2016 Silverado 2500HD Steering woes

steven.c · December 28, 2016

I just want the pre 2016 steering box (if that were possible). This problem is a complete joke. If GM cannot recognize this is a widespread problem and won't initiate a recall at some point then I will have lost any desire to keep this truck.

I wish I could at least get a new 2016 steering box. Coming up to a month with no truck.

Aviatrr · December 29, 2016

If GM cannot recognize this is a widespread problem and won't initiate a recall at some point then I will have lost any desire to keep this truck.

Same here. If this problem occurs multiple times, I will be pursuing a buyback and will purchase an F250. The Lemon Law is pretty strong in Florida. 3 repeat problems that affect safety and 15 days out of service and it qualifies. I'm already well past 15 days. If I have repeat occurrences with the steering issue, I will have my attorney deal with it.

Webhair · December 29, 2016

Here is the clunking that my new steering box is making, video is of the idler arm though

I would think that is not correct...

20SierraL8T24 · December 30, 2016

Same here. If this problem occurs multiple times, I will be pursuing a buyback and will purchase an F250. The Lemon Law is pretty strong in Florida. 3 repeat problems that affect safety and 15 days out of service and it qualifies. I'm already well past 15 days. If I have repeat occurrences with the steering issue, I will have my attorney deal with it.

What part of Florida do you live? I'm kinda in the same situation but they re torqued something and mine isn't leaking for now

howdiy · December 30, 2016

Part number for my new box is 84224694

I'm almost leaning towards the idler arm and pitman being worn now for the little play I have now

when you watch the first part of the video it looks loose like the idler arm

XU_Design · December 30, 2016

I just installed my new steering box today, so far so good after a really good test drive. I marked the top adjuster nut and Allen screw with paint to keep tabs on it if it decides to start loosening up. Also marked the pitman arm for good measure. It was a rather easy swap, a bit time consuming because of the lack of space to work in there but still pretty easy overall. My new box has a GM 12 month warranty since it is an over the counter purchase.

howdiy · December 30, 2016

Did your box come with a new pitman arm or did you purchase it separately?

I'm thinking a new idler arm and pitman arm will solve my problems

XU_Design · December 31, 2016

Did your box come with a new pitman arm or did you purchase it separately?

I'm thinking a new idler arm and pitman arm will solve my problems

mine did not come with a new pitman arm, so instead of re-using the old one so I ordered a new one. I've always been told you should not reuse Pitman arms

revrnd · December 31, 2016

I just installed my new steering box today, so far so good after a really good test drive. I marked the top adjuster nut and Allen screw with paint to keep tabs on it if it decides to start loosening up. Also marked the pitman arm for good measure. It was a rather easy swap, a bit time consuming because of the lack of space to work in there but still pretty easy overall. My new box has a GM 12 month warranty since it is an over the counter purchase.

How does the "old" box feel? Lots of play when you "wiggle" the sector shaft?

mine did not come with a new pitman arm, so instead of re-using the old one so I ordered a new one. I've always been told you should not reuse Pitman arms

Probably a good idea if the arm has been loose on the sector shaft. Chances are the splines are damaged.

We'll probably never find out, but seeing as the problem arises after some use, I'll throw out poor heat treating of the shafts & gears that mesh together as the problem. Poor or no heat treat & they wear causing sloppy steering. If the parts were machined out of tolerance/too much clearance I'd think the issue would be noticeable as soon as the person drove it the 1st time.

Edited December 31, 2016 by revrnd

Squeaky_wheel · December 31, 2016

Well I just picked up my truck from service for the 4th time fix. Paper work says, "...driving as designed...". I guess I'll just have yo drive it a bit longer until the steering gets really loose again. Then take it in and ask if it was designed like this. Oh and to boot my wife asked a salesman to pick up his cigarette butt after flicking it out onto the nearby street. His response, next time you need to mind your own business and the only reason he was picking it up was because he was at work. Happened to be the same salesman that sold us our truck. Let's just say I was as polite as I could be.

XU_Design · January 1, 2017

How does the "old" box feel? Lots of play when you "wiggle" the sector shaft?

Probably a good idea if the arm has been loose on the sector shaft. Chances are the splines are damaged.

We'll probably never find out, but seeing as the problem arises after some use, I'll throw out poor heat treating of the shafts & gears that mesh together as the problem. Poor or no heat treat & they wear causing sloppy steering. If the parts were machined out of tolerance/too much clearance I'd think the issue would be noticeable as soon as the person drove it the 1st time.

My old box had play but once engaged to start turning it was super hard to turn, almost like the gears were binding. My new box has 200 miles on it and it already feels loose. Weird thing is, the adjuster nut has not moved at all. Edited January 1, 2017 by XU_Design

Aviatrr · January 1, 2017

What part of Florida do you live? I'm kinda in the same situation but they re torqued something and mine isn't leaking for now

Orlando. AutoNation Chevrolet Airport is the dealer that worked on my truck.

Offcamber · January 1, 2017

I have read most of this thread but forgive me if I missed this. Is this problem only on the Duramax trucks or on the 6.0 as well. It was my understanding the digital steering only came on the Duramax.

Thanks

Dirtbiker · January 1, 2017

I have read most of this thread but forgive me if I missed this. Is this problem only on the Duramax trucks or on the 6.0 as well. It was my understanding the digital steering only came on the Duramax.

Thanks

It is on the gassers too. Same steering components in both.