Tough to steer after replacing steering gear box - 97 Yukon

[Yuk-on-me]

My 1997 GMC Yukon has hit the 200,000 mile mark so I figured it was time to replace some of the front-end components which looked pretty worn out. Since replacing the pitman arm looked beyond my ability, I took the truck to a recommended shop and they suggested I also replace the steering box at the same time. $600 later, I got my truck back with a rebuilt steering box, new pitman and idler arms. I expected my steering to have a little less play. What I discovered after leaving the shop was that it was VERY tough to steer the truck. It took a lot of effort to turn the wheel, especially at low speeds. It was as though my power steering was barely working. I called the shop back and told them what I was experiencing and they told me (which I highly doubt) that they road tested it and it felt fine to them and that it's probably just tough to steer because it's a new rebuilt box and will take some time to "break it in".

Does anyone out there have any experience with this type of thing? It's been a couple of days and the truck isn't getting any easier to steer. Is there a way to adjust the new steering box which the shop may not have done correctly? Or is it likely that I have a bad rebuilt gearbox? This is definitely something I can't live with for very long and if I have to return it to the shop, I want to make sure I understand what might be happening so I know what to tell them since they will dispute this with me.

 

[ezdaar]

preload adjustment on box is to tight

 

[Yuk-on-me]

Thanks for the advice. Is this something I can adjust myself? I've been scouring the internet but haven't found anything on how to correctly adjust a steering gearbox for a 97 Yukon.

 

[ezdaar]

first welcome to the site,

all gm gear boxs adjust the same way. any chiltons repair manual will show you how.

shit it took me longer to type that than it did to find this! your google foo sucks.

[yt]gAD0ugRQNek[/yt]

to top it off. heres the search results. About 151,000 results (0.39 seconds)

 

[Yuk-on-me]

Thanks again. Actually, I did find the same Youtube video but because it was for a Jeep, I didn't think it would work for a GM Yukon. There was nothing specific enough in my google search results to make me feel comfortable that it work on the Yukon. I'll give the technique in the video you attached a shot.

Also, I just tracked down the manufacturer of the rebuilt gearbox and asked them about adjusting it and they told me not to do it, but rather take it back to the shop. I guess this is delicate job and one they don't trust the home mechanic to do....

Thanks for the welcome and the beer!

 

[SunlitComet]

if something is wrong with the gear box do not touch it just return it and get a different one. I would also suggest you have the power steering pump pressure tested to ensure nothing went wrong with it by chance. you will have to chose which one to do first.

 

[Yuk-on-me]

@SunlitComet - Thanks for the reply. Is there a reason I shouldn't attempt the adjustment procedure on the gearbox like the youtube video ezdaar posted? Is it tricky or risky?
Power steering pump was replaced 2 months ago. Steering became extremely tough after a shop replaced the gear box 2 days ago, so I'm focusing on that first. Thanks for your advice. I appreciate it.

 

[SunlitComet]

first and foremost they will probably notice it has been tampered with if it was painted afterwards. automatic void of warranty and/or return option. besides what is to say something else won't crop up later?

 

[Yuk-on-me]

Good point. I was just trying to avoid being without a vehicle for an entire day (again) if it was something I could adjust myself.

 

[Dryfly]

So, Yuk-on-Me, how did you make out on this deal? Did the shop readjust thegear box? Just curious.