How to Fix That Loose and Clunky GM Truck Steering for FREE!

[@mickjager5974]

The steering box adjustment starts at about 5:20

[@zzschulzz]

I like the censored part...clever!

[@utfan26]

That was freaking hilarious! Just needed some music!

[@zzschulzz]

@@utfan26, I agree! Perhaps Matt can create a "premium" channel just for Chevy porn!

[@jpainmaker]

Killed me lol

[@skylarreid1284]

Should have inserted a pic of lotion and tissues along with erotic 80s music 😂😂😂

[@Valdemar-Perez-III]

😂😂😂

[@mudbud7213]

Just did pitman, idler arms, idler brace, tie rods, ps pump on my 2002 with 350k miles. About to do the steering gear box soon also.

[@GTsGarageTech]

Mud Bud I have a 2000 Sierra with 373k and none of this has been replaced... I’m doing everything in this video probably today but I think the steering box is ok.

[@user-sp8eb6iz7f]

How much labor and parts would/should it cost for an 07 Suburban Rack and Pinion? ballpark?-

[@RedReuben1132]

@@GTsGarageTech you still have it?

[@ronclaman156]

That isn't the correct way of adjusting the steering gear box... what you just done will stress steering gear box. Leading to failure of steering gear box .. you need to read GM TECH MANUAL !!!!!!!!!

[@Juicy55908]

This is fantastic.I just did full Moog control arms with tierods,idler and pitman arms on my c1500 Tahoe (2000 Limited)… The front end was still kinda loose and sloppy after ALL THOSE PARTS. I was discouraged. I saw this and tried tightening my steering box. AMAZING IMPROVEMENT

[@ryancee217]

How's the moog holding up?

[@MikeM-of2if]

My man, thanks for showing the steering box adjustment!!! Can't wait to tighten up my steering!!

[@mcdizzle7740]

Nice vid, I did this on my 02 Yukon and it worked like a charm. I noticed quite a bit less play in the steering wheel and the knocking and clunking noises are gone...and she's pushing over 291k miles

[@mbarter1991]

Love your truck! My dad has a 2004 Tahoe 4x4 with 235k on it and he abused the hell out of it. No maintenance really. Just popped the engine and rebuilding it now. Should be good for another 20 years

[@frostbite1991]

steering box tension almost never needs to be adjusted. if you have slop it's because the worm gear inside is worn down. adjusting the lash doesn't fix that issue. you just apply more pressure on it so you dont feel it as much. The steering box still needs a new worm gear. This has been a huge debate for years on OBS Ford forums, since those are notorious for sloppy steering. I even tried it on my 92 F250 and while it did make my steering stiffer, the slop was still there, it was just a stiff slop.

[@MrPMartinez1]

Had an 03 Yukon XL that I just sold. Steering shaft fix is the only thing I didn’t do to it. New shocks help the bounce and handling. New front/back sway bar bushings and end links help so much on turns.

[@ddorris78]

Don’t forget to check your steering column bearing under the dash also. That was the source of my clunk in my 05 Silverado.

[@Knuckingfutz1]

Any videos on that fix? My feels like it's my issue in that area. I have an 06 tahoe. Sloppy steering and some clunks.

[@robertsweet4112]

PB blaster works great😀 I like the way you removed the nut for pitman arm, without taking the box down. Heck of a time putting back in

[@bishop5166]

Ummm. He clearly took the box down. Unless you meant completely removing it...but who does that.

[@Moore700r]

I know I'm not the only person who laughed when you pixelated servicing your steering shaft😂

[@Conqueef-tadoor]

FYI: Matt, you should install electric cooling fans. One of the best things I did to my 2001 was add fans from a 2006 truck. You just need a custom tune to turn the fan pins on in the PCM.

[@shannonwilliams9055]

Explain why please. Thanks

[@Conqueef-tadoor]

@@shannonwilliams9055 Why convert to electric cooling fans? Several reasons. First off BETTER COOLING. The clutch fan doesn't move as much air as the electric fans that came on the 05 and newer GM trucks. GM even realized that electric fans are better, that's why they came from the factory on all 1500 series trucks and SUV's starting in 2005. (My fans came off of a 2006) Second reason, COLDER A/C. Because the fans move more air than the clutch fan, (ESPECIALLY at idle) they move more air across the AC condenser and that allows the AC to blow colder. Third reason, MORE HORSEPOWER. Although my truck doesn't feel like it has more HP since I swapped to electric fans, there's been a LOT of folks claiming that it can gain you up to 15 more HP by not having the clutch fan being driven by the water pump. So the 3rd reason may or may not be true, but I can definitely tell you that the 1st two reasons ARE true. 👌

[@captainaj787]

@@Conqueef-tadoor just curious, is this just a half ton thing that came with electric fans? I drive a 2019 GMC 2500 for work and it has a normal fan clutch instead of electric fans. (6.0 gas)

[@shawnschuster7532]

Clutch fan cools way better than electric ever has

[@coolkid6364]

@@shawnschuster7532 wrong

[@Justinj360]

The best advice I've ever received for getting pitman arms off is to use a grinder to cut a slot in the backside of the loop. You don't even have to cut all the way through it and it'll be loose enough to take it off by hand!

[@jglaboratory]

I had 5ft of cheater bar and an hr of struggle to get mine off. What a shitshow that was.thx

[@articulatingprimate6980]

And if the nut is frozen on? I agree cutting off the junk arm seems to be a simple ordeal, but how does that help get the frozen nut off?

[@clarkevanmeter2676]

@@articulatingprimate6980 You're right there with the grinder dude.

[@toyorobo]

I admit I did laugh out loud when the image was blurred and censored hahaha! Good video though.

[@Truthsaberslash]

Its so funny

[@not1tosettle]

It was funny as hell

[@ocjohnweber9698]

You should look at the Cognito steering fixes. The drag link rotates in the stock configuration causing tow-in play. Cognito fixes it. Good luck!

[@ebaysnipa]

some of you guys should be perfect for this job.✊🏼

[@lsxmatt]

Who doesn't like free? Especially when it only takes about 10 minutes of your time! Who else has a clunky steering column in their truck that's driving them crazy?

[@adonisblood2475]

Been religiously watching your videos for about 3 weeks now after googling something for my truck and one of your videos popping up. Thank you for caring about your vehicles and posting these videos, they have helped me build motivation to tackle everything else I’ve wanted to do on my 2005 Sierra, thank you!

[@58sportsuburban]

Drives me nuts in my ‘05 Tahoe.

[@Iroc_twan]

Gm did have the steering shaft clunk also

[@justineller2059]

Glad I paid almost 500 for a new acdelco steering box should have tried this first

[@Tigerfire75]

Well you jerked that shaft so much and did you get its consent? Yeah I bet not so was it really free when you are in court and they have the Tahoe on the stand asking it to point out where you "touched" it?

[@thomasjefferson5241]

I think your difference was more in the gear box than the pitman or idler arm.I have never seen anyone tighten a gearbox down that far on a tahoe.Mine was a 1/4 turn and its an 2004 also.Just doing that made a huge difference.I marked mine with a black marker before moving the allen down.

[@shannonsisk]

Pro tip, cut the pitman arm as much as you can with out cutting the shaft, obviously. Hit it a few times, with an air hammer if you have one, right in the groove you cut. It will pop right off.

[@ctchuteflyer]

I did exactly that last weekend. Worked like magic. I hardly ever use an air hammer. I'm going to more from now on.

[@brianvancleve9834]

its so nice to see a video made with god lighting and awesome image quality. well done

[@johnmoniz2715]

Love your videos. I just ordered a LSA for my 03 Denali and I’ve learned a lot from your videos! Thank you keep up the great videos!!!

[@ClaytheBMXer]

Just want to add to the other helpful tips and say that when separating any tapered stud parts/ball joints, putting force pushing or pulling them apart and then smacking the female part hard with a hammer is my go to step one. It might seem counterintuitive, but it's much more effective than hitting the stud, and much much less risk of damage if it has to be reassembled. It doesn't always work, but a simple pry bar and hammer can get probably 90% of tie rods and ball joints apart with just a few wraps! Way faster than getting out pullers and such if it works. If not, THEN move onto pullers, ball joint separators, pickle forks, heat, and so forth. You don't have to trust me, just try it on the next few you run into. Nothing to lose!

[@ClaytheBMXer]

Also thanks for the video! 239,xxx on my 2001 Yukon XL! Going to try this tomorrow as well. Unfortunately have an aftermarket box due to a failure of the original. May yet try to pick up a used OEM unit if I can trust it will be safe for my system, ha.

[@oldmansilas559]

This is an excellent video. I never knew about that adjustment screw. Thank you. 👍🏾

[@MegaHowtoMan]

My shop told me my 04 Tahoe Steering Gear Box was bad and needed replacing at 115k. So they could have simply adjusted it! Great video BTW.

[@BigKleib34]

YUP! This is getting done to my single cab

[@vcdrny]

Perfect timing. I need to do this to my Escalade.

[@createimproviseoptimize7891]

Did it work

[@vcdrny]

@@createimproviseoptimize7891 I haven't done it yet. But I will do it as soon as the weather gets a bit nicer .

[@createimproviseoptimize7891]

@@vcdrny thank you for responding!!

[@1962beachboy]

Good video, thanks. A couple things, you are preloading the steering gear. Also, when I work on spined things I spray in advance with a penetrating oil.

[@joebruiser7167]

Great to see the Tahoe getting some love.

[@susanshelton8004]

I have an 04 chevy duramax 2500hd, i do this about every 6-8 months. It works well .

[@byron9147]

Lol, it's my first obs Silverado, i bought a 4" spindle lift just to find out I need all the front suspension redone. And yes I bought a rebuild steering box just to find out t that the originalI can be adusted. Getting what I want before getting what I need. Thanks for the flick.

[@lawrenceleible3670]

Great video man but lube is your friend. soak it down with some good rust penetrant on the splines goes a long way on pitman arms. Little tool oil on your threads will extend the life of your pullers as well.

[@garysullivan4432]

You can getot close doing it that way, but the proper way is using a beam style torque wrench and measuring the drag to turn the steering box, Simalarly to setting pinion bearing preload in a rear differential. Usually somewhere between 6 to 10 inch pounds of force to turn the box when it is preloaded correctly. And on older style Saginaw boxes you have to adjust the front Torrington bearing spanner nut first to adjust the steering box properly.

[@stevengoodwin4237]

Really appreciate the video! Straight on and very well executed. Next time, I will probably do mine myself. Thanks man.

[@averagejohn7435]

Just did the bracket idler and pitman yesterday on my Tahoe. It did not fight me a bit coming out. All except the pitman arm lmao. I wound up notching it to the spline with a matabo blade then it pulled right off. I did bend the puller on the first attempt 😂

[@stluciehomebuyers5887]

I had a knocking in the steering column and there was a bushing that’s needed to be replaced in the column but I can still feel it a bit. I will def try this as well.

[@rickperez8205]

Thanks for your straight forward videos buddy, really enjoy them.

[@jjrock5]

What brand was the second pitman arm puller? Thanks.

[@robertgrice3756]

Appreciate the videos, they’ve helped a lot on my own truck! 👍

[@germanium1872]

Who else laughed out loud, and then watched it again?

[@matthewsalvador9783]

I wish I could fit mine inside the garage. Great video and explanation. I used the vr mode it felt like I was doing the work. Hahaha

[@scjohnk]

I can, but I have to move shelves...

[@calel99]

Great video! Helped me tremendously with my ‘03 Silverado!

[@jewllake]

you should look into the Cognito steering brace kit. I did this to my 06 Yukon along with a rough country steering dampener and it really helped out.

[@gerardwilson5733]

@jewllake do you have part number ? Need to do it on my 02 escalade

[@jewllake]

@@gerardwilson5733 oh man, not off hand, I did it like 10 years ago. Just go to Cognito's website. You can do a google search. Same thing for Rough country.

[@kevinspann]

The cheap pitman arm pullers bend before they pull them off on these boxes. I got fed up enough with mine trying to do it in the truck that I pulled the box out (just the two power steering lines) and cut a slot in the arm to get it off.

[@TG-ng2ko]

I got the same Yukon same problem I’m trying to figure this out ..thanks for the great video

[@BigGeeek]

Bruh you're funny asf censoring the shaft jerking 🤣🤣🤣😭😭

[@juanvargas2745]

My Denali is about to get this same treatment. Once again thank you.👍

[@dano4572]

nice to see someone else, struggle at this!!!!!!!

[@jfratis9081]

The wrong way to pull a pitman is to expect it to come off as you are gunning down on it. This is how people break the puller. Gun it down and go eat lunch. At some point during your meal you will hear a "ping."

[@Conqueef-tadoor]

I have a 2001 that I bought in 05 with only 51k miles on it. Now I'm getting trace amounts of coolant in my oil, and I don't know what to look for. I can't even visually see any signs of coolant, buts it's showing up in my used oil analysis tests at "critical" levels. I do have the 706 heads, so I'm guessing I should pull the valve covers and go from there.

[@brycecolestock4664]

One of your heads is probably cracked. Castech had major problems on them. Pull your valve covers and check for really clean shiny spot around your center head bolts. That is a tell tale sign. I have personally owned 2 trucks that cracked and I replaced with 243 heads, they are much better. Took me a solid 20 hours from start to finish.

[@Conqueef-tadoor]

Another possibility is that I got coolant contamination when the plastic "T" quick connect at the heater core broke on me a while back. It was actually not long before the first oil change that showed signs of coolant. The T exploded and sprayed coolant ALL OVER the engine compartment. I'm starting to wonder if some entered the oil system somehow, and it's still in there because I have only changed the oil twice since then. Well, I just changed it the third time in September, so I'm going to send in another sample after I check the cylinders for signs of a bad head gasket or cracks.

[@brycecolestock4664]

@@Conqueef-tadoor that is possible (and you better hope.) When my heads cracked I noticed my oil level getting higher and my coolant level getting lower. Sometimes if you burn a bit of oil you will only notice coolant level going down. If you don't have to add any coolant I would not worry about it. Unexplained and consistent coolant loss is almost always the head though. It is not difficult to remove the coils and the valve covers for inspection if you need to get that deep.

[@Conqueef-tadoor]

@@brycecolestock4664 I took the valve covers off this weekend. Everything looks normal. No obvious signs of coolant entering the top of the heads. Oil appears darker than usual, but NO milkshake or peanut butter looking sludge. As far as coolant loss, I do have to periodically add coolant. About every 10 months or so I have to add about a quart. So thats about every 12-15k miles. A mechanic told me that was considered within the "normal" range.

[@markmaherr]

appreciate the content! Been a huge help with my new to me 05 silverado z71!

[@j.cooper2246]

So just a heads Any GM part or AC Delco part is re boxed from a supplier who gives them the cheapest price. Case and point original equipment 02 sensors are Denzo If you buy an AC Delco and open it up at says Denzo right on it. With that being said I typically use Moog suspension parts lifetime warranty and typically an improved design over the original. I like your rims I got a set just like it off a 2018 Silverado . I put them on my 04 crew cab. General Motors Ford Chrysler Toyota and they are all a globally sourced companies that produce vehicles with parts from around the world.

[@jglaboratory]

Doing this later. Did pitman /idle arm and bracket. Inner tie rods. Still have some clunk and slop.i know the intermediate steering shaft can wear too. Maybe thats bad too.Thx

[@joshuareyes3798]

Did this job too on my2004 z71 suburban, couldn't get pitman arm fully on splines but enough to put bolt and have tried myself to tighten it but would bulge past partial of the splines

[@chuemoua6834]

How hard was it to remove the pitman and idler ? Those parts are huge and I’m sure it’s on there pretty good .

[@robhowe4th]

I laughed so hard when you censored it out. I'm gonna try this uncensored to my Tahoe

[@tahoemike3437]

Just in time! Just had to get them for my 01 tahoe

[@scjohnk]

Quick question, Is there a way to add more lube to the shaft before you give her the business?

[@daeshonkaine3172]

Thank you for the video getting up in the morning going to work on rolling up some first lol💨💨💨💨

[@jpmechanics6122]

I’ve gotta do the same job on my yukon I got the same problem thanks for the good detail

[@not1tosettle]

Was that skid plate you took off metal, it sounded like it. If so where did you get it from because mine's the plastic crap and I can't find any correct metal ones.

[@adamkorekach9936]

The front skid plate is black plastic and the next skid plate is thick aluminum on my 2004 Silverado 2500

[@kamronpowell5784]

bro the hammer edit for some reason had me dying laughing

[@fuglyfeet3373]

I like your videos, i just wish it was a 2005 silverado.

[@Anythingautomotive]

Same exact concept. Same exact truck, same exact frame, parts, everything.

[@johnnymissfire8464]

It is from the front seats forward.

[@erikwils]

Great video lots of good info!! I’m about to do the same parts replacement also, sounds like you really like your tires….can you share brand, model and size? Thank you very helpful

[@chuemoua6834]

Good stuff ! I’m going to try this to see if it helps my burb..

[@JasonSpitzMI50]

1:26 my x-ray vision is not working so well today to see through that frosted plastic.

[@iceblueeyes9455]

I just changed my front end at 21900 that's just nature of the beast not cheap that new tires good ten more years

[@parkopi90]

my tahoe has the same steering problems, thank you for the video

[@MEANGENE]

That makes a lot of sense thanks for demonstration Matt 👍

[@14paste14]

Especially the jerkin

[@K9SolutionsLLC]

What rocker panel covers and running boards are those?

[@dmaxervin2461]

Can you go over the sunroof. Mine leaks and the water is coming out through the map lights and garage door opener on the headliner. It might even be leaking through the black things on the roof. But I don't know.

[@jbjb1940]

You have the weep holes/drain holes blocked. Plenty of videos on YT

[@juniorcasique3099]

This video definitely help me out I appreciate keep up the good work!

[@jrocha383ws6]

I use to lube the steering shafts under warranty at work. Gm came out with some lube to fill i-shaft to take care of clunk. It was just a temporary fix. Then later they came out with a updated steering shaft to replace.

[@badc8723]

It junk I upgrade mine now it back making that clunky noise again

[@AnonymousNinja82]

Dude, ever heard of PB blaster?

[@162010ash]

Best way to get the putman arm of with the tool is to tighten the tool a bit , then smack the arm with a ball peen hammer then tighten and smack and so on . Ever since I learned this they have always come right off .

[@hawkofthenorth4829]

I broke 2 tools removing the pitman arm, ended up having to remove gear box because the seal started leaking on the input shaft. Cleaned it and put it back together only time will tell. Once I got the pitman arm off the new one would not go on as far as the original one.

[@gerardwilson5733]

Does truck have to be Jack up when checking gear box .?

[@thetruthcellar-channel1038]

Man, I agree about A1 auto what a pile of junk parts and they send out to people. They claim best parts on the Internet lol, I don’t know how that guy sleeps at night. Great quality video

[@TheSongStoryteller]

Does the steering wheel need to be a certain spot?

[@Not2480]

there was recall for the steering shaft

[@jaydowwg8150]

Just wondering why u have to lift it to Titan the screw down??? please helpe on that

[@MikeKraemer87]

I had that horrible play in my suburban, it was injured recently and theyre probably going to total it out. So here i am, looking for a new one lol.

[@Mikelarry8686]

Hey I replaced my idle and Pittman arm but what was the first thing you pull out the box… I change both inner Erie rods and passenger lower ball joint…

[@ervc1]

agreed re-manufactured gear boxes are junk, i resealed my old one after buying a re-manufactured one that didn't work, replaced seals and adjusted the old one and good as new.

[@theANGRIERone]

Fighting every step of the way...I said the same damn thing a few months ago when I did this same stuff along with inner and outer tie rods and output shaft seals. I am completely lazy and notched that area out for the pitman arm. I mean, hey, I live in the Midwest, so that piece was gonna rust off anyway. lmao Nice job, dude. Pretty soon you'll be like me and have loosened and tightened almost every bolt on the damn truck. lol

[@theANGRIERone]

BTW - I watched this video and got jinxed - my 2 year old steering shaft started making that crunching sound the other day. I had to stroke my shaft to re-distribute the lube. Damn you lol

[@anthonyc7670]

Awesome video but I fucked up and bought a reman box from Napa complete junk I’m on the second box hoping a red top box this summer helps my steering

[@seangowan7441]

Will adjusting a steering box affect alignment? I ask because my Tahoe is my second used vehicle. My first car was a 2018 Malibu.

[@klumsytone]

Boss, I replaced the pitman, idler arm, gear box (PSC), and the steering shafts. My steering wheel has some play in it. I adjusted it 1/4 a turn and it returns to center fine, but I still have some play. Any suggestions?

[@stone9485]

What happened to your camera during the procedure?

[@AdamSmith-dc5li]

Would this be the same for a 2005 avalanche

[@billmessner8052]

Mine only clunks when moving and turning/steering wheel is turned. Sitting still and rotating the steering wheel it's quiet.

[@berkelyiott]

My shaft won’t move once I unbolt the bolt any ideas? I’m lost

[@texasaggieproud]

Matt (or anyone else that knows).... when you recreated the knock sound on the idle arm, were you moving the actual wheel at the 3 and 9 Oclock position or using the steering wheel? I have movement moving the wheel and trying to find the culprit. I've only got 75K original and owned since new, so I'm wondering why I would have an issue with such low miles.

[@melonhead1676]

Super curious to try this!

[@robertgrinnell4677]

I replaced all my steering components and mine still drifts all over when driving. Can't figure it out

[@BodyWeakDotNet]

Great Video....Im getting a clunking noise when. I turn sharp in my 04 tahoe..i changed all my tierod ends...but i still hear the noise so ill try this, atleast the passenger side..the steering box side seems kinda difficult considering i don't have a torch..

[@andrebaron5934]

I just put a new steering gear box and new pitman arm but my gear box doesn't have the Allen key. What do I do?????

[@williamgriggs370]

I've got a problem with the steering column is to long I don't know if it's at the tilt . Im blind in one eye and can blairly see out of the other one but my bro took steer gearbox box out to get out pitman arm off it was only way . Go to hook back up thinking steer column then the three bolts on gearbox no way . So I take lower center bolt hook up to hear box my friend said it's telescoptic now still 2 inches out look like tilt might of pushed out , but still turns the shaft .another day to play again and get greasy ..

[@emarazstyle]

Hey, do you know maybe what can be the cause of the leakage under the adjustment nut? I really appreciate for your help.

[@mikef5507]

Get a SL11880 Schley products HD puller. Don’t be fooled you can do the job inside the truck, I twisted my gear box side ways and juggled the puller and with 3 bumps with my Milwaukee High torque 1/2” to snug it up it popped the arm off on the full hit of 3 seconds. I did my pitman arm on my 2016 3500HD Sierra in 3 hours (pulled the idler arm assembly, tires, sway bar and skid plates) vs the shops quote of $1500 and 16 hours labor…. It’s a beast but I wouldn’t trade it for nothing. All the local shops around me use torches or cut off wheels and 9 out of 10 leak months later - wonder why….