2002 GMC Yukon steering gear & wheel

Tiny
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.
Saturday, September 18th, 2010 AT 8:57 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, September 19th, 2010 AT 1:56 AM
Tiny
ROOSTER_MAN45
  • MEMBER
  • 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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, September 19th, 2010 AT 6:31 AM
Tiny
ROOSTER_MAN45
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, September 19th, 2010 AT 6:35 AM
Tiny
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, September 19th, 2010 AT 8:12 AM
Tiny
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.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, September 22nd, 2010 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
If everything is notched without any allowance for centralising the steering wheel, changing the pitman arm position would be the only choice. But bear in mind, that you might have different turning angle between left and right and ensure the pitman arm is not restricted in movement to any side.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 AT 9:28 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Steering Wheel Replace/Remove Content

Steering Wheel Removal
GUIDE
Steering Wheel Removal
A steering wheel is designed to control the car in either direction and holds the drivers side airbag, many times the steering wheel will need to be removed to service...
VIEW MORE