Steering Wander?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
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From: Ponca City, OK
Also, iT does not need frame damage for the rear and front track to be out of line. A simple, but not completely foolproof test since you replaced the track bar is to measure from the frame to the outer edge of the tire on both sides of the front. Each measurement should be the same, ensuring the front track is in line. It won't help determine if it's out of line with the rear, but it's a start.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 293
Likes: 119
Have you checked the alignment after replacing all of those parts? Alignment issues can cause steering wander among other things. The steering column rag joint may also be a bit suspect as you mentioned there is an area where the wheel has light effort which then builds up noticeably. Less likely, you got a dud new steering box since you replaced it and the problem didn't change.
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Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,266
Likes: 1,649
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
OK back at it, replaced PS pump and high pressure line, no change.
Taking it to the alignment shop next (still covered from the last time it got aligned which all those new parts were installed.
The only thing that caught my eye was the drag link kinda "flexes" when steering but there is zero play in the tie rod's.
After alignment I should have a more concrete place to look at, and like previously mentioned the leaf spring bushings need replacing as the rubber is bad.
Taking it to the alignment shop next (still covered from the last time it got aligned which all those new parts were installed.
The only thing that caught my eye was the drag link kinda "flexes" when steering but there is zero play in the tie rod's.
After alignment I should have a more concrete place to look at, and like previously mentioned the leaf spring bushings need replacing as the rubber is bad.
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Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Las Cruces New Mexico
Got the alignment checked, and toe for driver side was a little off (I'll get the specs sheet and post them)
The truck rides better but still has a slight wandering problem, the tech also re checked all of the suspension and couldnt find anything wrong either so WTF??
The truck rides better but still has a slight wandering problem, the tech also re checked all of the suspension and couldnt find anything wrong either so WTF??
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Henderson, NV
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2022
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From: Oologah, OK
My 2001 K1500 4x4 Suburban drives like a car, the steering feel is very light, similar to how our Kia Amanti feels.
I just wish my Excursion had enough power in the steering pump to do that, long drives are very tiring, makes my left wrist hurt bad.
I just wish my Excursion had enough power in the steering pump to do that, long drives are very tiring, makes my left wrist hurt bad.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,129
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From: Ponca City, OK
So was the reman steering gear from the Twilight Zone like some of the other replacement parts listed? I've read more than one saga here steming from parts house reman boxes. I believe @Sous was one of them. So how did all this start? Just one morning head for work and all the sudden the truck is driving like it's 2am on a Friday night?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2014
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From: Lake Hartwell, GA
I had a catastrophic failure of the OEM steering box while we were on the road and camping. I put an AutoZone box in it at the campground and got us back on the road. That thing leaked and was loose from day one. I replaced that box under warranty with another AutoZone box and that was the same. It leaked and was loose from day one... I replaced that one with a BlueTop prior to a cross country towing trip and have been happy with it since April of 2021. Just last week while towing the 5th wheel to the beach and back I was grateful for the tight steering gear and responsive steering.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,005
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From: Bottom Of Pikes Peak
did you happen to check the steering shaft? I don't remember where I saw/ read it but someone had a wander issue and turned out to be the steering shaft joint was worn/ broke and was hard to detect under the plastic cover....something along those lines.
Have you gotten new tires that might cause this behavior?
Have you gotten new tires that might cause this behavior?
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Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 11,266
Likes: 1,649
From: Las Cruces New Mexico
So was the reman steering gear from the Twilight Zone like some of the other replacement parts listed? I've read more than one saga here steming from parts house reman boxes. I believe @Sous was one of them. So how did all this start? Just one morning head for work and all the sudden the truck is driving like it's 2am on a Friday night?
I had replaced the SB prior to the alignment and the truck drove great. When the wandering started I replaced it under warranty thinking it might be the steering box but had the same outcome. After yesterday's alignment found the toe on the driver was off which makes me believe the wife probably hit something.
did you happen to check the steering shaft? I don't remember where I saw/ read it but someone had a wander issue and turned out to be the steering shaft joint was worn/ broke and was hard to detect under the plastic cover....something along those lines.
steering shaft and "rag joint, although old looking they are tight
Have you gotten new tires that might cause this behavior?
steering shaft and "rag joint, although old looking they are tight
Have you gotten new tires that might cause this behavior?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 971
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From: Glendale, AZ
Unfortunately there's not a good rebuilt steering box from the parts store of any kind. Yes that's a big statement and I'll stand by it. The only good reman boxes I've had were from specialty shops.