2000 Chevy Suburban Steering Wheel Hard Turning

DSHARPLESS

MEMBER
2000 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
156,000 MILES

When at highway speeds the vehicle will turn rt and left with no problem. While sitting at idle, very hard, if at all to turn to left but okay turning right. As soon as you accelerate, the steering will will snap free and turn left with no problem. Whille sitting in vehicle at idle and trying to turn left(which it won't) around the steering column u get a moderate noise which imitates the noise u get when u turn your wheels all the way to the left or right and hold it against the stops. Thanks for any input! I have some mechanic background but this one hard to diagnose!

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Sounds like you have an issue with the power steering pump or at least low pressure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

When you get this noise, does it sound like a whining noise?

If so, you need to replace the pump.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

When installing the new pump, I would suggest flushing the rest of the fluid as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-fluid-flush

Below is the process from the manual which will help with the additional detail needed to replace the pump.

Please run through this and let us know what questions you have.

Thanks

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