remove power assist steering on 97 Silverado?

[racedaddy]

Anyone disconnect the power assist or speed sensitive steering before? Just wondering what effects there might be. Sometimes mine gives a couple inches when I'm turning and sometimes it locks when I put it in reverse and turn the steering wheel. I've replaced the magnetic coupler on the steering shaft and it helped a little but it's still scarey when I lose steering during a turn.

[dishow]

know they feeling all too well.disconnected mine and never habd any more trouble.couldnt even tell it was disconnected,may be a little stiffer in tight spots but no different than any other vehichle without it.

[tommie]

did you just disconnect the electrical connector on the back of the p/s pump?

mine acts up sometime....been wondering if anyone had disabled theirs...

[dishow]

Originally Posted by tommie

did you just disconnect the electrical connector on the back of the p/s pump?

mine acts up sometime....been wondering if anyone had disabled theirs...

sounds right.i drove directly to the mechanic at that time and he did it.cant remember exactly,its been about 10 years.i was just glad it was done and no more close calls.

[Boog]

Yes you can disconnect it at the steering pump and still drive it. Might feel a bit strange at highway speeds maybe. ? I disconnected the one on my daughter's 97 until I could get a new sensor installed and she didn't complain.

[1badgmc]

I disconnected mine with no ill effects.

[95 S_Trucker]

you can also pull fuse#15(i think) its also the drl fuse

[1badgmc]

Originally Posted by 95 S_Trucker

you can also pull fuse#15(i think) its also the drl fuse

DRLs have nothing to do with the Magnasteer system.

[95 S_Trucker]

im pretty sure they share the same fuse

[95 S_Trucker]

fuse 4 is the 12v feed for the drl module, the instrument cluster, and the passlock/evo(electronic variable orifice) module.

so i was wrong about fuse 15. but the two systems do share a 12v feed, they have a different switched feed though, EVO uses fuse 21 and the drl module uses 15

but dont pull fuse #4 because it will cause your truck not to start.

you guys had the correct info on how to disable the variable assist steering

sorry for the irrelevant information

[1badgmc]

Right. Fuse 15 is DRLs and fogs only.

[tommie]

Originally Posted by 1badgmc

I disconnected mine with no ill effects.

thanks, i might try it one day....

[Blue97]

97 chevy silverado.

Ok i know this is an old thread and im bringing it back up because info on these trucks seems to be very scarce.... Now if i just unplug the power steering pressure switch will it still have the Cadilllac steering that i hate so much or will it tighten up a bit.

Or can i just go back a year and install a 96 PS pump and gear box to eliminate this STUPID STUPID assist crap!!

I can hardly keep it on the road

[Boog]

Unplugging the sensor on the power steering pump will allow full power assist full time. No more twichyness in turns.
You may be able to swap the valve in the pump with one from a 96 if you prefer that feel better. It is the fitting that screws into the rear of the pump that the high pressure hose screws into.
My 97 drove just fine with just the sensor disconnected.
Takes 2 minutes to unplug it and give it a try yourself. It's free.

[Blue97]

Originally Posted by Boog

Unplugging the sensor on the power steering pump will allow full power assist full time. No more twichyness in turns.
You may be able to swap the valve in the pump with one from a 96 if you prefer that feel better. It is the fitting that screws into the rear of the pump that the high pressure hose screws into.
My 97 drove just fine with just the sensor disconnected.
Takes 2 minutes to unplug it and give it a try yourself. It's free.

Ok great thanks for the info, now if i was to install a 96 ps pump would that be the same as just unplugging this stupid pressure switch?

i was thinking if i can install a 96 pump lines and gearbox then i might have better steering without and interference or am i just wasting more money.

I did just put in a new reman gearbox but....... im willing to change it out again to fix it

[1badgmc]

Originally Posted by Blue97

Ok great thanks for the info, now if i was to install a 96 ps pump would that be the same as just unplugging this stupid pressure switch?

i was thinking if i can install a 96 pump lines and gearbox then i might have better steering without and interference or am i just wasting more money.

I did just put in a new reman gearbox but....... im willing to change it out again to fix it

If all the lines match up, I don't see why it wouldn't be better to go with a '96 pump and do completely away with the variable effort crap. My '98 Suburban had the sensor go bad, so I disconnected it. It got rid of the schizo twitchiness, but since it's now giving full boost, the steering effort is light and so is the steering feel. I much prefer the feel of the steering in my '91 and '94.

[Blue97]

Originally Posted by 1badgmc

If all the lines match up, I don't see why it wouldn't be better to go with a '96 pump and do completely away with the variable effort crap. My '98 Suburban had the sensor go bad, so I disconnected it. It got rid of the schizo twitchiness, but since it's now giving full boost, the steering effort is light and so is the steering feel. I much prefer the feel of the steering in my '91 and '94.

from what i read i will have to change the gearbox aswell due to some valve inside not sure if its true or not so im trying to match up part #'s between the 2 just out of curiosity.

If i need to swap it all then its a done deal i will no prob!!

I miss the way my 90 drove, yes it was dropped 4/6 but it felt so sporty and cornered like it was on rails.....

Im actually looking to drop this 2/4 but want to fix the chitty steering first, its easier to get under while its still lifted

[1badgmc]

It would surely be a worthy swap to get the pre-'97 steering feel back. I've never really looked into it myself because I just don't have the money to fix what isn't really broke right now.

[Blue97]

Originally Posted by 1badgmc

It would surely be a worthy swap to get the pre-'97 steering feel back. I've never really looked into it myself because I just don't have the money to fix what isn't really broke right now.

I now how you feel belive me ive sunk sooo much money into replacing parts and alignments and getting no better results im at my witts end.... Im willing to do anything now just to be able to enjoy driving the truck i love so much!

Cause right now im not liking her to much........ I never should have lifted it!

[Blue97]

this might be an option aswell if i read it right.
http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oGk...p/viewall.html

http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oGd...kyard_builder/


http://www.summitracing.com/parts/brg-899001

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mch-p306

[Blue97]

Unplugged The power steering (PS) solenoid actuator behind the PS pump and what a difference. Truck tracks straight and i dont have to fight with it anymore....

Steering is over boosted but its like driving a lifted caddy.......

SOOOOOOO SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTHHHHHHH

[Boog]

I thought you might like it. And it's free.

[Blue97]

yes i love it and after all the money i spent on the front end it makes me sick!

But fixing it ( sorta ) for free you cant beat that

[GMC Guy]

i think i've been battling similar issues. i've sunk soo much money into my front end to try to get the steering tighter and not wonder so much. the sensor on the column has been replaced and that helped some. but i sure would like a nice firm steering wheel that doesn't have a bunch of play going down the highway. so does unplugging the p/s pump make steering tighter, or it allows you to turn the wheel with far less effort?

btw, i have a 97 k2500 with a small lift and 35" toyos

[Boog]

The steering sensor is responsible for some of the front end wander but it also comes from worn idler arms and pitman arms, etc. If you do replace the idler arm go with a hd unit from Moog. Also if it's not had an alignment after the lift now is the time. A toe out condition will make her wander as will tire inflation, tire wear, etc.
I suggest you unplug the sensor at the steering pump and drive it to eliminate it as a possible cause.