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Chevy S10 - GMC S15 and Sonoma Steering questions

23 messages,  Last post on Jun 11, 2008 at 7:40 AM

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What is this discussion about? GMC Sonoma, Chevrolet S-10, GMC S-15, Steering, Truck

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#1 of 23 Steering stiff, 1996 GMC Sonoma by wardoe Jan 18, 2006 (7:45 pm)
I have a 96 GMC sonoma four pot auto, the problem is the steering is very stiff, when I go round a curve and let go of the wheel it doesn't move back to center. I have replaced everything from the steering box to the wheels...could this be a steering box problem (it is ajusted right, done by the garage), or could it be the power steering, like having air in it or old fluid? (no leaks of strange noises and seems to be ok)   I'm running of of things to look for (and money).   Eddie.   ps the truck only has 78,000 on it.
#2 of 23 stiff steering by oldharry Jan 18, 2006 (8:17 pm)
Is it a 4x4? If so check the lower ball joints, they have known problems. Many garages do not know how to adjust gear boxes. If they attempt to adjust it when the steering is not centered it will be too tight, and cause poor returnability.   Harry Replies to this message: wardoe (Jan 20, 2006 6:12 am)
#3 of 23 Re: stiff steering [oldharry] by wardoe Jan 20, 2006 (6:12 am)
Replying to: oldharry (Jan 18, 2006 8:17 pm) It's a two wheel drive (rear wheel). The ball joints and all steering componants from the steering box to the trackrod ends have been changed. the only things that haven't been changed are the steering box and power steering pump.
#4 of 23 Check the gear adjustment by oldharry Jan 20, 2006 (6:36 pm)
Here's how.   With the steering centered, hold the adjuster while loosening the lock nut.   Try to turn the adjuster one flat of the nut (1/6th turn) looser then back. It uses a 3/16 allen wrench.   If it turns easily that is not the problem.   If it turns real hard, turn the steering wheel a full turn right or left, and try the screw again.   If it turns easily now, the "garage" tightened it too much.   The recommended procedure for adjustment calls for disconntecting steering linkage and turning the input of the gear with an inch pound torque wrench. No one I know does that.   A practical way to adjust it to a satifactory setting is to:   1. Loosen the lock nut. 2. Turn the steering wheel one turn from steering centered. 3. Back off the screw gently until it starts to feel slight resistance, or three turn, whichever comes first. Not more than three full turns! 4. Start the engine, turn the wheel to center then rock the steering wheel clockwise and counter clockwise so that the top center moves from 10:00 oclock to 2:00 oclock three or four times. Stop engine with the wheel centered. A few drops of P/S fluid will have leaked around the screw. Gently tighten the screw until you just begin to feel resistance change. Then back off 1 flat.   5. Tighten the lock nut while holding the adjuster then test drive the truck. If it does not feel "right", try loosening one flat more. If it gets better try again, if it gets worse, tighten one flat.   This should make the adjustment as close to correct as can be done without removing the gear and adjusting it on the bench with a torque wrench.   If excessive force is required at any step of this procedure, stop, and take it to a professional that specializes in front ends.   Harry   Replies to this message: wardoe (Jan 24, 2006 8:26 am)
#5 of 23 Re: Check the gear adjustment [oldharry] by wardoe Jan 24, 2006 (8:26 am)
Replying to: oldharry (Jan 20, 2006 6:36 pm) Did what you said...made no difference at all. when turning a tight corner if I let go of the steering wheel it will go about a quarter of the way back to center, on bends in roads I can let go of the wheel and it will carry on turning around the bend (not going to center, or even near it) the steering is a bit on the heavy side. I am getting no noise from the steering, no vibs shakes, no clonks or knocking...nothing that would say it was bad.   Could this all be due to a bad pump, or is there other stuff that could do this?   HELP!
#6 of 23 S-10 steering box by rockingb Jul 02, 2006 (1:35 pm)
#7 of 23 S-10 steering box by rockingb Jul 02, 2006 (1:35 pm)
Having a problem with a late 70's camaro power steering box being too long to allow the front radiator support and radiator sit down in proper perspective to the rest of the car[52 buick], can/dose anyone have any measurements on the s-10 box...smaller then a 79 camaro[length-wise] how about a rack/pinon from a late chevy/?. do/did S-10's have rack/pinion steering, any info would be appreciated.....Paul
#8 of 23 steering to the left sounds like a bad shopping cart wheel by bny321 Sep 17, 2006 (3:27 pm)
I have a 1998 Chevy s-10 4.3liter v6 2 wheel drive. I've had it for about 6 years and it has over 160k miles. It still runs great and I have kept it well maintained but I have one issue with noise. Whenever I turn to the left while the truck is moving slowly, like in a parking lot, I get noise coming from an area close to the steering wheel. It's been that way for years. It steers fine, it's not stiff or anything and it hasn't gotten worse over time. It just sounds like a dirty shopping cart wheel. Does the steering shaft need to be lubricated? My powersteering fluid is to the correct level and the system seems to work fine otherwise. Has anyone had this noise problem? What kind of lube should I use? Any advice would help. Replies to this message: waynorthsonoma (Sep 21, 2006 9:47 am)
#9 of 23 Re: steering to the left sounds like a bad shopping cart wheel [bny321] by waynorthsonoma Sep 21, 2006 (9:47 am)
Replying to: bny321 (Sep 17, 2006 3:27 pm) I have a simular sound and it was only at low speeds only turning left and only with the wheel turned hard to the left. A quick look at the right hand side of truck and you may see a coolent overflow hose that has the dirt warn off it, i think the sound was caused by the hose rubbing on the wheel.....I didnt give it a second thought, just turned the stereo up. you may have a simular problem...now if you or anyone reading this post can help me with a low speed rythmic chirping sound from the back passenger side when foot is on the gas, and more apparent when turning to the left?
#10 of 23 Steering Colum Problems by mnichy Nov 28, 2006 (5:09 pm)
I have a 91 GMC Jimmy S-15 and the steering colum is loose at the wheel tilt. It wiggles and moves no matter what position. No one seems to know how to repair this problem or know where to find instructions on this repair. Please help. Replies to this message: gonogo (Aug 21, 2007 9:15 am) badreligion1 (Mar 29, 2008 7:59 pm) badreligion1 (Mar 29, 2008 7:59 pm)

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