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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'97 Chevy Suburban 1500, Steering Drift
Q:
Jim, I own a ‘97
Chevy Suburban 1500. Since the first day, we noticed that the steering
was extremely easy. We also noticed that while driving down the highway,
the truck drifts right or left. You are always steering to stay in a straight
line. Would a Steering Stabilizer help with this problem? Otherwise the
truck is great.
A:
Actually your complaint
is not uncommon. ALLDATA Information System shows Technical Service Bulletin
(TSB) # 76-30-01 addressing a vehicle owner’s complaint about steering
that may seem to wander or be perceived as too loose at highway speeds.
The TSB wants the technician to inspect the front end for any binding
steering or suspension components. If any components are found to be binding
or loose they should be lubricated or replaced as needed. If this does
not correct the problem the alignment should be checked and set to the
specification outlined in the TSB. If all is found to be correct the problem
may be in the steering box. Depending on the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
the corrective repair may require adjusting the spool valve preload or
replacing the steering box. The spool valve is a part in the steering
box that controls the flow of power steering fluid to the assist part
of the steering box. The adjustment procedure reduces the sensitivity
of the power steering. Of course the replacement power steering box addresses
the problem as a complete unit. Some diagnostic time will be needed, but
you’re not being over sensitive, your steering is.
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