NEED HELP Shudder when turning steering wheel

[02FailBlazer]

2002 TB LTZ, 4WD, 198K miles.

When I was dealing with my gas tank issues, my TB had to be pushed about 20 or 30 feet to a different spot without power and it was steered during this movement. After getting the gas tank back in and firing it up, it immediately presented with a noticeable shudder felt through the steering wheel when turning it while NOT in motion or when moving slowly.

I'm guessing that air has entered the power steering system. I tried bleeding it by raising the front end, leaving the power steering fluid reservoir cap loose with some rags over it, and turning the steering wheel lock-to-lock about 15 times. Fluid was able to escape, so I know air could get out. Still getting a shudder though.

The shudder only happens through part of the steering arc, and seems to lessen or even disappear when the vehicle is in motion. I can't see anything dragging or catching under the front end. Do I just need to try bleeding it more? It doesn't sound to me like the pump is dying but this is a new problem to me.

 

[mrrsm]

Double Check that none of the Brackets and Rubber Grommets on the Anti-Sway Bar have loosened or the short End Links may have bent or been broken off. A Kink in the High Pressure Power Steering Hose ( or a pinch or a tight, restrictive bend in the Metal Tube Section ) may also misbehave when cycling under load while in dynamic turns.

 

[Mooseman]

Air in the system would have exhibited a noticeable whine from the pump.

Did you check the belt and its tension? Any oil contamination on it? At this mileage, the pump may just be getting weak. If you rev the engine a bit while turning the wheel, does that help it?

 

[movietvet]

Check the rack mounts and if you feel really froggy, disconnect the outer tie rods and turn wheels by hand to see if moves smoothly or binds and then you can also turn steering wheel, yes you can start the engine, and see if problem still persists. Also, while tie rods are disconnected, see if the ball sockets of the tie rod moves freely or if it binds or has up and down movements. You can also look for that while attached and watch for in/out movement at the ball socket, while moving the steering wheel from 10 to 2.

BUT, likely what @mrrsm and @Mooseman are alluding to, the system is old and needs some help. Now I know why you have your screen name that I saw on the thread about brake hoses.

 

[02FailBlazer]

Check the rack mounts and if you feel really froggy, disconnect the outer tie rods and turn wheels by hand to see if moves smoothly or binds and then you can also turn steering wheel, yes you can start the engine, and see if problem still persists. Also, while tie rods are disconnected, see if the ball sockets of the tie rod moves freely or if it binds or has up and down movements. You can also look for that while attached and watch for in/out movement at the ball socket, while moving the steering wheel from 10 to 2.

BUT, likely what @mrrsm and @Mooseman are alluding to, the system is old and needs some help. Now I know why you have your screen name that I saw on the thread about brake hoses.

Would be wild if my tie rods failed like this, they're new Delphi parts that I just put in a few months ago. Will give the other suggestions posted a try when I've got some time and report back.

 

[movietvet]

Would be wild if my tie rods failed like this, they're new Delphi parts that I just put in a few months ago. Will give the other suggestions posted a try when I've got some time and report back.

First: Did not know you just installed Delphi tie rods and I would have asked whether they were inner or outer tie rods, because you just now did not say which. Either way, I very much doubt that inner tie rods would cause the shudder and also, I have seen bad new parts, right out of the box.

The diagnosing process can be quick or dragged out, depending on what is actually the problem as your test and eliminate parts or systems as you go step by step. Also, to skip a step or two, will not give you the results you seek. Not saying you will skip anything. I am just covering that possibility.