Steering issue

[boosted mahi]

My rig likes to jump to the right if I'm in the left lane of a 4 lane (which slopes to the left) and have to hold the wheel to the right to counter the slope. Basically when I hold the wheel to account for the left slope the wheel will often times "let go" for about an inch and then catch again. It feels like it slipped a tooth and then caught on the next one. The truck will jump to the right in response to the slip.

I'm not suggesting that there's play in the wheel or any kind of disconnect between the streering wheel and the front wheels. The ball joints were good when I got new tires and alignment about 8000 miles ago.

I dont think the slipping happens when I'm in the right lane, countering against a rightward slope.

 

[swanie2000]

I have been reading this site for quite a while, and your description, from what I have been reading, it sounds like the steering sensor, located on the base of the steering wheel shaft, found on the inside of the truck. :cool2:

Swanie

 

[bowtiefreak]

I agree, I am on sensor #3. Evo senor

 

[y0diggity]

And what does that sensor do? How much does it cost? Is it easy to replace? I'm having something similar in mine.

 

[swanie2000]

And what does that sensor do? How much does it cost? Is it easy to replace? I'm having something similar in mine.

I hear it is pretty cheap, about 30 bucks or so. It tells the trucks computer where the steering wheel is, and using this data, along with a speed sensor I would imagine, it thens tells a valve on the steering gear box to open, and how much to open. Open more for slow speed, and less for high speed.

Again, this is all from reading, as my 95 tahoe doesn't appear to have the sensor, or valve on the gear box. I have play in my steering wheel, and was hoping I could just replace the sensor, but I checked for it last night, and I don't have one. I had a shop yesterday say the play was in the steering gearbox, and not the pitman / idler arms. So I am now searching for a different answer....

Swanie

 

[y0diggity]

OK. Thanks for that. I have a 95 as well and I have some weird play that moves the truck around a little unpredictably. If nothing else it makes for some occasionally interesting drives through the country.

 

[swanie2000]

OK. Thanks for that. I have a 95 as well and I have some weird play that moves the truck around a little unpredictably. If nothing else it makes for some occasionally interesting drives through the country.

Yea, I just bought my 95 Tahoe, and it is a little squirly at freeway speeds. I do not know what to do with it(yet). I have been searching for a while. I will most likely tackle the steering gear box, and hope it helps. I am going to wait till I figure out all I need for a hydrobooster setup on the brakes(they suck too), and do both at the same time.

Swanie

 

[boosted mahi]

Will this steering sensor have good days and bad days?

As in, will it operate normally for a while, and then start acting goofy, and then go back to proper operation.

Because, for the last 2 weeks, my "jumping to the right" problem has been nonexistant.

This is really odd.

I fully suspected this to be a tooth/gear issue in the steering box.
But now that the problem has subsided, I question how gear/teeth could be the source...:shy2:

 

[swanie2000]

Will this steering sensor have good days and bad days?

As in, will it operate normally for a while, and then start acting goofy, and then go back to proper operation.

Because, for the last 2 weeks, my "jumping to the right" problem has been nonexistant.

This is really odd.

I fully suspected this to be a tooth/gear issue in the steering box.
But now that the problem has subsided, I question how gear/teeth could be the source...:shy2:

Yes, weird behavior is typical. It is an electronic/mechanical sensor. Very easily effected by humidity, vibrations, temp, etc. I would replace it first, before you think about the gear box. It is much cheaper, and easier.

I wish I had this sensor...:mad2:

Swanie

 

[bsamoul]

Is this sensor in 96's???

 

[boosted mahi]

SO here's a question:

I cant locate a factory service manual for my rig. And the Haynes pretty much sucks. So how do I get some guidance on R&Ring this part?

It doesnt sound too difficult, but I like following manuals as opposed to guessing...

 

[Whippled2dr]

SO here's a question:

I cant locate a factory service manual for my rig. And the Haynes pretty much sucks. So how do I get some guidance on R&Ring this part?

It doesnt sound too difficult, but I like following manuals as opposed to guessing...

Here are the directions on how to change it:
http://www.tahoeforum.com/showthread.php?p=78618

There have been talks on another forum about the sensor needing to be clocked to a certain position (zero) for it to work correctly but I've always just thrown it on. I'm going to test clocking it to zero (not sure exactly where that is) and see if there is any difference.

By the way I'm on my 3rd sensor.

 

[Whippled2dr]

Is this sensor in 96's???

No. I believe 97 was the first year.

 

[JP422]

Whipple... I changed mine a few months ago and brought up the issue of clocking it...
For me, one jerk was enough to make me change it (it happend in front of a courthouse... lotsa cops nearby, but luckily none saw me.)

anyway, I found some info from another site where a guy did some research and measured the resistance on the sensor, etc... but his result was to have it 45* off center (iirc).

I took my old one apart and found that 'zero' was to have the 'U'shaped mark inline w/ the wires that come out on the other end (basically rotated to the top when steering wheel is straight). It's very easy to adjust... I just pointed my steering wheel down (180*) and rotated the sensor so it also pointed straight down (easier to reach this way)
It works and drives perfect.. just like new.

When I had the sensor rotated 90* off to one side, the steering wanted to return back to straight... and felt tighter... kinda sporty.. but I still like it easy and soft on my truck.

As for the install... probably 15 min... and less if you've done it before. Defintely a DIY.

 

[Whippled2dr]

That was you(joemama422) on pacificp that was talking about it. I'm 99bluetahoe over there.

More info:
http://www.pacificp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7186

 

[Whippled2dr]

When I had the sensor rotated 90* off to one side, the steering wanted to return back to straight... and felt tighter... kinda sporty.. but I still like it easy and soft on my truck.

This is what mine is doing.

 

[JP422]

haha... yea...

You ever time your truck on the 1/4? =)

 

[Whippled2dr]

haha... yea...

You ever time your truck on the 1/4? =)

I've been to sac raceway a couple of times. Best so far is 13.911 sec @
96.516 mph.

 

[JP422]

Bitchin!~

 

[boosted mahi]

Holy Sh!t, 13.9?

That's flying man.

Your trap speed indicates that you make up most of your time in the first half of the run.

But You'll run all over a lot cars with a sub 14 time.

Has anybody ever run our rig in the quarter, in stock form?

Cause I would bet mine is a 19-20 second machine.

BTW, what part house should I source for this steering sensor?

And what is the technical name for the part?