Steering Effort Hard in One or Both Directions (Two-Mode)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 GMC Sierra, 2009 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2009 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Step	Action	Yes	No
1	Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections?	Go to Step 2	Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System
2	Verify the steering effort is hard in one or both directions. Does the condition still exist?	Go to Step 3	System OK
3	IMPORTANT: Position the front wheels straight ahead. DO NOT rotate the steering wheel more than one complete revolution either way from the center position. Disconnect the steering shaft coupling from the steering gear. Refer to Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement . Rotate the steering wheel in both directions. Does the condition still exist?	Go to Step 7	Go to Step 4
4	Reconnect the steering shaft coupling to the steering gear. Refer to Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement . Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Disconnect the outer tie rods from the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Rotate the wheels in both directions. Does the condition still exist?	Go to Step 8	Go to Step 5
5	Reconnect the outer tie rods to the steering knuckles. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Disconnect the EPS motor from the power steering gear and support the motor on the frame. Refer to Power Steering Assist Motor Replacement . Rotate the steering wheel in both directions. Does the condition still exist?	Go to Step 9	Go to Step 6
6	Replace the power steering assist motor. refer to Power Steering Assist Motor Replacement . Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 11	-
7	Inspect the following components for binding. If binding is present then replace the worn or damaged component: Upper intermediate steering shaft and steering shaft coupling. Refer to Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement and Steering Shaft Coupling Replacement . Steering column upper and lower bearings. Refer to Steering Shaft Upper Bearing Replacement and Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Replacement . Steering column tilt head. Refer to Steering Column Replacement (Without HP2) or Steering Column Replacement (HP2) . Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 11	-
8	Inspect the following components for binding. If binding is present then replace the worn or damaged components: Upper ball joints. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement (2500, 3500) or Upper Control Arm Replacement (1500) . Lower ball joints. Refer to Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement . Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 11	-
9	Inspect the following components for binding. If binding is present then replace the worn or damaged component: Outer tie rods. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Inner tie rods. Refer to Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement (HP2) or Steering Linkage Inner Tie Rod Replacement (Hydraulic Rack and Pinion) . Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 11	Go to Step 10
10	Replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement (HP2) , Steering Gear Replacement (Recirculating Ball Without LMM) , Steering Gear Replacement (Hydraulic Rack and Pinion) or Steering Gear Replacement (LMM) . Did you complete the repair?	Go to Step 11	-
11	Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition?	System OK	Go to Step 4