your power steering has a fixed amount of max boost available. Demands above this level will make steering feel heavy. When you install bigger tires it places increased leverage against steer box meaning it takes more effort to turn wheels. Throw in a heavy plow and it can sometimes exceed limits of steering (it takes highest effort to steer at standstill). You could try increasing tire pressure in front to about 65 PSI or more and see if that helps but big tires are not helping you here. This problem you are having I look at as a warning of sorts in that your current configuration is taxing limits of steering system and increasing strain on it. Oh, one more thing I just thought of. That truck (like mine) has a electro boost steering in that boost is restricted when vehicle is in motion to give you more road feel. You might check to see if this was not damaged (control circuits for it) when plow was installed and it is stuck in a lower boost mode".

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the informaton. I'll check into the electronics to verify there are indeed correct. The other stuff al makes good sense. Thanks for your help and taking the time to reply. Cheers...

Kodiak450 · October 11, 2008

Glen, on my signature it says "informative snow plowing forum" This is the forum that I post at and asked snoman (his site). Feel free to join us anytime.