Steering Catching

DONINFOSYS

MEMBER
1999 GMC YUKON
180,000 MILES

I have an '99 Yukon SXT 1500 4WD. Especially at higher highway speeds, there is a "grab" when steering to the right. It was much more pronounced but I have since purchased new tires and installed new shocks along with a front end alignment. The alignment helped the most but the problem still exits. At this point I'm thinking valve issue or steering box. Any suggestions to help diagnose the problem would be greatly appreciated.

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 7:34 PM

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Is the steering overly sensitive?

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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 8:40 PM

DONINFOSYS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

No, responsiveness is typical, escept when it catches and the steering wheel 'jumps' about 3 inches when slight pressure is placed on the steering wheel. FYI, the gear box and idler arm have been replaced.

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Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 AT 11:13 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

There is a sensor in the steering column. I'm sorry but I can't remember its name; however, it is designed to provide power assist based on vehicle speed. It can either make the steering really sensitive or hard. When they start going bad, they do it randomly when light steering is needed.

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Thursday, December 8th, 2011 AT 3:18 AM

DONINFOSYS