'04 GMC Steeering Issue

rmcanulty · 03-10-2009, 01:37 PM

'04 GMC w/ 80K miles. When cold, steering will not turn left without a lot of effort for the first one or two turns. The colder, the harder it is to 'break' free. After that all is fine. Turns right no problem any time. Had P/S flushed with new fluid, but did not make any difference. Anyone out there have any ideas? Don't want to just start replacing parts, that could get expensive fast.

Thanks
Ric

gejandsons · 03-13-2009, 09:39 AM

You'll probably have to jack it up to get the weight off the suspension so you can properly trouble shoot the problem. There was a recall on something in the steering on 04 gmc trucks. During a front bearing exchange under warranty, my dealer informed me of the recall & installed the new part.

NonGoggleGuy · 03-16-2009, 06:10 AM

Also could be a damaged tooth in the steering gear.

NonGoggleGuy · 03-16-2009, 06:33 AM

Does it do the same thing when steering right? If so, your PS pump may be weak. Unlikely on an '04, but...

hotrodpc · 03-18-2009, 12:49 AM

I do beleive the recall was for an intermediate steering shaft. I had it changed in both my 03 and 04. But this problem was not my symptoms. Maybe left un fixed, it could have gotten this bad though. Not sure. If anyone has access to TSB's, there is also a TSB about it. My issue was when I hit bumps, usually at highway speeds I could feel a bounce, jerk or rattle in the steering wheel. Couldn't hear, could just feel it. It was the intermediate steering shaft, and when you would hit a bump the problem would travel up the steering shaft and you could feel the thud in the steering wheel. But I am picky, so I had it fixed right away under warranty. I do not know if left alone to get worse, could it possibly do what you are describing? As if the steering shaft is binding up at the knuckle? And my problem did only seem to happen when I was turning in one direction, as if in a curve at higher speeds or a sharper turn at a slower speed. Do you recall your truck having the problem I have described at any point and maybe it has just gotten worse? I know this much, it sure made a big differance after I had the steering shaft replaced. Much smoother to turn in all situations. This knuckle is inside a plastic cup which is to be full of grease. If the grease is very cold, and you have this issue, the knuckle is not being able to move in the thick cold grease. Just a thought or suggesion for you to check into.

03-10-2009, 01:37 PM	#1
rmcanulty Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1	'04 GMC Steeering Issue '04 GMC w/ 80K miles. When cold, steering will not turn left without a lot of effort for the first one or two turns. The colder, the harder it is to 'break' free. After that all is fine. Turns right no problem any time. Had P/S flushed with new fluid, but did not make any difference. Anyone out there have any ideas? Don't want to just start replacing parts, that could get expensive fast. Thanks Ric

03-16-2009, 06:10 AM	#3
NonGoggleGuy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New York State Posts: 259	Also could be a damaged tooth in the steering gear. __________________ Bored? Check out Project: Wreck. - The NonGoggleGuy - I'm unbelievable... believe me.

03-16-2009, 06:33 AM	#4
NonGoggleGuy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New York State Posts: 259	Does it do the same thing when steering right? If so, your PS pump may be weak. Unlikely on an '04, but... __________________ Bored? Check out Project: Wreck. - The NonGoggleGuy - I'm unbelievable... believe me.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
steering issue	bowtie fever	Chevy Truck Forum	7	11-06-2008 07:31 PM
A/c leaking issue	silveradoman08	Chevy Truck Forum	7	06-15-2008 10:43 PM
K20 tie-rod issue	83K20	Chevy Truck Forum	5	03-13-2008 11:06 PM
4x4 issue	ddraszt	GMC Truck Forum	4	01-17-2008 01:35 AM
Steering issue	2verpsters	Chevy Truck Forum	9	12-11-2006 10:19 AM

03-13-2009, 09:39 AM	#2
gejandsons Full Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 31	You'll probably have to jack it up to get the weight off the suspension so you can properly trouble shoot the problem. There was a recall on something in the steering on 04 gmc trucks. During a front bearing exchange under warranty, my dealer informed me of the recall & installed the new part.

03-18-2009, 12:49 AM	#5
hotrodpc Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,145	I do beleive the recall was for an intermediate steering shaft. I had it changed in both my 03 and 04. But this problem was not my symptoms. Maybe left un fixed, it could have gotten this bad though. Not sure. If anyone has access to TSB's, there is also a TSB about it. My issue was when I hit bumps, usually at highway speeds I could feel a bounce, jerk or rattle in the steering wheel. Couldn't hear, could just feel it. It was the intermediate steering shaft, and when you would hit a bump the problem would travel up the steering shaft and you could feel the thud in the steering wheel. But I am picky, so I had it fixed right away under warranty. I do not know if left alone to get worse, could it possibly do what you are describing? As if the steering shaft is binding up at the knuckle? And my problem did only seem to happen when I was turning in one direction, as if in a curve at higher speeds or a sharper turn at a slower speed. Do you recall your truck having the problem I have described at any point and maybe it has just gotten worse? I know this much, it sure made a big differance after I had the steering shaft replaced. Much smoother to turn in all situations. This knuckle is inside a plastic cup which is to be full of grease. If the grease is very cold, and you have this issue, the knuckle is not being able to move in the thick cold grease. Just a thought or suggesion for you to check into.