HELP...I have a 5 month old used 2007 Suburban LT 46K miles. All was good for a while and now in the mornings and sometimes randomly it will start creaking and grinding sound when wheel is turning and then it has locked up like at Kroger turning into a parking spot. I took to a super great mechanic...he changed power steering pump first (cheapest route) it still was tuff to turn right and left so he put old pump back on no charge for labor byw Then replaced rack and steering pinion $$
For 2 weeks perfect now it is back again.......I am so upset. ANY SUGGESTIONS and is this not covered by powertrain. The sound of creaking is coming from the steering wheel...loud especially on cold mornings? HELP HELP

 

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <wontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> BaseballMom,

You stated you had the power steering pump changed, how are the power steering fluid levels? A power steering fluid leak is a possibility. The serpentine belt is another possibility. These are just suggestions, not a diagnosis. It is always best to have an inspection done by a certified technician.

Here is an overview of what is covered under the Powertrain Warranty: Chevy Warranty Information | Owners | Chevrolet

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me.

Louis
GM Customer Service

 

Hey Louis...fluid has been at level the entire time no leaking and checked belt but noticed it is the orginal one so how often does the ser. belt need to be changed? I may get the oil change place to change belt anyway just to see.....I read through the warranty info clear as mud to me but thanks anyway Prolly shudda taken in to dealership first but was afraid if it wasn't a warranty deal I wudda had to pay higher labor/part cost since it's the dealership.

 

BbMom.

It sure sounds like you have a Mechanical/Broken Parts issue...

Have you checked if the Steering wheel will lock ?

Often times we just turn the Key off and get out, and don't actually notice if the Wheel has locked or not. It is possible that at some point (before you bought it) that someone tried to "break" the steering lock, where they could steal or maneuver it. It sure sounds like there may be some loose/broken parts in the locking mechanism.

 

<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <wontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> BaseballMom,

The serpentine belt should be changed when noticeable cracks are seen on the grooved side or fraying on the edges. If fluids, like oil or antifreeze, have contaminated the belt, is another reason for replacement. Many recommend replacement every 100,000 miles.

I hope this helps! Please keep us updated.

Have a great day!

Louis
GM Customer Service