Not sure what to do for this one...


I took the truck in for an alignment because it was pulling to the right. I had adjusted the torsion bars so figured that was causing the pull. The dealer goes ahead and aligns it but tells me that something has failed or is loose in the steering gearbox because eventhough the wheels are aligned and straight, the steering wheel is turned to the left. He quotes me $450 for the replacement of the gearbox. The steering column is not making any noise or anything like that you may suspect if the gearbox failed. Has anyone encountered a similar situation?


I'm not quite sure whether the diagnostic is accurate...


Thanks in advance for your input...


Jim

I was a little vague on "the truck". I have an 02 2500HD D/A CC SB, 4X4.


Jim

Out of warranty I assume?

Well, I have extended warranty on it but I got my alignment done at a dealership closer to work. Bought the truck and extended warranty at a dealer closer to home and that's where the warranty work needs to be done at. When called the warranty dealer, they claim that they don't believe it's the gearbox and tells me to take it back to the other dealer to adjust it... According the the dealer that did the alignment, they did could to adjust the wheels with respect to the steering wheel... I just wanted to check w/ the members of the forum to see if similar situations have come up... Suppose, I could just take it in to the warranty dealership to have them do another alignment on it and see what they come up w/ as far as diagnosis...http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley5.gif

I just had my truck aligned after install of SuperDiesel T-Rod sleeves and align steering wheel.


Cost a 100 bucks with a Computer print out before and aft,thought it was a good deal and well worth it!





Mac

Mac,


When you mention "align steering wheel", do you mean taking the steering wheel off the column and put is back on straight? I was wondering if they could just do that at the dealer. I would just like to know how it got that way... The truck is not pulling during accel or braking after the alignment. The steering wheel is just cocked to the left. No harm... Just annoying...

The steering wheel is master splined so you can adjust it that way. I think they have to adjust it with the tie rod ends but I don't know for sure. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley5.gif

Mine was the exact same way and it bugged the turd out of me. They did not remove the Steering wheel to adjust that I know.


I'm sure it is very easy and the dealer should be able to have at it without a problem. If I were you I'd tell them that's the way they left it and it is NFG fick it!


If the Dealer doesn't offer four wheel computer alignment I'd find a shop that does and pony up. I have a big truck alignment shop that does a real good job in my area.

The steering wheel needs to be held straight when the toe is adjusted. The problem is not in the gearbox it's because it wasn't aligned properly. They need to reset the toe to straighten the wheel.

Thanks a bunch for your input. I think I am going to call up or go over to the dealer who did the original alignment and tell them to redo it right. If they give me a fuss about it, I'll talk to the service manager and have them re-imburse me if another dealer can fix the problem w/ an alignment...


We'll see how it goes.

GMCSID is 100% correct(as usual). Very easy fix if it is setup with the wheel 100% straight. Replacing the box will not fix the problem unless when they reinstall it and align it the wheel is 100% correct. Don't let them sell you anything.


DAN

Mine is the same way and has been that way since I purchased my truck, guess I will have them fix that too when they replace that intermediate shaft... Glad someone else posted about this problem...

If they didn't get the steering wheel straight, I would be suspicious of the toe being correct. I used to work for FMC and repaired alignment machines. If the aligner is out of calibration, or if they didn't do the alignment using 4 heads, it will result in a crooked steering wheel. 4 heads are necessary to compensate for any rear axle thrust angle. I can't believe the mechanic didn't run it down the road after the job to make sure it was straight. Crooked wheel is the #1 complaint after alignment.

Thank you all for you response. I know it's been a while and things have been pretty busy. Just wanted to let you know what transpired from this whole deal.
I took the truck to another dealer and the technicians there were able to fix my alignment without replacing the gearbox by doing the standard alignment and rotating the tires. Needless to say, I was pretty ticked about the first dealer's diagnosis. So, I called the service manager of the 1st dealership and told them that another dealer was able to fix my alignment / steering wheel problem w/o replacing the $400 steering gearbox. He asked me why I was calling him about it. Told him that I wanted a refund since his tech obviously didn't get the job done or worse was trying to rip me off by having me fix a part that was perfectly fine. :mad: He asked me which dealership did the alignment, so I told him. Then, he asked me to fax the alignment printouts to him and the bill I got. After the fax was sent, a week goes by and I received a voice mail saying that the check was in the mail for what I paid at the second dealership (which was higher due to the rotation).
I must say, I thought I would have to fight them to death but the service manager did me right.