1997 Other GMC Models free spinning when in turn to left or

DAVID H

MEMBER
1997 GMC

Steering problem
1997 Other GMC Models V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 256k miles

my Suburban's steering wheel will act is if it has no resitance and will turn freely in the direction of a turn while driving and slow to moderate speeds. Almost as if it has lost control of the wheels. This happens very briefly and randomly in either direction.
Midas looked at it and thought it was air in the main pressure hose - was fixed but it still "free turns"

any help?

8 Replies

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,749 POSTS

HEY NOW! WHAT YOU HAVE IS A BAD STEERING SENSOR AT THE BASE OF THE STEERING COLUMN. ITS SUPPOSED GIVE YOU LOOSE STEERING AT LOW SPEEDS AND TIGHT STEERING AT HIGH SPEEDS. I WORKED FOR GM FOR A BUNCH OF YEARS AND IVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM A HUNDRED TIMES.

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Thursday, January 10th, 2008 AT 4:14 PM

DAVID H

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Thanks for the help. Any idea about repair costs?

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Thursday, January 10th, 2008 AT 5:29 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

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Im not sure. You can call any gm dealer and ask for a price on part. Tell them its the steering sensor on the base of the steering column, theyll know what you mean. They might ask you for the last eight digits of your v.I.N. Number. Add cost of part plus 1 hour labor. Labor varies drastically from state to state.

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Thursday, January 10th, 2008 AT 5:33 PM

DAVID H

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Thanks a lot. I will check it out.
David

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Thursday, January 10th, 2008 AT 7:02 PM

DAVID H

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Thanks a lot. I will check it out.
David[/quote:f0c5ceb6b7]

Is the sensor located inside the cab floorboard?
I dont see anything that looks like it has an electrical connection.
What does it look like?
Sorry for the dumb questions- Thanks

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Friday, January 11th, 2008 AT 2:31 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

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Its located at the base of the steering column. Mounted to the steering column. I believe it has a 2 wire plug on it. Its inside the vehicle.

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Friday, January 11th, 2008 AT 2:36 PM

MASTERTECHTIM

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I looked it up, its called a steering wheel position sensor or steering wheel speed sensor. Its located beneath steering column about 6 inches below where the steering column bolts to the steering column. Dont be scared, get right under there with a flash light, youll see it. Let me know when this fixes it.

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Friday, January 11th, 2008 AT 2:42 PM

DAVID H

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7 POSTS

I found the part ( light gray
lpastic ring) I read on maybe this forum maybe not about cleaning the copper surface and the pick ups and WD 40 ing the thing.
This seems to have worked. For now.
Thanks, Tim

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Friday, January 11th, 2008 AT 3:58 PM