2002 GMC Yukon steering gear & wheel

ROOSTER_MAN45

MEMBER
2002 GMC YUKON
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
142,000 MILES

Had a bad steering gear that was hard to turn to the right. It has a Delphi gear instead of a saginaw. It also has power boost brakes instead of vacumn. Ok heres the problem, replaced the gear and pitman arm. Used the seatbelt and power seat to keep the wheel straight and where it was when removed. Of course I disabled the airbags. The gear is not splined, it only has a square side and a slot for the bolt. Pitman arm is also keyed with 4 areas of two solid teeth, as the output is the opposite. I put the new assembly on and it lined right up, no movement needed. When I started to test drive it the steering wheel is at 90 degrees from where it should be, and the sevice stablity message is coming on and the engine light is also on.

6 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi rooster_man45,

Thank you for the donation.

The steering gear box is calibrated in the straight ahead position differently from the original and to centralise the steering wheel, it has to be removed and reinstalled in the correct position.

Hopefully the steering off center has not cause any damage to the clock spring reel under the steering wheel.

Perform the steering wheel cantralising and remember to turn the clock spring reel in the same direction and angle as the steering wheel.

If the CEL and stability message does ot go off, get a free scan done at Autozone and get back to me with the EXACT trouble code.

The steerng wheel position sensor might have to be recalibrated.

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Sunday, September 19th, 2010 AT 1:56 AM

ROOSTER_MAN45

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11 POSTS

Ok but I.M used to the spline instead of this kind, how do you do the centralizeing and the clock spring. None of the manuals have this in them.

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Sunday, September 19th, 2010 AT 6:31 AM

ROOSTER_MAN45

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The key would not lock the steering wheel when I first got this car, and it still won't, could this be part of the problem? I know they usally do this by key stroke and pin in plate.

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Sunday, September 19th, 2010 AT 6:35 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Steering lock would lock at different angle for different vehicles depending on the position it was installed.

While driving, note the steering wheel position in straight ahead and park vehicle, allowing the steering wheel to rest where it is while driving in a straight ahead position.

Remove the steering wheel. While removing the centrla nut, the steering wheel might be turned. Return it to the initial resting position before removing.

Remove the steering wheel and reinstall it in the centralised position.

Before reinstalling the steering wheel, turn the clock spring in the same direction the steering wheel is going to be turned. You would note a TOP or arrow mark indicating that position should be at top.

Reinstall steering wheel and retest.

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Sunday, September 19th, 2010 AT 8:12 AM

ROOSTER_MAN45

MEMBER
11 POSTS

Ok got the yukon back and it's a 2004 instead of 98. I tried your advice after I finally got the steering wheel off. Of course I had to also get the locking plate off which was a pain. This car is tilt wheel also. When I tried to relocate the horn contact I noticed the locking plate was also keyed to where it only fits one way. This job is driving me nuts. As far as I see everything is keyed to only go on one way. I think I am going to have to take the steering box off and move the pitman arm over to the next notch.