97 Chev Silverado

[walleye29us]

97 Chev Silverado 4 wheel drive with 5.7 motor......I have been having steering issues...Steering was drifty so mechanic replaced idler arm....Then steering seemed to NOT CATCH..or let loose for a quick moment then catch?.....Mechanic replaced steering gear box and pitman arm....Now my steering wheel is not in the correct position(about the 2 o clock position)....It pulls to the right.....The steering wheel shakes pretty bad from about 25 to 50 mph....And the steering seems way overly tight!!....My mechanic said all of these problem will be resolved with new tires and alignment....DOES THIS SOUND RIGHT?......I have an appointment for tomorrow morning for new tires and alignment and i hope this will solve my steering issues.....Thx guys..

[Jeremy airjer W]

The new gear box install would probably be why the steering wheel is off center.

If it wasn't pulling before the install of those parts than something seems wrong. The alignment will reveal if the pull is mechanical or alignment related. The alignment will also get the steering wheel centered.

[walleye29us]

Thanks for your thoughts Jeremy. Im REALLY hoping new tires,balancing,and alignment solve these issues!!! I have to admit i have my doubts. I will give an update after i get this done tomorrow....Its been frusterating to say the least,,paying hundreds of dollars to have nice steering....now my steering is worse then its ever been!!!!!!

[Macgyver55]

I think I personally would have checked out the EVO (steering position) sensor before doing anything else. Its a fairly common and inexpensive fix that usually cures the symptoms you described.

[walleye29us]

EVO...steering position sensor....Thanks for your input..I have never heard that part before and the mechanic never mentioned that may be the cause....I SURE WISH I COULD HAVE TRIED THAT FIRST!!.....Live and learn i guess....If the new tires and alignment dont solve my issues,,i will be heading back to the mechanic,,,and i will then mention the steering position sensor........Thx again.....I need all the advice you guys can give me..........

[walleye29us]

Ok guys......Got the new tires and alignment....Solved all the issues but one,,,,the steering still does the (let loose for a moment then tighten back up......Must be that EVO steering position sensor??? What do you guys think?........Should that be my next plan of attack?......Where is that located?.....What does it look like?.....Thx guys...

[Jeremy airjer W]

it is located on the end of the steering column. basically you will unbolt the column from the shaft under the dash. You will see the sensor clipped into the end of the column. follow the wiring harness to the connector and unplug it. Take it for a drive. I think the wheel will feel looser. If the symptom you are experiencing is gone and the wheel never changes how it feels than i wouldn't have any problem replacing the sensor.

[Macgyver55]

If you do end up replacing it, secure the steering wheel from turning while you have the steering shaft disconnected. Its important to keep the "clock spring" for the air bag from getting out of adjustment.

[walleye29us]

Thx guys,,,,I dont plan on doing the job myself.....The mechanic i always go to is a hour and fifteen minute ride,,so cant get up there right away...Is it possible to get at and unplug that sensor without taking anything apart?...I would really like to make sure that is the problem before i head to the mechanic....

[Macgyver55]

You can get at it to unplug it, its at the base of the column next to the floor. It s a fairly small plug and it has a locking tab so it can be a bit tough if you cant see how to unlock the tab. Being a contortionist helps!

[walleye29us]

Thx again sir!!! As soon as the little woman gets home i am going to go give this a try....I would love to unplug it and see how it feels...

[walleye29us]

Well i couldnt find it!!...lol...And last couple places i went tonight the steering worked perfect,,,,but it always has been a on and off thing...Are you guys sure that my truck has an EVO. STEERING POSITION SENSOR??.............Thx guys!

[Scott K]

[Macgyver55]

Pretty sure you have one unless you have some uncommon model. I've replaced several including my own.

It should look like this.

[walleye29us]

Wow!!!!..Fantastic information guys!!!....I think i better take your word that there is one there....I better take a closer look!!!

[walleye29us]

I still cant find it!!...I dont see any wires at all in that general area...Is it possible that the shaft needs to be apart to expose them wires?....Thx all...

[Jeremy airjer W]

Nope. You just need to stick you head in between the brake pedal and the gas pedal (literally) and look back towards the steering wheel. If it has one you cant miss it.

[walleye29us]

Ok i think i found it but not positive?...It seems like there is a round plastic cover over it....Grey in color....Also i can not see the wires,,but i am pretty sure i can feel them running very tightly along the top of the shaft....If them are the wires i feel,,they have zero slack in them....I guess i will just have my mechanic replace it as soon as i get a chance to get it up there...I hope that will fix my steering issue!!!....Thx guys!!!

[Macgyver55]

That should be it, and replacing it should give you a good possibility of curing the problem.

[c0untryf1sh3r]

Nope. You just need to stick you head in between the brake pedal and the gas pedal (literally) and look back towards the steering wheel. If it has one you cant miss it.

This is where being a contortionist comes into play.