Those with steering gear issues...

[ronhartigan]

Was wondering if those among us who fight the steering gear issues, if you ever notice that while the vehicles wheel alignment is in spec you notice the amount of play differs (position steering wheel is cocked) especially based on road crown. For example on the normal side of the road my wheel hangs to the left a decent amount vs if you drive on opposite side of road / far left of thru way the wheel seems pretty straight? Just weird and is annoying! Am I the only one?

For me, not specifically. Mine is 250k miles, and about 6 years ago I took it to "Bud's Wheel and Tire." They vandalized my distributor; Chevrolet found a hard wire in the cap that shorted out the system. Also, charged me for replacing AC compressor, but just cleaned up the original. Same with the excessive play in the steering wheel. Claimed to replace the box, but did not save the old one for me as requested. It still has about one to two inches of play, and makes it a constant battle to keep in my lane.

I had a 77 El Camino with the same box and it had an adjustment screw and lock nut on top. I've been told by pro mechanics that the Tahoe box is not adjustable, yet it too had that screw on top; just damn hard to get to. I don't want to go to the trouble to remove stuff to access it if it isn't possible. Really need some "real" advice on this. I love this truck, but a pain to steer.

 

[Teamiez]

For me, not specifically. Mine is 250k miles, and about 6 years ago I took it to "Bud's Wheel and Tire." They vandalized my distributor; Chevrolet found a hard wire in the cap that shorted out the system. Also, charged me for replacing AC compressor, but just cleaned up the original. Same with the excessive play in the steering wheel. Claimed to replace the box, but did not save the old one for me as requested. It still has about one to two inches of play, and makes it a constant battle to keep in my lane.

I had a 77 El Camino with the same box and it had an adjustment screw and lock nut on top. I've been told by pro mechanics that the Tahoe box is not adjustable, yet it too had that screw on top; just damn hard to get to. I don't want to go to the trouble to remove stuff to access it if it isn't possible. Really need some "real" advice on this. I love this truck, but a pain to steer.

When I loosened the redhead that was in my truck to make it not so dangerous I removed the skid plate and had someone on the bottom with a wrench on the lock nut and I went in from the top with the Allen, it might be easier with the left front wheel off and splash shield removed for a one man job? Not to sure. You tube videos make it look easy but it’s a pain in the ass. I took white out and made a line on adjuster, the lock nut, and the box to ‘save’ original position for reference adjusting.

 

[Teamiez]

@Teamiez, I would be curious what the alignment on your rig was set at. Should have a slight right front caster lead.

I believe it does, the shop that did the alignment right after the box swap has good reputation for good work. I have the print out at home in the Tahoe’s money spent folder. I can post if I remember tonight or tomorrow. Over the course of more than a year I had it on the rack twice & alignment was still good as day 1, just more and more play & weird behavior as it wishes. As silly as it sounds it’s even worse when 80-90 degrees out with the ac on, how ...I don’t know!

 

[George B]

For me, not specifically. Mine is 250k miles, and about 6 years ago I took it to "Bud's Wheel and Tire." They vandalized my distributor; Chevrolet found a hard wire in the cap that shorted out the system. Also, charged me for replacing AC compressor, but just cleaned up the original. Same with the excessive play in the steering wheel. Claimed to replace the box, but did not save the old one for me as requested. It still has about one to two inches of play, and makes it a constant battle to keep in my lane.

I had a 77 El Camino with the same box and it had an adjustment screw and lock nut on top. I've been told by pro mechanics that the Tahoe box is not adjustable, yet it too had that screw on top; just damn hard to get to. I don't want to go to the trouble to remove stuff to access it if it isn't possible. Really need some "real" advice on this. I love this truck, but a pain to steer.

When I loosened the redhead that was in my truck to make it not so dangerous I removed the skid plate and had someone on the bottom with a wrench on the lock nut and I went in from the top with the Allen, it might be easier with the left front wheel off and splash shield removed for a one man job? Not to sure. You tube videos make it look easy but it’s a pain in the ass. I took white out and made a line on adjuster, the lock nut, and the box to ‘save’ original position for reference adjusting.

I went through the wheel well to get mine loose. Then I worked from up top to tighten it. I just used the Allen key stuck in the adjuster as my indicator initially. Worked like a charm!