Table 1 shows three common steering related problems of the 1997 Chevrolet C15.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Power Steering Hose, Piping, And Connections problems | |
| Steering Gear Box Sector Shaft problems | |
| Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems |
While driving the speed sensitive power steering has problems there is low resistance at high speeds, causing owner to maintain a tight control. Took to shop and was told that steering pump has low pressure.
While driving or while the vehicle was going over slight bumps, the steering wheel either pulled to the right or left. The dealership indicated this was related to a steering sector problem.
The variable effort power steering assist changes steering forces at all speeds. This causes erratic steering which causes unexpected swerving and lane changes. I have had the truck to the dealer 6 times for the same problem, the same part , the steering wheel position sensor has been replaced 3 times ,and the valve on the power steering pump has been replaced once. I consider this a very dangerous condition that Chevrolet has apparently failed to address.