I have a 99 silverado z71 with 156k. I was backing up today and when I cut my wheels all the way and hit the gas to back out of the driveway, my truck acted like the parking brake was on. My parking break was not on, as it doesnt even work. Later I was in the drive-thru at Arbys and when I cut my wheels to drive around, it did the same thing. When im just driving straight and not turning, the steering feels tighter, as if no power steering; and it makes noise that I cant really describe. Could this maybe be caused from a broken tie rod, idle arm, etc? Thanks for the help.

 

If you have the means and the time, jack up the front of the truck so both tires are off the ground. Make sure the steering wheel isn't locked and have a buddy lay down near the front of the truck. Move the tire up and down, side to side while pulling on is slightly. Do this to both wheels, especially the passenger side. If you find nothing try doing it with the steering wheel locked. Have him look to see if everything is moving in unison and nothing is clunking. If you find nothing, start the truck and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock. Have your buddy check to make sure nothing is binding up and the tire isn't hitting anything. Also look to see if there are rub marks from the tire anywhere. Somethings gotta be loose or broken under there.

 

stop driving this puppy.

I doubt a tie rod broke...the wheel would be uncontrollable...I think a front hub is coming apart

 

So would it hurt for me to drive it a mile or so just to get it to the shop, or should I just leave it parked until I can have it towed. Then again, It seems like wenching it up on a truck wouldnt be so good for it either.

 

Argon: Just outa curiosity, do 99' and up still use sealed bearings?

 

maybe a mile or so...but go slow...

if it is a hub,expect to pay 350 ish for hub...maybe 1.5 hrs labor if its 2wd

 

its a z71.

 

Is it in 4wd? You would have similar symptoms if the front end was engaged.

 

negative. it was not in 4wd when the problem started occouring yesterday. However, 4wd has given me trouble in the past, but I never did anything about it because 2wd worked just fine.

 

the NEW truck that came out in 99...sealed hubs...some old style 99 and 2000's still had 350 engines and greasable bearings