Steering question?

Hello, I am hoping someone here might have an answer to this problem. We have a 03 H2. The steering has been making this awful sound (squealing like sound)  whenever we take a  turn. We had the dealership look at it, change a few parts etc. Of course it has been nothing that they have fixed so far. Now they are telling us that they only thing left that could be making this noise is the steering box. The most expensive part so far at $700 not including labor! Has anyone here ever had this problem with their Hummer before? The truck has never been abused, it just started making the noise one day. Very embarassing when you are driving through a parking lot. I just didn't know if it is a common problem with the 03 H2's. Thanks for reading my post!

not common that i'm aware of, but i've had every component in my steering changed at least once, although never for any kind of squeaking or grinding sound.  could also be your hub, if you're hearing it when driving slowly.  you may want to take it to a reputable 4wheel drive shop and have them look at it.  better to pay for a checkup first than just plunk down $700 at the dealer when they apparenlty don't know what they're looking for.  this is why i love my extended warranty so much . . . . .

I am a new owner and have a question in regards to steering as well.  I noticed that sometimes when the vehicle is at a complete stop the wheel will not turn?  Like there is not power steering.  Does this have to do with the Hydro-Boost technology that the H2 uses?

Come on,  Nobody has an answer to this simple question??

You want an answer, you need to provide more details.  Are your tires stock size?  Have you checked the steering fluid, the level and status (this sh!t can burn just like tranny fluid, same stuff really)?  Are any of your steering components loose or bent?  Ditto with the power steering hoses x 2 (if you kink one, not good)?  And last, but least, what is the condition of your belt?  GM had steering box problems, but that all predated the H2.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Doc Olds

You want an answer, you need to provide more details.  Are your tires stock size?  Have you checked the steering fluid, the level and status (this sh!t can burn just like tranny fluid, same stuff really)?  Are any of your steering components loose or bent?  Ditto with the power steering hoses x 2 (if you kink one, not good)?  And last, but least, what is the condition of your belt?  GM had steering box problems, but that all predated the H2.

 
Doc,
 
Thanks for the Heads up.  The tires are much larger than Stock they are 37x18x12.5 BFG M/T's.  I have not checked the fluid levels or the hoses yet.  I will do that today on my lunch break.  The belt is in great shape on the engine. I will get back to you on the fluid and hoses.  I only ask this questions because I am not to familiar with my Hummer yet or the HydroBoost system.  I had a 99 Durango 5.9 and knew that vehicle inside out backwards and fowards.  So any help to get me knowing my Hummer better is much appreciated!
 
Thanks,
Eric

I thought those boots looked quite meaty.  Very nice!  Post back and we'll sort it out.

Mine is stock and at a dead stop it is noticibly harder to turn to pull out of a spot.... but... tap the gas and speed the motor up and steering is right there same as on the highway cruising.... 
 
It doesn't bother me because I have never been the type to put that kind of stress on my wheels, tires, and steering componets.... if I can move forward or backward to make it easier to turn then I do... 

Those tires are stressing out the PS fluid from heat build-up. This was always a problem for the C4 and up Corvettes with their close to 12" wide tires (my 275-40-17 BFG Comp/TA's measured almost a foot across). Gm solved the problem by adding a factory PS cooler. You would be wise to get this cooler from a junkyard AND replace the fluid with a full synthetic like Red Line PS fluid., every 10k-15k. If you have a auto you really need a cooler there too.
These tires must weight about 90-95 pounds each? That is a LOT of rotational mass and it is rough on everything.
I hope it is a simple thing like this.
Our Subaru with 65k miles started to make this noise only when the steering wheel was turned fast left or right. I checked the fluid which looked bad and replaced it with a full synthetic ATF (Subaru calls for an ATF) and no more noise.

So I did check the lines the other day and did not see any kinks.  I was not able to check the fluid level. 
 
Also the H2 does have a PS cooler and ATF cooler right??

Where I was going with the tire size question is: I think you are taxing your power steering, ecspecially when stopped.  H2s have an oil cooler.  All auto trans GM vehicles have at least a cooling loop thru the radiator.  I'm an H3 guy, but I think you do not have a PS cooler or Trans cooler.  H2 guys?????
 
Trans cooler kits are readily available, size based upon vehicle weight, and not too difficult to install.  The same kind of cooler kit (but obviuosly a much smaller) could be used for a PS cooler.
 
Check the fluid.  I do not know how many miles are on your two, but if the fliud is not burnt, a PS cooler would be nice, but not a necessity.

I will have to take a close look at the radiator area of my H2 tonight afterwork.  I would almost find it appaling if they did not at least have an ATF cooler.  I mean my cheap ass Dodge Durango had ATF cooler and PS cooler.  It will be very interesting to find out.

Many GM vehicles offer a Trans cooler if you get the towing/trailering package???  I am showing my age because now days, all a trailering package means is you got the hitch with trailer lights wiring plug.
 
So UNTIL SOME H2 GUYS STEP UP TO HELP US as to whether Twos have a trans cooler from the factory, I'm just guessing no.  If I had a Two w/o a trans cooler, I'd add one in!  Dem bad boys is heavy.  Heck, I put one on the old 95 Jimmy and really towed nothing heavier than my 16' Crestliner Nordic (Duck/Fishin boat).

not sure about the PS cooler, but i know the H2 has both a radiator loop and an external cooler for the tranny.  i would recommend removing the loop through the radiator, unless you live in a cool climate, and installing a larger tranny cooler.  the tranny cooler is in front of the radiator, center of grill.  fitting a larger tranny cooler could be a hassle because of the way the hood mount is shaped, adding something thicker would probably create damage when you open the hood.  just checked the shop manual, the PS cooler is the small cooler to the right of the tranny cooler (when looking at the truck from the front)   i have a new, larger tranny cooler sitting in the garage waiting to be installed, just need to get off my ass and do it.

as for your question concerning being able to turn the wheels at a complete stop, there are a few things to think about.  one, your tires are a good bit bigger than a passenger car, so there's a lot more surface friction on the road.  what's your tire pressure?  the lower it is, the more grip you'll have, unless its so low you're cupping the tires in the center.  on top of all that, you've got an extremely heavy vehicle sitting on top of them.  and its a good way to bend or break a tie rod if you still have stock.  that's typically not a good thing unless you're trying to talk the boss into letting you buy upgraded ones. 

Where can i get upgraded Tirods?  What brand is best?

fabtech is the only company i know of making upgraded tie rods.  there may be others by now, but my original set lasted almost 2 years before needing replaced.  i've had no issues, aside from wearing out after some "gentle" offroading, and would recommend them.

So I actually got around to doing some work on the H2 last night.  Looks like I have plent of power steering fluid.  I have also notice that the only time I really have difficulty is when i have the brake pedal depressed.  Also  the H2 does have a Power Steering cooler.  Looks to be a good size one at that.

Did you check your powersteering belt??
 
There are two serpentines.... I only looked at my main one....  the other one was pretty bad....  my problem has now disappeared....

quote:

ORIGINAL: Muddydawg75

Did you check your powersteering belt??

There are two serpentines.... I only looked at my main one....  the other one was pretty bad....  my problem has now disappeared....

 
I did not realize that the Engine had 2 belts but youre right.  My belt going to the ps looks to be great shape.  So im guessing by this pic the second belt goes to the A/C Compressor?
 
http://vettes.com/GM/04/hummer/Engine.jpg