Steering Problem

[mxer201]

97 GMC Yukon 4x4. It is the wife's daily ride. The other day I noticed how I was constantly having to make small corrections to it while going straight. There have also been times when going around a long curve the steering would "slip" as if I hit a patch of ice. I heard about the steering control module and a steering ring might be the problem. I want to think the two are related. When the tires move exactly in sync with the steering wheel when it is barely turned left and right, would this be a sign the front linkage is fine? Anyone experience this? What fixed it?

[mudseeker]

i know what your problem is, same thing happened to me. your truck has speed sensitive steering, or something to that effect. i replaced my sensor about 4 months ago and this one started acting up a week ago. it is a very common problem with this year chevy and you will be replacing that sensor more than once. i'll try to find a pic of it and go into more detail later.

[mudseeker]

here's the sensor in question.

[mxer201]

This is the "ring" I have read about that goes around the steering column? You're not the first to mention it. I also checked with the dealer and they have it in stock. Hmmmm?! When the slip I mentioned occurs should an error code be generated?

[mudseeker]

never had a code in the months it took me to figure the problem out. i ended up buying a gear box and power steering pump before i tried the little 5 dollar sensor.

basically i think the sensor sends a false vehicle speed reading to the computer and your steering becomes more sensitive. my problem was more prominent when taking curves at 60mph, not a fun drive when the steering lets go like that.

i believe their is a TSB on this sensor.

[crabtruck]

I heard that frequently they are not linear and so can give the problem turning more on one side than other and at odd spots. Not too hard a fix if you're flexable.

[mudseeker]

yup, mine was always worst on left hand curves. and the sensor is a pain to get too. if you don't mind a blood rush and hanging upside down the you'll be fine.

[mxer201]

Seems like the problem has returned but not as bad. While at the dealer the ring, pitman and idler arms were replaced. That was a few weeks ago and it was fine until 11/17. The wife drove to town that day. All was fine until the trip home when she called to say the "wobble" had returned. I'm beginning to think a defective ring or a loose connection. I don't think this has anything to do with the problem but when I drove it for the first time after we got it from the dealer I noticed the driving lights indicator on the dash was on. Never noticed it before. Now it is off again. I'm wondering when the dealer replaced the ring he disconnected the battery and reset something. How would unplugging this ring affect driving? I might try this or disconnect the battery as an experiment. I'm afraid if I go to the dealer again their idea of fixing the problem is to replace more parts and hope for the best. Suggestions?