1997 Chevrolet Suburban: jerking or lurching

Filed May 17, 2005 · Steering · TX

I bought a used suburban and since I have owned it I have been having trouble with the steering. While driving down the road the steering wheel jerks suddenly to the right. I really have to keep a tight grip on the steering wheel while driving, especially when on a road with alot of twists and turns because it jerkes hard and is very dangerous. I worry that with the steering wheel jerking it is going to cause a wreck because it sometimes has sent me towards the lane next to me or off the road completly, this could be a serious problem. This is not something that just happens every once in awhile, it happens everytime I am driving. I have seen other complaints listed on this site for the exact same thing. I just wonder if there is a recall or what will remedy this problem.

Filed Mar 27, 2004 · Locks, Steering · AZ

I own a1997 chevy suburban lt. We asked a local chevy dealer to fix the doors to close properly, which they claimed to do. I noticed that the door did not line up and they said they adjusted the strike plate. Evidently that means they used a sledge hammer. My wife was driving down the road and one of the locked doors opened up as she was driving down the road. Luckily my 4 year old son was in his carseat. It has happened twice. She could not reclose the door and so she tied it shut. I found that the door latch was still shut. I held the handle up and manually lifted the latch after which the door would close. Another saftey issue; while driving down the road the steering wheel jerks suddenly to the right. I live in a mountainous and occasional snow area. I worry that with the steering wheel jerking, and sometimes it has sent me towards the lane next to me, this could be a serious problem. I have also had the power steering pump replaced once after the shaft completly seperated from the pump while I was driving down a steep mountain with 7 boyscouts from a camping trip in the snow. Let me tell you if that had been my wife in the car she probably would have been down the side of the cliff. In 2 1/2 yrs. I have replaced the four wheel drive actuator, door handles, transmission, rear end seals and axle, front end, A/C everything,windshield wiper switch of some sort,brakes every 20,000 or so, they tell me the head gasket is bad,there is a whining sound I think is the fan clutch,and now it looks like its either the u joints or the limited slip clutches, hub or both. I do not feel that my wife and children are safe in this car. All lamb chevrolet of prescott valley az has said is they warranty their vehicles to 36,000 miles. They offered to sell me one of their nice new tahoes. Which he claims they have improved. Oh yea the sales price is 42,000. On a 36,000 vehicle because I am upside down on the car they sold me 2 years ago.

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 Aug 16, 2003 · Suspension · 15,000 miles · TX

Vehicle constantly jerks from left to right at any speed over 30 MPH. It is very hard to keep on the road. It started at aprox 15,000 mi. I have changed tires and that did not help. A lot of my co-workers have the same problem with their truck too. If you ask service they know exactly what causes this and say it is not under warranty.

Filed Apr 16, 2003 · Steering · 30,000 miles · NY

At speeds of over 10 miles per hour, the steering wheel jerks left and right intermittently. I then have to correct and/or oversteer to keep the truck on the road. This first began in 1999, at approx 30,000 miles on the vehicle.

Filed Apr 8, 2003 · Suspension · 40,000 miles · TX

When the vehicle made a turn steering wheel would became loose, and the vehicle jerked into the next lane. Steering wheel became stiff after it jerked. The problem only happened when a left or right turn was made. The mechanic indicated that evo sensor was going out and needed to be replaced. *jb.....

Filed Apr 25, 2001 · Steering · NJ

Power steering hydroboost unit surges, makes steering wheel jerk in a different direction.

Filed Dec 8, 2000 · Brakes · TX

While driving front brake line collapsed, causing steering wheel to jerk to left, cause unknown.

Filed Oct 3, 2000 · Steering · NE

Steering suddenly jerked toward the direction of pressure on the steering wheel. This should be a recall emergency before it turns into causing fatalities like the tire situation.

Filed Sep 11, 2000 · Suspension, Tires · MD

Steering wheel sometimes jerks out of my hands as if I've hit a patch of ice. Also feel the truck bouncing while driving as if there is a bubble in the right front tire. Took the truck to the dealer about 7 times with not resolution. Had the truck checked at goodyear dealer 6 months after purchase. Goodyear said the the tires were defective. Said they were cupped or chopped. I paid $700 dollars to replace tires after dealer refused to do so, but still experience bouncing sensation at 60-70 MPH. Noticed both problems the day I bought the truck.*ak( dot number: tire size: 245/75r16 )

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 Feb 28, 2000 · Steering · TX

Sterering wheel rotation sensor failed causing the steering wheel to jerk while driving. This family has three suburbans all the same year/model and they where all repaired for the same problem. Nlm