My mom's car (02 Yukon 4WD) has been having some strange steering issues recently. When you're at low speed, like in a parking lot or something, its like it loses power steering.

It mainly when turning the wheel to the right, but its as if the power steering goes out. It's kind of random too. I've tried this in neutral/park and raising the rpms up, but that doesn't seem to help. I'm wondering if this is a symptom of the infamous intermediate shaft? I don't see how, but I know she still has the original one on there. There's no clunking going on either which is a dead give away for the IS.

Any ideas?

 

Sounds like the power steering pump is going out or there is a restriction in the fuild causing it to not want to turn at low rpms.

I had this problem with my 2002, replaced the pump and it went away.

 

I just replaced the pump, and its doing the same damned thing! I will say though that this pump is quite unique and I'm not familiar with it. It has some kind of valve on the back side of it with an electrical connector. I had to swap it over to the new pump since it didn't come with it. Pretty straight foward, but I have no idea what it does.

I've looked all over as to what this thing is, with no luck. Its almost like it has variable assist power steering on it, but I wasn't aware that they offered that on these trucks. I blew it out with air and cleaned it as best I could, but it wouldn't surprise me if that thing is shot.

 

Change the fluid?

 

Yeah I changed the fluid when I did the pump, and I flushed everything as best as I could. I even sucked out fluid from the cooler and gear box with my vacuum pump.

I did find some interesting info about the valve though:


Subject: Lack of Steering Assist or Shudder During Parking Lot Type Manuevers - keywords bind booster hard hydraulic noise #PIT3386D - (07/31/2006)



Models: 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade Models

2000-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Tahoe, Suburban

1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic

1999-2007 GMC Sierra Classic

2000-2006 GMC Yukon Models

2003-2007 Hummer H2




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This PI is being updated to add fix information and models. Please discard PIT3386C.


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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
Some customers may comment on a lack of steering assist when stopped or during parking lot type maneuvers.

Recommendation/Instructions:
Please follow normal diagnostics in SI for this condition. If the vehicle passes the Power Steering Pressure Test Procedure in SI this may be a normal condition. A lack of steering assist could occur if the brakes are applied and turning the steering wheel with the vehicle stopped or during parking lot type maneuvers. This concern can be aggravated by worn tires, low tire air pressure, low power steering pump pressures, and tires larger than stock size. In some cases, where the power steering pump pressures are at the low end of the specification, replacing the power steering flow control valve with P/N 26095470 may improve the concern. On 1500 models with the 670 gear please following Bulletin 05-02-32-008A, which may increase customer satisfaction.

No further repairs should be attempted as this is a characteristic of the vehicle. Any customer concerns should be referred to the Area Vehicle Manager (AVM) and a Field Product Report should be submitted by following bulletin 02-00-89-002D. When submitting the Field Product Report please advise if the vehicle is equipped with anything other than the stock wheel and tire size, example GM SPO 20 inch Wheels and Tires.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.



GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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