Steering problem (wheel jerks back and forth)
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I was thinking steering box when i was resding this. If you haven't tightened the box up then it's probably not a gear mesh issue but may be related to the power steering setup as someone has already stated. Just for giggles, try backing the steering box setscrew off a 1/4 turn to see if that makes a difference or not. You say you have no play in the steering wheel which seems odd for these trucks.
Btw, are you the original owner or have you just recently purchased the truck?
Btw, are you the original owner or have you just recently purchased the truck?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Taylors, SC
ExV10
This same exact scenario happened to me, although it was on my 03 Ranger Edge. Totally different steering design though. It has a power assisted rack and pinion. I think you are headed in the right direction. It almost has to be hydraulic related. I don't know that it would be the most prudent thing to disassemble the steering gear box and attempt a repair. I believe in this instance I would replace the box.
This same exact scenario happened to me, although it was on my 03 Ranger Edge. Totally different steering design though. It has a power assisted rack and pinion. I think you are headed in the right direction. It almost has to be hydraulic related. I don't know that it would be the most prudent thing to disassemble the steering gear box and attempt a repair. I believe in this instance I would replace the box.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
the '98 gmc suburban 1500, that i used to have did that too. the weird thing was that it was not a constant problem. the suburban would go months with out "jerking." the best answer i ever got was that it was a steering sensor / pump problem. i was told the system was some type of veratable power steering. a sensor would detect when and how much pressure the pump would produce while turning the steering wheel. the sensor would send a signal to the pump to increase pressure during a turn. mine always surged while making a right turn. the pump would surge and cause that "jerking" feeling at the steering wheel. i traded the 'burb for the Ex and i never did fix the steering problem.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: so Cal
It almost sounds like there is air being introduced into the hydralic system. You also mentioned that you could spin the steering adjustment screw 2 turns before resistance. You're not supposed to turn that screw more then 1/4 turn at a time.
Possibilities:
1 - Compromised fluid (air. water, ??)
2 - Internal steering box issue
3 - Failing ball joint or tie rod end
Good luck and please let us know the results.
and please be careful, I would hate to hear the worst on this.
Possibilities:
1 - Compromised fluid (air. water, ??)
2 - Internal steering box issue
3 - Failing ball joint or tie rod end
Good luck and please let us know the results.
and please be careful, I would hate to hear the worst on this.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
It almost sounds like there is air being introduced into the hydralic system. You also mentioned that you could spin the steering adjustment screw 2 turns before resistance. You're not supposed to turn that screw more then 1/4 turn at a time.
Possibilities:
1 - Compromised fluid (air. water, ??)
2 - Internal steering box issue
3 - Failing ball joint or tie rod end
Good luck and please let us know the results.
and please be careful, I would hate to hear the worst on this.
Possibilities:
1 - Compromised fluid (air. water, ??)
2 - Internal steering box issue
3 - Failing ball joint or tie rod end
Good luck and please let us know the results.
and please be careful, I would hate to hear the worst on this.
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
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Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I took it to the store today and the steering was normal but on the way back it jerked left and right and there was no way I could keep it in the middle of of the lane. I think it is getting worse.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Thanks, I will look into that.
Thread Starter
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
No, it doesn't get hard to turn. Do you mean the hydraulic pressure coming from the pump?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
With a situation like this where danger of life or limb (you or someone else) is imminent, the proper advice would be to bite the bullet and replace the box or what ever else has failed in the powersteering sytem.
Being a mechanic, I'm sure going to a dealership isn't something you want to do, but I wouldn't let pride override your responsibility to ensure the safety of those on the road.
Being a mechanic, I'm sure going to a dealership isn't something you want to do, but I wouldn't let pride override your responsibility to ensure the safety of those on the road.
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Wasilla, AK
It doesn't matter how much knowlegde one has on any specific subject, you'll never know everything about it. Take it to a front end specialist so you don't kill yourself or someone else. Put the warranty and liability on them!