1997 Chevrolet Suburban: pulls to one side

Filed Feb 24, 2004 · Steering · 75,000 miles · CA

While making a left turn vehicle lost power steering. The vehicle began to wander and jerked to the left. There was recall 03v527000 for the steering gear bearing, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN. *ak this occurred due to the sensor controlling power assist (evo sensor/exhaust valve opening).

Filed Sep 10, 2001 · Suspension, Transmission · MI

The transmission shifted very hard and make a loud "clunking" noise when shifting into forward gears after about the first 100 miles. It was taken in twice while still under warranty and I was told there was nothing wrong with it. The third time I took it in it was getting extremely bad, it was now out of warranty, and I was told I needed a new transmission. The front end has been aligned twice within 15,000 miles and still pulls hard to the right. The ABS system has failed periodically over a six month period of time - it was reported three times. The third time they finally discovered that the sensor module on the front hub was defective.

Filed Jan 1, 2001 · Suspension · TX

The first time I had a problem was right after I bought the suburban, it pulled to the right. The dealer could not find any problems, but they eventually aligned the tires ( which they said it was very unusual to have to do that for a brand new vehicle). Over the months after the alignment, I did not notice any problems. I can not tell you exactly when my car started having problems. My vehicle would all of a sudden have a very loose feeling in the control of the steering. Thinking it was just me, I didn't think much of it for awhile. I had tires put on my car and the steering felt different (good), I thought maybe it had something to with tires and it was fixed. Eventually the steering started doing the same thing, the sudden loose steering. We live in a rural area 40 miles from our dealer and by the time I realized the problem was not normal, and I would have to give my vehicle up for a few days, my car was out of warranty (mileage) so I took it to an independent mechanic that I use, they drove it around on their errands for about two days and it finally did it for them. They were thinking they would have to replace the gear box, but they called gm to consult about the problem because they never had seen this problem and they told them about steering sensor problems. On 9/20/00, I gave them the ok to replace the sensor and I have not had any problems as of this date. I am reporting this to you because I am concerned for others that may have the same problem, it is a very scary feeling when the steering changes to a loose feeling and thinking if I were to react to an incident, I would probably overcorrect because of the problem steering. Thank you for your time.

Filed Aug 28, 2000 · Steering · KS

At speeds above 30 MPH the steering becomes unstable/loose especially in turns when the vehicle jerks suddenly in the same direction as the turn. The vehicle also wanders at highway speeds and causes oversteering when changing lanes. This is a very unsafe situation when towing causing the trailer to swerve back and fourth. I bought an extended warranty on this vehicle and I am planning on taking it in to the dealership where I bought it to have it checked/repaired but based on the number of complaints I have read about this problem I believe this should be addressed by the manufacturer because it is a definite safety hazard. I have owned three gm trucks (1989,1993 and 1996) and none has felt as unstable or as dangerous as this suburban. If the dealer is unable to correct the problem under my extended warranty do I have any other recourse to correct this problem?

Filed Jun 9, 2000 · Steering · AZ

Ea-99-011; while driving and upon attempting to make a left or a right hand turn, steering wheel locked up. Problem was more likely to occur when making a left hand turn. Also, noticed play in steering wheel ,causing vehicle to pull left and right. Consumer has contacted dealer and manufacturer, case number c00509683. Please provide any further details.

Filed Dec 21, 1999 · Brakes · TX

Excessive front disc pad wear - vehicle pulls to left when braking - description is the same for each incident - pads replaced and drums turned at 9948 and 33000 miles - obviously there is a design problem with these brakes.

Filed Dec 14, 1999 · Steering · GA

Steering on this vehicle at highway speeds is not positive, has a floating.. Wander that makes it feel like you have no steering, and when you try to recover, it over corrects and sways.

Filed Jul 16, 1999 · Steering, Suspension · NY

Vehicle would wander while driving at 50 MPH or more and oversteering would occur whenever changing lanes or making turns. Vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and some repairs were made on gear box, but problem still occurs. Passing on information concerning the federal safety agency investigation.

Filed Jul 9, 1999 · Suspension · MI

When driving at any speed steering wheel pulls to the left, and vehiclejerks severely.

Filed Jul 6, 1999 · Suspension · MD

While making a right turn at slowdown to moderate speeds, steering wheel severly pulls to the right. Cause unknown.

Filed Jun 30, 1999 · Suspension · OR

Vehicle is pulling to the right while making a right hand turn at 35 to 40 MPH.

Filed Apr 9, 1999 · Brakes · CA

I purchased my 1997 3/4ton 4x4 suburban in oct 97. After only two months having it,in december, 1997 I began experiencing problems with the front brakes squeaking. Took to the dealership they replaced the front pads. Then 2months later,in february, 98 same thing happened again. I became concerned as to why this was happening. This has been going on every 2-3 month since, and we are now in april, 99 and I am still having the same problem. Lucky to get 1-2 thousand miles on the pads. Have been to dealer approximately 10 times for this. Dealer was concerned as to why they were wearing so quick. Now 4-5 sets in this short of time. The last two times I have taken it to them I left the dealership with them still squeaking, and I wanted to have fixed. Now added to this problem is the front end pulling to the left front when you apply the brakes, and when it is raining out the vehicle hops all over the road when you try to stop. It is very scary. This is now a major concern, and I am afraid it could be dangerous. Im march ,99 I brought back to service manager for the squeak, pull of the front end. When I left that day vehicle had nothing done to it. Service manager said he would contact gmc rep.have him come out maybe he could resolve the problem. This was on mar3,1999. I waited till apr 8,1999, dorian taft gmc rep. Came out. I requested in writing that I be present when he was out so we could discuss my concerns. I was never called, I went to the dealership after work spoke to the service manager who informed me that the gmc rep was in a hurry didnt have time to discuss the issue with me or check my vehicle out like it should have been,and that was whole purpose. Im very upset and this is totally unsat. My vehicle concerns problems still stand.I believe this is very unsafe & think the problem needs to be addressed and taken care of now. Longest set of pads lasted approx 2000 miles. Front rims are a constant black. Please help me out.