Variable Effort Steering System?

[Massfloefi]

Is there a way to diagnose this system? I ask because adjusting the steering gear screw has provided zero difference. Still have a light steering wheel even though I have adjusted it twice equaling 1/2 a turn. I had the same issue with the stock steering gear I replaced.

I have all new suspension components. Even replaced lower and upper steering shafts. First remained Lares 1422 steering gear was loose and had to be sent back. Second remained Ac Delco does a better job of not wandering as much but it's still happening. Still vague feeling between 11 - 1 similar to stock that was replaced. Wandering is driving me nuts.

Only thing I can think of is a brand new steering gear. Only companies I can find making new ones are LARES 11422 and BBB / VISION-OEN5030159. Of course I am now reluctant to purchase Lares because the first remained was pretty bad. I hear head good and bad about RedHead. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Could you elaborate by light steering wheel?

What gear screw were you adjusting? Why were you adjusting it?

Elaborate on vague steering

You mentioned you replaced all of your suspension components. Could you provide an itemized list of what you replaced?

Please provide your alignment angles as well as a picture of your center link with a tie rod end visible

 

[Massfloefi]

Maybe I should have said dead spot. Rock the steering wheel between 11-1 and no movement from the tires in park. Adjusted the steering gear box screw/bolt. Under the impression this would firm up the steering wheel which it did slightly. Link below.

https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/sloppy-loose-steering-fixed.46957/

I don't have the new alignment angle print out avail. Had the alignment done about a month ago after tie rod replacement. Truck drives straighter than it ever has. I will get it done again soonish. I'll get a pic when it's not 10 degrees out. Thanks


Shocks:
Kyb Excel - 344384 (rear)
Kyb Excel - 344381 (front)

Coil springs:
Moog - 81071
Moog Insulators - K160072

Jouncers:
AcDelco Z71-15153959 (front)
Timbren - GMRYS4 (rear)

Control arms (front):
Moog Problem Solvers - CK80942 (upper)
Moog Problem Solvers - CK620381 (lower)
Moog Problem Solvers - CK62080 (lower)

Control arms (rear)
Moog - RK641866 (upper)
Moog - RK641916 (lower)

Sway bars:
Eibach - 3882.10 (front)
Eibach - 3882.12 (rear)
Bushings included with bars

Sway bar links:
Eibach - Included with bar (front)
AcDelco - 45G0425 (rear)

Tie Rods:
Proforged - 10410255 (outer)
Proforged - 10410249 (inner)

Wheel hubs:
Timken - SP500300 (both)

Cv drive shaft:
Napa Max Drive (New) - NMD 949111 (passenger side)

Steering Shafts:
Dorman - 425176 (upper)
Dorman - 425179 (lower)

Steering column bearing:
GM - 88963617

Steering gear (box)
AcDelco - 36G0149 (reman)

Idler arm:
AcDelco

Pitman arm:
Mevotech

 

[OneofFew]

2 inches of play is acceptable. Note that you can turn the wheel further when stopped without the wheels actually turning, but you hear the power steering pump working.
I did not see a drag link in the parts list you replaced.
I would be going under the vehicle while someone is moving the wheel 11-1 and looking for play. If none found, maybe the wandering is just improper caster setting.

 

[Massfloefi]

2 inches of play is acceptable. Note that you can turn the wheel further when stopped without the wheels actually turning, but you hear the power steering pump working.
I did not see a drag link in the parts list you replaced.
I would be going under the vehicle while someone is moving the wheel 11-1 and looking for play. If none found, maybe the wandering is just improper caster setting.

I wasn't aware this was a wearable part?

I guess it makes sense that the pitman and idler arm holes could get elongated?

 

[SnowDrifter]

Drag link isn't a wearable part. Unless freeplay was found in the tapers in the first place, it's fine.

That's a fair bit of play in your steering tbh. Mine has maybe 1/3" in either direction

You're going to need to hop under the vehicle and give everything a shakedown

Have someone wiggle the steering wheel back and forth from 11 to 1. Can you see the intermediate shaft moving the appropriate amount? What about going into the steering box? Is the steering box outputting accordingly? If no faults are found there, go under the vehicle and start feeling around for freeplay

 

[Floep]

Variable effort steering has a sensor at the bottom of the steering housing and a valve in the pump, either one can give very squirily problems. Only used inn one or two year issues

 

[exp500]

It appears you have a 97 or 98, Steering gears are a known problem,especially the quick ratio box. so is getting a good alignment, caster on these go to full upper limit per service manual- alignment shops usually do whatever is easiest never check frame angle.. I replaced pump and pressure hose from a 96 and left the evo valve plugged in ( No Codes) and tie wrapped., after replacing the evo sensor twice. And 4 alignments.All but one shop said I needed Ball joints too. (everything was new). Three steering gears before I got a good one, all delco. Also reduced pressure 200 Lbs with a shim kit on pump.Hope this helps.

 

[Massfloefi]

Still working on this. Have a feeling that the remained steering gear box is the culprit. Not sure I can do it myself (AWD) in the driveway with no lift and I am sick of paying someone to do it.

Any guys running the Cognito pitman/idler arm braces on a stock set up? From reviews I've found it's helped tighten steering feel. I understand this is a band aid but one I can perform myself.

 

[SnowDrifter]

No amount of bracing will cure a worn out steering box

p.s. if you go the DIY route, save yourself a headache and order a new pitman arm too. I know you just replaced yours, but they can be a right bastard to get off. Any time I need to do one, I don't even look at the puller any more. Just skip straight to the cutoff wheel.

If you have another vehicle for transportation, you can remove the pitman arm and steering box as an assembly and take it to a local shop to have it pressed out.