How to tighten up steering?

[sammyd173]

I have an '04 LT. The steering is unnervingly sloppy - I'm sawing at the wheel like Mr. T driving his van on 'A Team'!

Nothings broken, I just need to replace the bushings. I'm going to have the Chevy dealer do it (I'm a vendor so get a discount), I just want to make sure they get all the right parts.

What shall I tell them to replace, and do you think they can order NAPA parts?

 

[road1will]

The dealer will know what to replace - thats their job.

Why would the dealer order NAPA parts?????

 

[sammyd173]

Umm, I thought Chevy owned NAPA, I guess I'm wrong? And I only mentioned NAPA since I read somewhere else they were better than the Chevy parts for this application... please enlighten me I'm lost!!

 

[05Yukon]

might want to have the dealer check the steering the whole steering box might need to be replaced if it is really sloppy.

 

[jey_]

Bad alignment or even bad tires can also cause sloppy steering. When we got our alignment checked at 50k miles I think and it as pretty far out of spec. An alignment fixed the sloppiness.

 

[sammyd173]

Bad alignment or even bad tires can also cause sloppy steering. When we got our alignment checked at 50k miles I think and it as pretty far out of spec. An alignment fixed the sloppiness.

Good point, thanks!

 

[boostaholic]

Shake down the front end for any issues, definitely a good idea to get an alignment after replacing any worn out tie rods or anything. Also check your front sway bar links they coould be broken and thats why you have so much body roll.

 

[Boarsheadburban]

A common problem on newer trucks is the steering coupler (from the column to the box) A friend had this fix done at the dealer, but it didn't last long. a few over on FSC have used these.http://ww2.borgeson.com/TRUCKS/CHEVY.html

 

[Jimmy2000AF]

Did you ever fix this issue? If so what was the cause? I am haveing the same issue with my 04, I have replaced everything but the powersteering pump and lines. Inner/outter tie rods, center link pitman and idler arms, and finally the gear box. still no fix.

 

[swjones]

The steering coupler mentioned would be where I would start. They are prone to failure and may be your quickest and easiest fix. An inspection of the front end and alignment is always a good peace of mind as well and will save your tire wear if that is the problem. If none of that solves the issue, then I would start looking at the steering box. I've had my steering coupler replaced and it makes a lot of difference. I think its getting time to maybe replace it again. I'm starting to hear a light "clunk" like before whaen I replaced it.