1997 Tahoe - Steering Free Play

leboyd · April 17, 2009

For a while my wife has complained about the loose steering and free play in my 1997 Tahoe (157k 4x4). So, when I searched the forum I noticed that the EVO sensor could be the problem.

After changing the sensor (purchased from dealer), I still have the free play (about 2"). On a trip last weekend I noticed the quick jerking that is also a sign of a failed EVO Sensor (based on the posts here), so I was hopeful that this was the solution to my problem. Since I only tested it at slower speeds and primarily straight roads, I don't know if the jerking problem is fixed, but the free play is not.

The truck as never been in an accident and I take good care of it. There are no leaks, including with the steering box. There are no noises such as clunks and rattles, and there is no shaking. Other than the free play (and possibly the jerking - which still needs to be tested) I have no problems with truck.

Would you think this is simply worn out bushings or could something be bad in the steering box?

Is there any method to actuall test for electrical problems with the EVO system?

Any suggestions?

TIA

MS3DALE · April 17, 2009

Did you just change the EVO sensor itself,Or did you get the kit that gives you the sensor and bearing both?...They came out with a kit that gives you a bearing that should also be changed.

Its part#26081626

leboyd · April 17, 2009

Did you just change the EVO sensor itself,Or did you get the kit that gives you the sensor and bearing both?...They came out with a kit that gives you a bearing that should also be changed.
Its part#26081626

MS3Dale - Thank you very much. No, I did not change out the bearing. I hadn't seen anything about the bearing on the forum, and it never even crossed my mind.

Would you say this is a difficult replacement or a relatively easy one? I don't mind tearing into engines, but I'm not too comfortable with tearing into a steering column.

TIA

Grebbler · April 17, 2009

You really should ask your wife to slowly turn the wheel back and forth a small amount while you watch the pitman arm and shaft for play. If the shaft has a dead spot then the steering box has wear.

A bad alignment will also give the feeling of loose steering. As the front end starts to sag you lose your positive toe setting and the truck starts to wander.

MS3DALE · April 17, 2009

Yeah,I was going to add....I don't know if the kit I mentioned will solve your "free-play" issue.

I just remember with my '97 they changed just the sensor at first,But I still had an issue with the steering feeling "loose". Then a couple months later they came out with a bulletin that told you to replace both the sensor and the bearing.

leboyd · April 17, 2009

You really should ask your wife to slowly turn the wheel back and forth a small amount while you watch the pitman arm and shaft for play. If the shaft has a dead spot then the steering box has wear.

A bad alignment will also give the feeling of loose steering. As the front end starts to sag you lose your positive toe setting and the truck starts to wander.

Yep, that's a good idea and will do that this evening.

The alignment is good and no abnormal wearing on the tires (17 months old, 37k miles).

leboyd · April 17, 2009

Yeah,I was going to add....I don't know if the kit I mentioned will solve your "free-play" issue.
I just remember with my '97 they changed just the sensor at first,But I still had an issue with the steering feeling "loose". Then a couple months later they came out with a bulletin that told you to replace both the sensor and the bearing.

When you say "they", I'm guessing you didn't change it so you don't know how difficult it is to change.

So, you had a similar problem to mine, in that once the sensor was changed you still had the loose feeling. After the bearing was changed, everything was fine for your truck?

leboyd · April 21, 2009

Okay, so I've decided to just replace the steering components - expect the steering box. The steering box does not leak, never has leaked and appears to be in good shape.

Here are a couple of questions before I get started.

1) the manuals suggest using the idler-arm tool to not damage the seals or bushings. Seems to me that since I'm replacing this part I don't really care if I damage the bushing so I can use a pickle fork or similar. Agree or disagree???

2) today one mechanic said they would have to remove the steering box (although they could put it on the frame and not disconnect the hoses) to replace the pitman arm. I don't see where this is necessary, unless it has to do with the 4x4. Anyone have experience with this?

3) I get my parts from O'Reilly. Generally the difference between the "house brand" and the name brand is minimal. With these parts it is no longer minimal (e.g., the house brand pitarm is $13 and the name brand is $52 or something like that). I've had very good experience with O'Reilly, but wonder what your opinion is on the house brand vs. name brand.

4) I'm pretty sure I can borrow the pitman arm puller from O'Reilly. There are references to steering linkage removers and to "installers" for the steering linkage and pitman arm. Are these additional tools really necessary?

5) Since I'm going to replace it all, do you think it's worth taking pictures and putting them here on the site? Since it's an old '97, I didn't know if it would be worth it for others.

TIA,

ss502gmc · April 21, 2009

Okay, so I've decided to just replace the steering components - expect the steering box. The steering box does not leak, never has leaked and appears to be in good shape.

Here are a couple of questions before I get started.

1) the manuals suggest using the idler-arm tool to not damage the seals or bushings. Seems to me that since I'm replacing this part I don't really care if I damage the bushing so I can use a pickle fork or similar. Agree or disagree???

2) today one mechanic said they would have to remove the steering box (although they could put it on the frame and not disconnect the hoses) to replace the pitman arm. I don't see where this is necessary, unless it has to do with the 4x4. Anyone have experience with this?

3) I get my parts from O'Reilly. Generally the difference between the "house brand" and the name brand is minimal. With these parts it is no longer minimal (e.g., the house brand pitarm is $13 and the name brand is $52 or something like that). I've had very good experience with O'Reilly, but wonder what your opinion is on the house brand vs. name brand.

4) I'm pretty sure I can borrow the pitman arm puller from O'Reilly. There are references to steering linkage removers and to "installers" for the steering linkage and pitman arm. Are these additional tools really necessary?

5) Since I'm going to replace it all, do you think it's worth taking pictures and putting them here on the site? Since it's an old '97, I didn't know if it would be worth it for others.

TIA,

Also dont forget to check and see if there is any slop in the steering box itself. alot of people dont notice it until they have already spent $1000 on front end work and then still end up with free play in the steering wheel. To check just turn your ignition on but dont start and have someone wiggle the wheel back n fourth to see if the steering shaft is moving but the pitman arm is not. if there is some play in the gear box there is an adjustment

leboyd · April 21, 2009

Also dont forget to check and see if there is any slop in the steering box itself. alot of people dont notice it until they have already spent $1000 on front end work and then still end up with free play in the steering wheel. To check just turn your ignition on but dont start and have someone wiggle the wheel back n fourth to see if the steering shaft is moving but the pitman arm is not. if there is some play in the gear box there is an adjustment

I'm sure I understand, but I think you are suggesting adjusting the steering gear box if there is some play and not replacing it. Is that correct?

ss502gmc · April 24, 2009

yes i would try adjusting the gearbox if there is any play, ive done to a few before and it tightened them right up

superjim · April 25, 2009

Also dont forget to check and see if there is any slop in the steering box itself. alot of people dont notice it until they have already spent $1000 on front end work and then still end up with free play in the steering wheel. To check just turn your ignition on but dont start and have someone wiggle the wheel back n fourth to see if the steering shaft is moving but the pitman arm is not. if there is some play in the gear box there is an adjustment

I was thinking the same thing.

Check for play in the steering box itself.