Steering problem...Help

[liquid diet]

Hopefully there are some GM mechanics here. Yesterday I was leaving Home Depot and out of the blue when I turned left it felt like I had no power steering. I can turn right all day long with no problem, turn left and I'm using everytning I have to keep turning the wheel.
I have no leaks, I've flushed out the steering pump and gearbox, still have the problem.
I'm leaning towards the pump but If that was it wouldn't it be hard to turn to the right also?
Any help would be greatly appretiated.

[Moneypitt]

I agree that the pump should affect both directions. There is a relief valve in the pump, but if it were bad, I think it would be bad both ways. So, it must be in the box itself. There has to be some sort of by- pass in the box, so thats where I would start looking. Try jacking up the f/end, and turning the wheels lock to lock w/o the engine running. Same? if not, start the motor and try it again. If it is the same w/o the pump running, then its gotta be either the box, or something in the steering linkage. If it works w/o the pump, then look at the pressure relief valve just inside the pump at the high pressure hose fitting.... Kind of a mystery, one way good, other way bad... I'm sure some GM guy is going to post the real answer you're looking for.......Moneypitt

[Kachina26]

What are we working on?

[liquid diet]

99 Z71
I jacked it up and it works no problem. Whats also kinda weird is its somewhat intermitent. I'll be in a left turn then all the sudden the pump or whatever will grab and I'll have power.

[liquid diet]

I've looked on the internet and i've seen some threads about an evo sensor next to the brake pedal. Supposedly it knows which way your steering colume is moving.
Going out to look

[liquid diet]

OK, looks like I don't have this sensor.
It also looks like the power portion of the gearbox is mounted to it. Old style power steering lines would go directly into the box. This style goes into a power module (or something) mounted to the box between the colume and gearbox. I was thinking that might be the problem

[Kachina26]

You do have the sensor, and it is the most common problem we have with p/s problems. It is located at the base of the steering shaft just above the "u-joint" coupler. This is inside the truck right above the firewall. It is directly above the clear rubber boot that goes around the u-joint assembly. The connector is 6-8 inches from the sensor toward the steering wheel on the topside of the column. It is a 3 wire connector. This sensor can be a real mother to change. Mostly because you are fighting the rubber boot the whole time. Basically you are going to push the rubber boot down and remove the pinch bolt that retains the intermediate shaft, then push the intermediate shaft down and out of the way. I would have the new part in hand so you can get an idea of how it goes on and off. Anyway remove the old sensor and have fun with the connector, install the new sensor and (here comes the easy part) put the intermediate shaft back on. IMPORTANTIMPORTANT DO NOT ALLOW THE STEERING WHEEL TO ROTATE WHILE IT IS DISCONNECTED FROM THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. YOU WILL DAMAGE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM!!!!!! PM me if you have any questions.

[liquid diet]

Thanks for the help Kachina. I'll try it tomorrow morning

[liquid diet]

Kachina,
I don't think I have this sensor.
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/...-joint-med.JPG
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/...2Shaft-med.JPG

[Kachina26]

Sorry I didn't get to you a little sooner, I had the old body style on the brain. You are correct and I apologize for putting you through the work. Check linkages for binding and any obvious obstructions, other than that I have no words of wisdom. I will do a little research and get back to you. Just wanted to hit you real quick before you went nuts.