I have a 1997 Chevy Tahoe 4x4 LT. The problem I am experiencing came after doing a few donuts in the snow in an empty parking lot. It feels as if I have lost power steering, yet I have power steering fluid. Looked under the truck and it seems the inner tie rod end on the drivers side is slightly at an angle, where as the passenger side inner tie rod is straight. Both tie rod assemblies were changed over a month ago, as were the upper and lower ball joints for both sides. So, am I dealing with a power steering issue or a tie rod issue? I don't have a garage to put it in tonight, just my driveway, and it's really cold, so spending extensive time outside atm isn't an option for this Momma.

 

Eeeesh....thats a hard one without being there to look at it, but if it feels like there is no power steering I am going to say if you have fluid and no noise I would look at your hardware, tie rods (i've had them lock up before) maybe bent something. Did you bump any curbs or slam real good on anything?

 

Nope, hit no bumps or anything. Was a simple parking lot and an even amount of snow. I knew what this parking lot looked like bare, so that's why I picked it. I have looked at my tie rods, stabilizer link, etc. Looks like minor issue w the stabilizer link, but I need to get it into a shop so I can get a pressure test done on the power steering pump. I heard sometimes these trucks have a separate belt for the power steering, but mine is one solid serpentine belt.

 

you don't have a seperate belt. (5.7 Vortec) you would know if you had no powersteering. Just idle the vehicle (in park) and turn the steering wheel.

There are many more components to the steering than the 2 you mentioned...stabilizer link would be felt if the car leans when turning

 

Once I get it in my work bay, I will be better able to see what the issue is. Pretty sure the power steering pump is shot though.

 

So... the problem turned out to be a snapped power steering shaft. Old one is out, went to put the new one together to install... they sent me the wrong pump.. Got a second one.... still wrong.. 3rd times the charm.. right?

 

Glad you figured it out.....