Skip to main content

What is wrong with the steering on some of the 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500HDs?

A number of owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD complain that the steering is loose or wanders. Chevrolet has issued a Technical Service Bulletin about it, but owners say it doesn't fix the problem.

Join us...    

One of the hottest topics on a Chevrolet Silverado forum right, now concerns problems with steering on some of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HDs. Some drivers are complaining that the truck steering is so sloppy, they are afraid to drive it.

The complaint was first posted last summer by someone called Queen. “The 2nd week I had it and the power steering box started leaking terribly- as in puddle on the driveway. Took it to different dealer as the 1st on was horrible. They sealed the leak and gave me the truck back until the part (power steering box) comes back in. So I leave the dealer, guess what? The steering is sloppy. About 2-3 inches I can move the wheel left or right before it is responsive. It wanders and constantly has to be corrected. Everyone says "it's impossible" because it's a mechanical system. Until they drive it and they go "oh my I see what you are saying". Meanwhile I have a $60,000 truck I worry about driving to work or towing to go camping this weekend while I wait for a power steering box from GM. VERY frustrating.”

Since that first post, there have been nearly 400 others. Most are other 2016 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD owners who are reporting similar issues.

Thang says “I’m in the same boat! Brand new 2016 2500HD LTZ Z71. Just turned 7500 miles and started getting 2 to 3 inches of slop in the steering. Slack/Lash whatever it’s called.Dealer drove it and said HOLY S%$# this ain’t right!”

General Motors has issued a Technical Service Bulletin for the problem, it is lengthy.

“#PIT5501C: Steering Feels Loose / Excessive Lash / Fluid Leak At Lash Adjuster (Adjust Steering Gear). The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern
Some owners may comment that the steering feels loose, there is excessive play in the steering, and/or a small power steering fluid leak from the steering gear lash adjuster may be noted. These concerns could be caused by an incorrect Pitman Shaft Over-Center Preload Adjustment.”
The TSB wants the service people to ask the owners all sorts of questions about where and how the vehicle was driven. Was it driven offroad? Have they towed anything? Has the truck been lifted or modified in any way? Did the problem occur quickly or slowly get worse?

The TSB recommends that the service people concentrate on the Pittman Arm and lash adjuster stud/nut/cover interface. It sounds as if the nut or stud comes loose and allows too much play in the steering. Gunny posted “I just picked my truck up and this dealer knew about the problems with the play in the
steering wheel. The play is caused by a adjusting screw in the steering box backing out causing the play in the steering wheel.The fix is using a chemical call loctite to keep the screw from backing out.Seems to be back to normal and only time will tell if comes back.”

A Maryland driver says the fix didn’t last very long. “Got it back and within 600 miles it got worse. Had 3-4 inches of play. Took it back and they fixed it. Said they did a long list of items plus recal of sensors. The paperwork states...remove steering box and perform adjustment procedure per bulletin #pit5501c. reset btoe in. relearn steering angle sensor & p/s pressure sensor learn.”

Enthusiasts note that the issue seems to be only on trucks built at in Flint, not in Fort Wayne. No indication as to why.

Apparently the TSB is updated a couple of times “#PIT5501D - Steering Feels Loose / Excessive Lash / Fluid Leak At Lash Adjuster (Replace Pitman Shaft and Adjust over center lash)
Subject: Steering Feels Loose / Excessive Lash / Fluid Leak At Lash Adjuster (Replace Pitman Shaft and Adjust over center lash) Models: 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500 2016 GMC Sierra 2500/3500.”

There are so many of these complaints that dealers are now suspicious of people coming in with the TSB. Many dealers are just ordering new steering boxes. “He told me, he would never try PIT5501C or D. . He told me it is a very complicated system and setting it to OEM is difficult and that I would never be happy with the steering if they attempted to follow the PIT5501 C&D. That's why they just ordered a complete new steering gear box to begin with.”

In all, there are 27 pages of complaints about this issue. One person who describes himself as a GM tech tried to help the angry owners but was hounded off the site by hostile posters. They are furious that the service departments don’t seem to know how to fix the problem long term and they don’t feel they are receiving help from GM and Chevrolet.

As of right now, it appears that the 2017 Chevy Silverado 2500 HDs are not having similar problems. No word of a recall for the 2016s, although the problems are reportedly widespread.

Mary Conway covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin. Follow Mary on Twitter at @maryconwaymedia.

Join us...    

Comments

Duel C (not verified)    February 28, 2019 - 1:47PM

Lots of play in steering took to dealer where I bought truck new 2500 gmc Denali 2016..they done the loctite thing..don’t know if this will work but wat I been hearing it won’t..driving good so far..we will see..

Butch Qugley (not verified)    February 28, 2019 - 7:54PM

In reply to by Duel C (not verified)

Same issue with my 2016 Silverado HD 2500. first time I had a problem was with only 1700 miles. this time I had 21000 miles. My warranty was up on January 31st took mine in on Feb 1st and chevy was kind enough to pay for all but $88. Some other owners have experienced the same issue. Call the National Hiway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-3274236 and report the problem. maybe if they get enough complaints they can force a recall to fix the issue correctly.

Patrick Canaday (not verified)    April 16, 2019 - 6:35PM

33,000 miles, 2500 HD Chevy, just seemed to get loose to the left all of a sudden. Has about 2" of play just to the left.

Richard Willoughby (not verified)    May 2, 2019 - 11:06AM

I took my truck in for warranty issues concerning the exhaust fluid system. While t was there they called me and said the steering box needed to be replaced when I asked the cost they said $5,000.00. Since I run a shop I know that it does not cost anywhere near that amount to which the service advisor responded that is what GM charges.

PA (not verified)    May 7, 2019 - 9:11PM

Here is a update from PA:
Wow, GM's is absolutely got a nightmare designed.
The massive box is a junker!
The new box, a gm box I installed, turn key parts, fluid etc, is warranted for 2 years unlimited mileage.
Has has 7k miles on it, since installation, seems to still be tight.
Turn key usd $2,800.
Good Luck.

p.s.
GM told me to keep my receipts as some day they might be forced to refund in full.

Butch Qugley (not verified)    June 13, 2019 - 9:01AM

Send a complaint to the National Hiway Safety transportation. If there are enough complaints they will force GM to do a recall to fix this permanently

Patrick Kreisl (not verified)    July 9, 2019 - 11:51AM

This has just happened to me this past week... All of a sudden I all but lost steering. It came apart inside. And put the truck in the median . They installed a new box

Butch Qugley (not verified)    July 11, 2019 - 8:56PM

I suggest that you report the incident to the national hi way safety transportation office. I did. Maybe if enough complaints come in they will force a recall.

Randy Parker (not verified)    July 23, 2019 - 1:22PM

2016 2500 Silverado have very sloppy steering 3 to 4 inch’s to make corrections in vehicle travel 48000 miles on truck

Carlene Henry (not verified)    August 13, 2019 - 6:32PM

We also have a 2016 with 14000 actual miles, 3500 GMC Denali. Had the vehicle to dealership with 2000 miles and they said it was in specs. Now that it is out of warranty they told me I on my own..Just the continue huckster from GM. I'm trading it off for a new Ford Heavy Duty and to see how they do. I have been driving GM diesels since 2002 and am tired of them.

Robert Riggers (not verified)    October 11, 2019 - 1:02PM

In reply to by Carlene Henry (not verified)

I have a 2016 2500hd 138000km for my American
Friends that 85000 miles .
Dealer says steering box pitman arm idler arm
Need to be replaced $3800.
This is my first and last GM ever
My last ford King ranch 380000km no front end problems.
My dodge 5.9 Cummins know for front end issues
Nothing till 297000km.
Trade in time .
But YouTube three year truck review coming up.

Butch Qugley (not verified)    October 16, 2019 - 9:28AM

I have had three fords. the first one a 1996 no problems. 2005, low miles under 50,000, had it in the shop 35 times for oil leaks, sued ford and won.I then got a 2008 engine did not hold compression, less than 30,00 miles.All were diesel motors. So I guess each to his own.

Randy Parker (not verified)    November 21, 2019 - 10:07AM

2016 Chevy HD 2500 Duramax 50,000 miles bad steering box per.dealership 2,700 $ to fix these trucks are used to pull heavy trailers etc. at least mine is Very dangerous situation with sloppy steering I hope GM will get out a recall not everyone has 2700$ to fix this problem . Or will it take 60ft of truck and trailer losing control on busy highway on holiday weekend and a class action to do something come on Gm do what’s right

butch quigley (not verified)    November 21, 2019 - 4:43PM

In reply to by Randy Parker (not verified)

Just an FYI. I filed a complaint with the national hi way and transportation board. Maybe if enough complaints are filed the government will step in and make GM correct this problem, Maybe a new steering box is in order, so it does not keep occurring.

Shane McIntosh (not verified)    December 28, 2019 - 1:14PM

In reply to by Butch Qugley (not verified)

The steering wheel on my 2016 Duramax started shaking a few months ago, it got worse when I had snow tires put on, I had the tires rebalanced twice but it did not help. I checked the brake discs, tires and new steel rims for the snow tires with a dial indicator, I thought there may be a wobble coming from one ore more. They were all pretty straight. I jacked the truck up and shaked the driver side wheel side to side. The passenger side moved in sequence with the driver side. I went under the truck and saw that there was no wear in any joints. I got my son to shake the wheel side to side while I looked underneath. I noticed the output shaft from the steering box has play when the wheels are shaken. I purchased and installed a steering damper which took about 3/4 of the shake out. I may adjust the box to reduce the lash between the box gears but I am a bit hesitant of tightening it to much and causing damage. It is an aggravation that GM removed the steering damper to save a few bucks and now I have to modify an expensive truck to get it to steer like a truck 1/3 the cost. Does anyone know how much to tighten the steering, some play? no play? Shane

Robert Peterson (not verified)    February 4, 2020 - 4:51PM

2016 Chevy HD 2500 Duramax 20,000 miles bad steering box, $2,000 to fix. I am hoping this will be a one time problem. I have been driving for 45 years and have never had a steering box issue.

Lou (not verified)    July 21, 2020 - 8:43PM

I also purchased a new 2016 Chevy 2500 Duramax and returned tot the dealer within 500 miles. And asked for the alignment to be checked the end result I was told it was the contour of the road that’s why it felt different. I had a 2015 Chevy Silverado and never had issues with the contour of the road. I last week had tires put on and the dealer said he couldn’t do the alignment because the steering box and Pittman arm needed to be replaced. @ 41,000 miles I have had i3 alignments so far and no fix and no recalls.

Butch Qugley (not verified)    July 22, 2020 - 11:51AM

In reply to by Lou (not verified)

Not a good answer from the dealer, they just don't want to fix the problem. The steering box information is correct. There is an adjustment nut which I understand comes loose and needs to be fixed it doesn't come lose.I have filed a complaint with the National Hiway transportation dept. Hopefully enough complaints made will motivate them to issue a recall.

Lucas (not verified)    July 22, 2020 - 2:34PM

I have a 2016 2500HD Duramax Silverado 4x4 with 57K miles on it. Bought it with 43K 2 years ago. I have the same issue as what everyone else is having. I have too much play in the steering. Never had any leaks but took it to GM 3 times, all of which they said it was within GM specs. Since I love my truck, I opted to replace everything myself until I found the problem since GM wouldn't do anything about the excess play. I have replaced the steering box with a redhead box (almost $1000), new pitman arm, new idler arm, new moog inner and outer tie rods, tie rod sleeves, installed a BDS steering stabilizer, new bilstein shocks, installed the Cognito PISK system, checked the intermediate and other steering shaft joints for wear and found none, and had it aligned 3 separate times. Remember, only 57K miles on it. It is no better than it was when I bought it. I am at a loss for words at this point. All that is left for me to replace is UCA's that I can think of. If anyone has had any luck getting this issue corrected, any advice would be appreciated.

Per Haugland (not verified)    August 21, 2020 - 2:11PM

Are there any updates to this? I have a 2016 2500 Duramax 4x4. At 39,000 miles I got bizarre wheel shimmy at 40mph or so. The alignment is perfect and all the front end parts are tight other than the box. Now I’m at 40,000 miles and if I hit a small bump at 40 the wheels start shaking violently. I’ve checked the tires. At other faster or slower speeds the truck tracks perfectly. I have a 2” rough country kit (upper control arms, keys and drop shims) running 255/80/17. I’ve had this setup for 2 years and 20k miles with no issues till now. I do have 2-3” of slop in the wheel at any speed. I’m not going to pay $2800 for a maybe fix when I’m 4K out of warranty. I’d rather trade the truck in.

David Cook (not verified)    September 17, 2020 - 8:38AM

I’m too having the steering wander and in some cases almost causing a serious accident. Reported to GMC so will be taking it to the dealer here in Canada soon. 2016 2500HD 36,000 miles approximately.

Butch Qugley (not verified)    September 18, 2020 - 10:52AM

In reply to by David Cook (not verified)

The steering box has a adjustment nut, the way i understand it, comes loose. I took it to the dealer and the said they retightened it and put "lock tight" on it.I reported the problem to the National Hiway Transportation board. Hopefully there will be enough complaints that they will force GM to do a recall and replace old steering boxes with new ones at no cost to us!

Dave Cook (not verified)    September 22, 2020 - 2:09PM

In reply to by Butch Qugley (not verified)

Butch I will be taking my 2016 into the dealer this week and they will inspect the steering and try to determine the reason behind the steering wandering? You were saying that the adjustment nut was loose and the dealer retightened and applied locktite. Would you mind if I asked you the cost by the dealer?

Butch Qugley (not verified)    September 22, 2020 - 5:10PM

In reply to by Dave Cook (not verified)

The cost started out at almost $400.00 After complaining very hard I got them down to a final cost of about $88.00 I had had it happen early in my ownership and had very low miles. Fight hard!! Dont forget to consider reporting this safety concern to the National Hiway Transportation Board!

Dave Cook (not verified)    October 1, 2020 - 12:26PM

In reply to by Butch Qugley (not verified)

Butch, with the steering issue I took it to the GM dealer and sure enough fluid was leaking and the adjustment nut was loose. GM dealer corrected the issue by retightening and applying locktite. However they cannot guarantee that the nut won’t loosen at a later date. GM Canada had a bulletin published with problem but since it was not a recall because of a safety issue the cost was not covered however the dealer did not charge me. This issue has been reported to both Department of Highways Canada and GM Canada. Thanks for your info because sooner or later there will be fatalities because of this issue with the steering!

Fadi Oraivej (not verified)    November 16, 2020 - 10:03PM

I'm having the same problem with my 2016 Duramax and it only has 51,000 on it. We all need to get together and either hire an attorney for a small action lawsuit or have Chevy recall and fix the problem.