My 2004 sierra 1500 has trouble turning left at slow speeds. The power steering fluid smells burnt, and I will replace it this weekend. Not sure how to flush it well, I'm thinking of just changing it twice.
On a possible similar note, there is bad wear on the left top corner of the driver side front tire, this may be related to the lack of powersteering, but not sure.
any advice apprecitated.
Theres a bulletin on this from GM
Document ID# 1998821
Subject: EI06002 - 670 Gear Box Power Steering Pump, P/S Performance Concerns #05-02-32-008B - (07/18/2007)
Models: 2003-2006
Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT
2003-2006
Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe
2003-2007
Chevrolet Silverado Classic
2007-2008
Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban (2500 Series Only)
2003-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon Denali, Yukon XL
2003-2007 GMC Sierra Classic
2007-2008 GMC Sierra, Yukon XL (2500 Series Only)
Condition:
Some customers may comment on a lack of steering assist when stopped or during parking lot type maneuvers. A lack of steering assist could occur if the brakes are applied and turning the steering wheel with the vehicle stopped or during parking lot type maneuvers. This condition will go away or greatly improve once vehicle begins to move or is above parking lot speeds. This concern can be aggravated by worn tires, low tire air pressure, low power steering pump pressures, and tires larger than stock size.
Correction:
Important: In all cases, it is recommended that the proper tire size and the maximum tire pressure is set according to the manufacturer’s specification as noted on the door placard; especially for the front tires.
Perform the "Power Steering System Test" found in SI. Make any necessary repairs based on system diagnosis.
1.1. FOR 2500 AND 3500 VEHICLES ONLY - If diagnostics did not lead to any repair, this concern is a normal operating characteristic. No further repairs should be made. A Field Product Report should be submitted - refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 02-00-89-002D.
1.2. FOR 1500 SERIES VEHICLES ONLY - If diagnostics did not lead to any repair, this concern is a normal operating characteristic.
If the vehicle is equipped with a 670 gear box, replacing it with a 680 gear box may increase the customer satisfaction.
To determine if the vehicle is equipped with a 670 gear box, inspect the mounting bolts that attach the stub shaft housing. A 670 gear box will only have 3 mounting bolts. If the stub shaft housing does not have any mounting bolts or has 4 bolts - DO NOT PROCEED WITH THIS BULLETIN. The vehicle is not equipped with a 670 gear box.
If replacing a 670 gear box with a 680 gear box, it will be necessary to replace the power steering gear, union fitting and both inlet O-ring seals.
Parts Information
Part Number
Description
88965542
Power Steering Gear
26025709
Union Fitting
26001594
Inlet O-ring Seal
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, choose the one labor operation that reflects the corrective action:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
E9050
Pump Assembly, Power Steering - Replace
Use Published Labor Operation Time
E9740
Gear Assembly, Power Steering - Replace
Use Published Labor Operation Time
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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Document ID# 1998821
Hope this helps
