GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 1998 🢒 Safari - 4WD 🢒 Steering 🢒 Power Steering System 🢒 Steering Effort Hard in One or Both Directions

Problem

Action

The tire pressure is low.

Adjust the tire pressure. Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications in Maintenance and Lubrication.

There is a lack of lubricant in the suspension or ball joints, or the joints are worn or contaminated.

Lubricate the joints and relubricate the joints at proper intervals. Replace the joints, if necessary. Refer to Explanation of Scheduled Services in Maintenance and Lubrication.

The steering linkage or the ball joints are binding.
    • Inspect the steering linkage and replace all worn parts, as necessary. Refer to Steering Linkage Inspection in Steering Linkage.
    • Inspect the ball joint and replace, if necessary. Refer to Ball Joint Wear Check in Front Suspension.

There is misalignment between the steering gear and the steering column.

Align the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Standard or Steering Column Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.

The power steering pump belt is slipping.

Inspect the drive belt for wear. Refer to Drive Belt Tensioner Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.

The fluid level in the reservoir is low.

Check and add power steering fluid, if necessary. Refer to Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid .

There is extensive internal leakage in the steering gear or the pump.

Inspect the power steering system for leakage. Refer to Power Steering System Test .

The flow control valve is sticking.

Remove and clean or replace the valve. Refer to Power Steering Pump Flow Control Valve Replacement - Off Vehicle .

The lower coupling flange is rubbing against the steering gear adjuster plug.

Loosen the pinch bolt and put the assembly together properly. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Standard or Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in Steering Wheel and Column - Tilt.

The steering gear is adjusted too tight.
  1. Check the worm thrust bearing preload and adjust if necessary. Refer to Steering Gear Worm Gear Thrust Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle .
  2. Check the pitman shaft over-center preload and adjust if necessary. Refer to Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle .

The front wheels are improperly aligned.

Check and adjust the front wheel alignment to specifications. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.

The variable effort steering actuator is sticking.

Perform the variable effort steering system check. Refer to Variable Effort Steering System Check in Variable Effort Steering.