Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Steering Question

[CCCRAM]

I have a problem with what I call steering hesitation. When turning right or left, the steering wants to lockup. It fades away, but I have concern that a situation could occur that I wouldn't be able to steer out of trouble in time. My wife was driving alone one day, and she didn't have the muscle to get through the hesitation and ran over a curb.

My first thought was I was low on power steering fluid. I checked and it was fine.

Other contributing factors:
I recently rebuilt the o-ring using the kit sold by Geno's to fix a leak in the power steering pump. Seemed to work okay afterward and not these problems
I also changed out the fan belt.

Can anyone suggest what I might check before taking it in to shop?

Thanks!

 

[Tractorat]

I had that problem happen to a 93 buick many years ago. It turned out to be something in the steering column that was sticking. I was driving down the freeway and almost wasnt able to make the curve in the road. I had to really muscle it thru the locking point. If it is the same problem, dont let your wife drive the truck until you get it fixed. It is very dangerous. I would take it to a shop asap before I drove it any further.

Good luck

 

[klcammie]

Check out http://www.rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/ maybe it will help.