04 Yukon driving TERRIBLY...please help

[M3PO]

Did you look at the steering position sensor?
Someone else on here suggested that in another post, and it seems like a common GM problem. I have what I call "wondering" at speeds over 45mph, my trucks rides great, but it seems like I am always slightly steering left to right in my lane. My friend is a tech, and said the front end seemed tight, but he didn't have time to give a good look through. Anyway, since I had the chance to buy it at cost from another dealer, I bought the sensor and have not yet installed it. I am kind of regretting buying it, as after I did more digging, my search results all go back to older trucks, with a different sensor.
I will try to let to remember to give you the results, good or bad.

just google "evo steering sensor"


Good luck man, I hope you find the problem! Hopefully I didn't just add to the confusion.

 

[ryangt]

Did you look at the steering position sensor?
Someone else on here suggested that in another post, and it seems like a common GM problem. I have what I call "wondering" at speeds over 45mph, my trucks rides great, but it seems like I am always slightly steering left to right in my lane. My friend is a tech, and said the front end seemed tight, but he didn't have time to give a good look through. Anyway, since I had the chance to buy it at cost from another dealer, I bought the sensor and have not yet installed it. I am kind of regretting buying it, as after I did more digging, my search results all go back to older trucks, with a different sensor.
I will try to let to remember to give you the results, good or bad.

just google "evo steering sensor"


Good luck man, I hope you find the problem! Hopefully I didn't just add to the confusion.

i find it hard to beleive that a sensor could make my truck handle so poorly, but its always something to consider. Do you have any plans on replacing that sensor anytime soon? Where is it even mounted on the vehicle?

 

[M3PO]

i find it hard to beleive that a sensor could make my truck handle so poorly, but its always something to consider. Do you have any plans on replacing that sensor anytime soon? Where is it even mounted on the vehicle?

It is a sensor inside the cabin, it goes around the steering input shaft, it reads the speed and rotation of the input shaft when you turn.
Did you google it and see all the results? It was a problem, again not saying it still is, as most hits are older. Apparently the steering sensor is what sends a signal to the EVO (Electronic Variable Orifice) on the power steering pump, which in turn affects its pressure output to the steering rack. So IF (and I do emphasize IF) that is bad, it will have an effect on your steering; again I am not saying this is your problem.
No, I didn't yet. I barely drive my truck. Like I said, I am not convinced mine is bad either, but I had the chance to buy at cost, and didn't do much research so I hopped on it. After the fact, I did more research and I am finding lots of problems, but on older trucks.

 

[chevy_man]

M3PO: I'm guessing you're talking about the clockspring behind the wheel? If you don't need it put it up here or GMFS for sale to someone looking to add DIC/steering wheel buttons to their truck and it'll go quick.

To the OP: I'd go ahead and do the outer tie rods too since you'll need an alignment anyways. Also a good idea to check your ball-joints.

Have you checked the rag joint in the steering shaft? They can get sloppy as well.

 

[ryangt]

i took it in and had an alignment done ( they worked on it for 2 hours) and it seems to be a little better. Basically its coming down to the truck has cranked torsion bars which are going to make it ride a bit iffy as is, so the guy who did the alignment put the wheels as perfect as possible so the tires wouldnt wear down quickly. I guess once the actual lift kit goes on i can get it riding close to how it used to ride originally.