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.

 

[B-train]

Also, check the toe-in measurement. Too much toe will cause it to be twitchy as well. Poor caster adjustment as well can have a similar effect. It may be worth throwing some money at a proper alignment after you inspect the ball joints, tie rods, toe, etc.

Whenever I get my vehicle aligned, I go to a trusted shop that has done more than they can count and uses good equipment. I then explain that I want the tires to ride as close to square to the road as possible. This reduces rolling resistance and improves tire life. Couple that with just a scosh of toe-in and it handles well. A shop that just checks to make sure it's "in the green" will never give you a good driving experience. An experienced alignment guy will know where to set caster for a good steering feel and to help the vehicle go straight with hands off the wheel on most roads.

 

[petethepug]

What he said. A new rack and front end rebuild is a wonderful thing. With all new bushings and specs tightened up and poly sway bar it’s actually better than new.