1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: jerking or lurching

Filed Oct 3, 2016 · Steering · 125,000 miles · GA

When driving and entering a curve the power steering jerks to the direction of steer. This is said to be a problem with the steering position sensor causing the variable assist steering to over-compensate and causing the vehicle to veer dangerously. The forums are full of people with this problem that has plagued this system.

Filed Feb 5, 2007 · Steering · 25,000 miles · OH

While driving along a curve, the steering wheel will jerk and cause the vehicle to swerve. This happens with slight to moderate curves, as well as severe curves. The problem began to occur within the first couple of years after we purchased the vehicle when it was new. The problem seems to worsen during cold weather. We have tried to correct the problem in several ways, but nothing has been effective.

Filed Jan 17, 2007 · Steering · 76,000 miles · GA

My steering in my 1997 chevrolet silverado is erratic. It is ultra easy at times and ultra difficult at others. There is no pattern to when it will suddenly jerk out of my hand. I have had to disconnect my steering sensor located on my steering column. There are multiple service bulletins out for this issue. The warranty period under which chevrolet would investigate the issue expired before I could take my vehicle to the local dealership, while I was in aghanistan. My vehicle no longer falls under the warranty period. My dealership where I purchased the vehicle did not notify my at any time of a recall/concern. I was unaware of any concerns until just recently.

Filed Apr 26, 2006 · Steering · 60,000 miles · TN

My 1997 chevy 1500 pickup has a steering problem that is very dangerous. The wheel will jerk to the right or left as your entering a turn causing the truck to cross the center line of the road. To date I have not been able to fix this problem. Mechanics offer suggestions ranging from the steering box to steering sensors. I have since found that this is not an isolated problem to this truck, many other owners of this same year model are reporting the same problem. I guess gm will wait until someone gets killed before they decide recall this year model and fix the problem.

Filed Aug 31, 2004 · Engine · 39,000 miles · WI

When driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle jerked. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection and the mechanic determined that the transmission failed. *ak the radiator leaked into the transmission. *sc

Filed Jun 2, 2004 · Steering · 30,000 miles · OR

Consumer stated that steering gear box malfunctioned. When turning the vehicle left or right it felt like someone was jerking the steering wheel. It made driving very difficult. The evo steering sensor was defective.

Filed Apr 22, 2003 · Steering · 60,000 miles · MS

At just about any speed, when steering to left or right, steering jerks. So far, hasn't caused an accident but have had a few close calls. Will not let my wife drive this vehicle in fear of her safety and our son! Problem started intermittently about 2 years ago and has progressively gotten worse. Can't count the number of failures. It happens at least 2-3 times a day while driving. After talking with many other owners, I realized my situation was not unique.

Filed Jul 23, 2002 · Steering · NC

Steering wheel is erratic, when turning steering wheel vehicle will jerk.

Filed Jun 29, 2001 · Transmission · FL

Transmission began shifting very hard(jerking) from first to second gears and from second to third gear. When this occured the check enging light came on. Dealership told me theyiwould have to rebuild or replace the transmission. I had it replace at a cost of $2000.00 out of my pocket. I showed the dealership my maintenance records to verify the truck had been taken care of and asked for assistance and they refused. I contacted gm customer service and I was told by them "we help only those people who have their vehicles regular service done at dealerships". Meaning that since I did not have my oil changed at the dealership at a cost of approx $30.00 a pop verses half that cost for myself they refuse to help me. The purchase cost of $28,000.00 obvisously not enogh for gm. How "stupid" is this? Look at the complaints on "the complaint station". Gm needs to recall & reinburse us. How do we know the replacement tranny(same as original equipment) won't fail again. Can't afford $2k every 61k miles.

Filed Jun 28, 2001 · Suspension · OK · crash

Steering wheel jerks the wheel the opposite direction than you are turning.

Filed May 4, 2001 · Transmission · CA

Transmission went out without prior notice. He was traveling on highway when vehicle started jerking, and vehicle had to towed. Dealership was aware of problem.

Filed Dec 5, 2000 · Steering · MI

Steering wants to jerk down while turning or in slight curves