Posted: 2/1/2007 2:58:59 PM EDT
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I have a 1999 Chevy Tahoe 4x4 w/ 5.7L V8 Steering has started giving me problems. Symptoms: Steering intermittently becomes very hard as if the engine is shut down, like no power. It only seems to happen when it's cold and the engine has just been started and hasn't warmed up yet. Once the engine is warm the problem dissappears. I have checked the fluid in the pump and it's fine, but possibly slightly overfilled. I thought maybe the belt is loose and the tensioner seems to be providing tension, but I remember the tensioner on my last rig being tighter (Chevy S-10 w/ 4.3L V6). I could be wrong on this. Everything else looks fine (no leaks or obvious damage). I really don't have the cash to just start swapping stuff out, and was wondering what the most likely problem could be. Any ideas? |
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Grab the P/S pump pulley(engine off of course) and pull on it. We see a lot of broken pump shafts here. If it's really loose it's busted ,if you don't know what you're doing just put a new or reman pump or pump/reservoir assembly on it. If if feels like it's slipping at times usually noticed on freeway cloverleafs or long sweeping turns time for a new EVO sensor EVO(electrical variable orifice) steering. This is the sensor on the bottom of the steering column. |
When my EVO sensor failed, the steering wheel felt kind of "notchy", like the power assist was varying rapidly. This was worse around turns. What you have sounds like a rack or pump issue. |
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Step one, CHANGE THE FLUID ! This is the easiest fix and if there is a mechanical problem you will know after this. get yourself a turkey baster at the super market. Cost is about a buck. Suck out all the fluid you can when it's cold. Squirt it into a coffee can or something similar. Top it off with fresh fluid. Do this every day for 3 or 4 days. At this point if the problem is still there then it is a mechanical problem and will nessitate the the replacement of serious components IE. Pump, Steeering box Ect. -Oh and check the obvious, Is the belt worn or slipping?-Mike |