Five problems related to steering have been reported for the 1998 Chevrolet 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
This is an ongoing problem for several years. My battery has side mounted terminals. Each time the temperature goes up or down the positive post becomes loose. Most times it is a problem as I start the vehicle. When I turn the key the engine begins to start, then it shuts down due to lack of electrical power. Twice in the past week it has shut down while traveling down the road, once in the middle of I-83, during rush hour in downtown harrisburg, PA. Over the last few years it has, on several occasions, "hiccupped" several times while I was driving. I have tightened the screw-in post down (twice) to the point where I have rounded the hex head off and the wrench jumped off the head but, it continues to come loose. I spoke with an auto parts store and they recommended an adhesive, which I tried. It still came loose. I have even changed out the battery but, still the problem exists. This was a very popular year for chevy w/t pick up trucks. I cannot imagine these problems have not been involved in recalls before now. The obvious fix is to replace the battery with one that has top mount posts. I would also have to replace the cables. Why should I have to pay that when this is obviously a design flaw?.
I continue to experience an intermittent loss of power steering when turning which feels like hitting a patch of ice while going around a turn. I have researched this problem and know that gm has issued a recall on other models but not mine. I have not yet replaced any of the steering components but will soon due to the severity of the situation. It's unfortunate that an obvious defect is not currently under recall.
Faulty evo sensors caused the wheel to jerk to one side while driving 60 mph. The dealer has been notified.
When driving under normal road conditions, the vehicle dangerously wanders either way when driver takes eyes off the road momentarily. The vehicle does not maintain the position on the road, unless driver's total focus is on the road. Dealer notified and informed the consumer that a special speed control module on the steering is suppose to be a new improvement, but endangers all those who drive this vehicle without taking their eyes off the road. This condition needs to be investtigated.
One can be driving perfectly straight or turning a curve. The speed does not matter. Failure of the evo sensor causes the wheel to be jerked to one side with no warning. This is a very dangerous condition which could result in injury or death for someone not expecting the sudden movement or for a individual lacking sufficient strength/response time.