truck with steering issue

[asquared]

I have a 2014 3500 SRW duramax crew cab/long bed 4wd. I know it's under warranty and do have an appointment scheduled at the dealership but I would appreciate some help figuring out what is wrong before they look at it. It started as what feels like the steering locking up when turning at a slow speed and applying brakes, Pulling into a parking spot or up to a stop sign preparing to turn. This is both directions but right more than left. Initially I questioned if it could be a warped rotor or something. But now, It has progressed to where I feel it when I start the truck and go to pull out. The steering will feel really stiff and heavy. Almost like there is no power steering. I have a great understanding of weights on vehicles but other than that, not much vehicle knowledge. The truck was purchased new April 2014 and has approximately 19,000 miles on it. It is serviced regularly and well taken care of. It is a daily driver and tows my 12,300 lb fiver approximately once a month. It did recently tow up and down a long 8.5% mountain grade without any problems. Thanks

[Tonkatoy77]

Did you check your power steering fluid level? The reason you are having the brake and steering issue at the same time is because they run off of the same system. On a gas vehicle you get power brakes off of the vacuum of the engine. Diesels don't create vacuum. So to get power brakes on your pickup it runs a pump. The same pump as the power steering. It is called a hydro boost system.


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[asquared]

Fluids are good, sorry forgot to include that in the OP. Just double checked them. Had a diesel mechanic friend take a quick peek (without tools) and he couldn't see a culprit. Of course it wouldn't do it when we took it for a drive either.

[asquared]

Ok we are getting somewhere. Your hydroboost suggestion may be spot on. I found this when I knew where to look. Thanks

[bob caldwell]

Also, have 'em check the brake caliper to mount area...sometimes the caliper slides get crudded up and won't return fully.....like what was said also, might be belt loosing tension, they don't squeal like the V belts did.

[mike.t]

P/S pump or the Hydro-Boost.

[Nastyfoot]

Sounds like it's in 4WD

[asquared]

Not in 4wd. Symptoms of hydroboost failure sound dead on. Thanks.

[JoeNanMinn]

My truck had similar symptoms. Ended up being the steering gear box itself.

[johngoat2002]

I had a friend that was experiencing a similar issue. He found out that the pitman arm was worn and binding, but I wouldn't think this would be the case on such a new truck.


2005 Flagstaff FS26
2006 GMC Sierra Denali 6.0L

[Dsfast]

I was just looking at service bulletins for chev/gmc trucks. I think you should make an appointment with your local dealer and get them to look up service bullion #13240 for loss of steering assist. This would possibly be a reprogramming of your steering module and should be covered under your warranty

[asquared]

Ok thanks, I have an appointment this week. I will mention it to them.

On the upside, since my truck is out of commission, my trailer dealership has agreed to come get the fiver for its appointment free of charge.

[asquared]

Update- the truck is at the dealership. They think it is a bad gearbox causing things to bind up. They said that can make it feel like brakes are locking up but not really. Keeping fingers crossed that is it. Any thoughts on this diagnosis?
I should be getting it back tomorrow. Also, it turns out my chevy warranty covers a rental car for downtime for repairs. Thank you Hendrick chevrolet for telling me that and getting it set up for me!