Steering position sensor part number?

[mattbta]

I'm replacing upper/lower ISS and steering bearing. When I got under the dash to start, I noticed my truck has a steering position sensor. I have read that these can go bad and cause some of the symptoms I'm noticing. Went ahead and unplugged it and drove around yesterday and it definitely feels better. Decided to wait until I get my hands on a new one to replace the other parts as well.

Now I'm having trouble finding a definite part number for my vehicle - 2004 Tahoe LT. I can provide VIN and pic of RPO sticker if needed. Every review on the Dorman part says to run away and get genuine, so that's what I'm in search of. I found GM 26104070 but no actual cross-ref to my year. Found 26084178 that cross refs to 2002. Anyone have an idea what # I need?


Here's a pic -- it's attached to the column in the bearing:


Many thanks!

 

[Mr. 960]

what systems are you experiencing that you feel you need to replace that sensor? I believe it is part of the stability control system, as my 06 GMC sierra does not have this option and only has the bearing. My 06 Yukon has stability control and the same looking sensor.

 

[mattbta]

Not sure how this applies to the "Interior" forum..but ok.

Anywho, I've got really loose steering all the time. It is worse at speeds higher than 40MPH. The truck tends to wander and any slight correction feels like an overreaction. It is definitely part of the stability system as I get a "Service Stability" message with it unplugged. From my understanding, it is a variable assist steering option where based on speed it will give you different levels of assist. Parking the vehicle? Full assist. Highway speeds? Not so much assist.

From what I've gleaned, if it is bad it will either give you full assist or no assist at all times. This makes sense, because at speed it was extremely difficult to keep it in the lane -- always making corrections. If it was a windy day, forget about it. Felt very unstable. That said, I've had it disconnected for 3 days now and through a variety of driving scenarios and while I still have some minor issues - it feels like a different truck!

Since I've got the ISS & bearings ready to go in, figured might as well replace this since it seems faulty and it has to come out to do the bearing anyway.