Is this normal?

[Madcowranch]

Still getting used to my truck so go easy with the sarcasm and RTFM bull****. When I hit bumps there seems to be a little "play" or "slop" between the steering wheel and the front wheels....almost an unrefined feel to it. Another way to put it is like a worn steering linkage like on some older gen. trucks I've driven.

Any constructive feedback is greatly welcome.

 

[SVTRay]

I haven't spent a great deal of time behind the wheel on my Raptor so I really haven't noticed anything. But this is exactly what I'm dealing with in our Tahoe. It's real bad, hopefully I can get it in the shop as soon as I get all the misc things done to the Raptor. Anyhow, my Raptor isn't any where near noticeable. So I'm guessing, no it's not normal?

 

[Falcon]

Mine is solid as a Rock... Chevy eat your heart out <G>. I would get it looked at, steering isn't one of those "nice to have" things!

Falcon

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Maybe you're catching air? :mrgreen:

Sorry, couldn't resist

 

[BigJ]

No issues here.

I have noticed that the steering feel seems really sensitive to the air pressure in the tires; even at 40 or 41 I can tell a pretty big difference from when the they're set where they're supposed to be (44psi).

Maybe triple check you're at 44psi up there and try again?

 

[shoepolishsmelling]

okay extreme noob here rtfm? wait wait ok quick yahoo search lol i think this is normal for the tahoe though cause the one we rented this weekend felt the same way

 

[Madcowranch]

Just checked pressure and I'm at 44. Did another off-road section this afternoon and thought I could clarify what I think I'm feeling. It's only noticable at slow (<5mph) speeds when I hit rocks (not huge ones) and such. It's like a slight clunk in the steering linkage. Anyway, maybe I'm just too darn picky.:blam:

BTW, thanks for the feedback guys. Dan...not so much.

 

[BigJ]

Hrm... well I would normally suggest topping off the lubable joints under there at this point, but we dont have any so I'm not really sure what to advise.

Maybe run it by the dealer and take them for a drive? Generally speaking, it seems they've been pretty receptive to this sort of thing with the Raptor?

 

[bstoner59]

Is it when turning or straight? You should be able to "feel" the rocks or bumps and it definitely isn't smooth as pavement but there shouldn't be a feel of "clunking." If it's at slow speed try getting someone next to the truck (or have someone drive for you) and listen for any sort of clunking noise.

 

[pirate air]

Does the clunk noise sound like its coming from the steering column or down by your feet? I get a clunk/rattle on mine over choppy like bumps I take at slow speeds off camber, or while turning. I am about 99% sure its the steering intermediate shaft (one of the shafts that connects the steering wheel to the rack and pinion, it has splined slip joint to allow in and out travel. The spline portion is where the noise and play emits). GM's are VERY bad about this......