Steering question

[Jdsfx1]

I recently bought my 2008 Yukon XL Denali. It has many minor issues but overall drives great. One issue I’m unsure about is the way the steering feels during straight line driving. I feel like the wheel is a little “jerky/twitchy” when given minor input. It’s only for a split second as you move the wheel off center or neutral position. It steers well otherwise and makes no noises or other bad habits. If I leave my hands off the wheel it tracks perfect and there’s no shimmy or shakes whatsoever.

Is this just how the steering feels with the power assist, or is something maybe wrong? My wife had a Dodge Aspen SUV and it felt the same way and it was just how the power steering was.

 

[petethepug]

Have the steering system flushed and add a non OEM fluid with more (expensive) conditioners. It’ll reduce the tendency to foam / cavitate down. Denali & HD trucks have p/s coolers and a lot of lines to work air out of.

 

[Geotrash]

I recently bought my 2008 Yukon XL Denali. It has many minor issues but overall drives great. One issue I’m unsure about is the way the steering feels during straight line driving. I feel like the wheel is a little “jerky/twitchy” when given minor input. It’s only for a split second as you move the wheel off center or neutral position. It steers well otherwise and makes no noises or other bad habits. If I leave my hands off the wheel it tracks perfect and there’s no shimmy or shakes whatsoever.

Is this just how the steering feels with the power assist, or is something maybe wrong? My wife had a Dodge Aspen SUV and it felt the same way and it was just how the power steering was.

Get the front end up in the air and look for play in the inner and outer tie rod ends, and in the steering rack itself, or its mount bushings. Also look for play in the wheel bearings and ball joints. All very common wear items. I had to replace the rack in my '07 at around 230K because of excessive play in the drivers side inner tie rod end.