Steering Gear Question

[AcherryM5]

Guys - new to the forum and hoping to be an active member going forward.

I'm currently having steering issues with a 97 Yukon SLT with 205k miles (original owner, no accidents).

The problem initially presented itself as the steering wheel refusing to turn while parallel marking and under 5 mph maneuvering. The issue was intermittent, but when it did pop up it felt like I was going to rip the steering wheel off to make it turn even slightly. When it was acting up there was an audible clicking (1-2 times a second). No noticeable issues when going over 5-10mph.

Given that I'd only replaced the pitman arm previously, I started by replacing the EVO sensor, power steering pump, and high pressure lines - with new AC Delco parts. That still didn't do the trick, so I gave up and took it to an independent shop. They replaced the steering gear with an AC Delco reman unit and I had them put a new pitman arm in. They also replaced the PS fluid and presumably appropriately bled the system. When I got the car back, it was significantly out of alignment (straight down the road was at 2 o'clock) and I took it back and they aligned it for free.

Now that the reman steering gear is in, the steering is a lot heavier/harder to turn (before I could turn the wheel with a finger, now my GF probably isn't strong enough to drive it).

Given that almost everything steering related is new (all AC Delco parts) with the exception of the reman steering gear - any thoughts on why it is so much harder to turn the wheel at all speeds?

Improper Installation?
Bad Reman unit?

Any thoughts are appreciated!

 

[mtl111]

Did the steering feel light enough after the pump was installed? If yes and then the reman steering gear was installed and the steering is heavy now, I'd say either there is an issue with the steering gear or they tightened up the adjustment on it....which it never should have needed being that it was rebuilt.

 

[TigerEyz3]

I agree with mtl111....
All things being equal, it sounds like the pre-load adjustment screw needs to be backed off a bit.

 

[RED TAHOE LS]

Point well taken, you would not expect this from an authorized AC Delco supplier. This is very important what I recommend. With the wheels straight ahead and steering wheel level with engine running, turn the wheel all way to left while counting turns and write it down, now repeat the same for right and it should be same, if not, the pittman shaft is twisted like the splines, which will in turn throw the pittman arm OFF. Once the turns are verified to be really close to each direction, the the PRE-LOAD can be adjusted IN SMALL INCREMENTS, if the turns are OFF, return the steering gear. BTW, it has LEFT handed threads. JMHO and good luck.
David g...................