GEAR BOX POWER STEERING PUMP, P/S PERFORMANCE CONCERNS. UPDATED ON 6/30/2011.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems
critical 52 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
52
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
1fire
2fatalities
What stands out
Owners have filed 52 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
BUICK/CADILLAC/CHEVROLET/GMC/OLDSMOBILE AND HUMMER: INFORMATION ON PITMAN ARM SHAFT SEAL SERVICE KIT. DO NOT REPLACE ENTIRE STEERING GEAR FOR PITMAN SEAL LEAK. TECHNICIANS HAVE BEEN REPLACING ENTIRE STEERING GEARS DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO SERVICE JUST LEAKING PITMAN SHAFT SEAL. UPDATED 5/9/11.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CLUNKING NOISE UNDER HOOD AND CAN BE FELT IN STEERING WHEEL AND/OR STEERING COLUMN (REPLACE UPPER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT [I-SHAFT] ASSEMBLY).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CLUNKING NOISE UNDER HOOD AND CAN BE FELT IN STEERING WHEEL. UPDATED UPDATED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗EI05061 - INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT CLUNK NOISE OR STICK-SLIP (FOLLOW STRATEGY BASED DIAGNOSTICS). 05-02-35-003 AND 05-02-35-003A NOT YET RECEIVED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report persistent steering-assembly failures across multiple sub-systems. The intermediate steering shaft generates clunking and popping noises that start as early as 10,000 miles and recur within 10,000–20,000 miles even after replacement; temporary lubrication provides no lasting fix. Power steering pumps, gearboxes, and control valves leak and fail prematurely, sometimes within 50,000 miles. The steering wheel develops excessive free play, locks intermittently during turns, or seizes entirely—particularly when the vehicle sits unused for several hours or in cold conditions. Pitman arms and tie rod ends wear prematurely. Several owners report catastrophic loss of both power steering and power brakes simultaneously, particularly after cold starts or extended parking, creating immediate safety hazards on highways. The hydroboost assembly can rupture, contaminating fluid and eliminating power assist to both systems. Rust damage to power steering fittings causes fluid loss. Front-end looseness, excessive play, and misalignment persist despite repeated alignments and component replacements. Dealers acknowledge these issues as known problems but claim no permanent fix exists; some have replaced the same parts multiple times per vehicle. Owners cite technical service bulletins (TSBs) that recommend temporary greasing rather than lasting repair, and they note warranty denial based on timing rather than mileage.
Same Chevrolet Silverado steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Intermediate steering shaft noise and play
Clunking, popping, and knocking noises from the intermediate steering shaft that recur every 10,000–20,000 miles even after replacement. Lubrication provides only temporary relief. Shaft develops excessive play and looseness, creating a feeling of instability over bumps.
When: Starts as early as 10,000 miles; recurs throughout vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking or popping noise when turning; Knocking noise from steering column; Rattling in steering; Loose, bouncy feel over bumps; Front end feels loose and unstable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace shaft; aftermarket parts (e.g., Dorman 425-176) attempted. Temporary lubrication applied repeatedly. One owner reported $230 replacement cost. Permanent fix does not exist per dealer statements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs issued for lubrication only (temporary fix). Some 2007+ models received 70,000-mile warranty extension on this part, not extended to 2006 models. No recall issued.
Power steering pump failure and leaks
Power steering pumps fail prematurely, causing complete loss of power steering assist. Pumps leak fluid and require replacement at relatively low mileage. After replacement, the new pump exhibits the same intermittent failures within months.
When: 50,000 miles and below; recurrence within 6 months of replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist; Power steering fluid leaks; Intermittent steering assist loss; Complete power steering failure
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement documented in multiple complaints. One owner replaced pump multiple times; second replacement failed intermittently within 6 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Partial warranty reimbursement offered in at least one case. No recall issued.
Power steering gearbox and control valve failure
Steering gearbox fails, leaks power steering fluid, and develops internal bearing defects that cause catching and binding. Power steering control valve requires replacement. Gearbox replacement may be needed again within 30,000 miles.
When: 50,000 miles and below; recurrence within 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Moaning noise while turning; Power steering fluid leaks from gearbox; Steering catches or binds; High-pitched noise from steering; Steering gear binding
Repairs/costs cited: Gearbox replacement ($500–$2,000+ estimated from owner repairs). Control valve replacement. One owner replaced gearbox twice in 2.5 years (at 30,000 and 80,000 miles). Seal leaks also repaired (gear kit replacement).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Partial warranty reimbursement offered in at least one case but deemed insufficient by owner. No recall issued.
Combined power steering and power brake failure
Both power steering and power brakes fail simultaneously, often after vehicle sits for several hours or in cold conditions. Loss of power assist occurs when starting and reversing, or after highway driving. Fluid pressure builds abnormally, causing reservoir to spew fluid under pressure.
When: Various mileages; occurs after sitting 72 hours or in cold temperatures
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist; Loss of power braking assist; Spongy brake feel; Extended stopping distance; Power steering fluid sprays from reservoir cap; Steering wheel cannot turn manually after loss of assist
Repairs/costs cited: Hydroboost pressure relief valve replaced (ineffective in some cases). Hydroboost nitrogen canister rupture repaired. Dealers unable to replicate failures during diagnostic visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claimed inability to duplicate problem. One dealer replaced relief valve without confirming failure. No permanent fix applied. No recall issued.
Steering column locking and seizing
Steering wheel locks or seizes intermittently or during turns, preventing vehicle control. Locking occurs at low speeds (2–5 mph) and while driving (25–35 mph). In one fatal case, steering locked during turns with airbags failing to deploy.
When: 2,000 miles and higher; intermittent occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or seizes during turns; Steering wheel cannot be turned; Steering column fracture with wheel fracture
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement attempted; failure persisted in at least one case. Dealer repair unsuccessful for resolving ongoing locking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered in some cases. No recall issued for steering lock.
Excessive steering play and Pitman arm looseness
Steering develops excessive free play detected by movement of the Pitman arm. Dealers initially claim free play is normal or within parameters even when play exceeds specifications. Looseness worsens over time and correlates with front-wheel bearing wear and brake vibration.
When: 49,000 miles at purchase; worsens to require repair by 69,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive free play in steering wheel; Loose Pitman arm when rotating wheel; Steering feels loose and unstable
Repairs/costs cited: Pitman arm and steering gearbox replacement required (~$2,000 including wheel bearing repair). Front wheel bearings also replaced (right wheel showed 1+ inch of tilt/looseness).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers initially denied problem existed (claiming free play was normal). Denied warranty coverage when issue was finally addressed out of warranty.
Front-end looseness and misalignment persistence
Front end becomes loose and unstable over bumps and uneven pavement. Problem persists despite repeated front-end alignments. Vehicle pulls to one side, requiring constant steering correction. Looseness causes accelerated tire wear.
When: Throughout vehicle life; worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Front end loose and bouncy over bumps; Vehicle wanders and pulls to one side; Requires constant steering correction; Accelerated and abnormal tire wear
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple alignments performed without resolving issue. Intermediate shaft and bushings replaced. Front spring replacement attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No effective remedy provided. Dealer adjusted Z-height to GM specs but problem continued.
Steering shaft bolt failure
Bolts on the intermediate steering shaft fracture, causing sudden loss of steering control. One complaint reported a bolt falling out entirely, leaving the vehicle with no steering ability.
When: 308,000 miles (one case); other mileages not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel turned opposite to intended direction; Vehicle wanders off road uncontrollably; Complete loss of steering control; Fractured intermediate shaft bolts
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed fractured bolts. Vehicle was not repaired in reported case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no action documented. No recall issued.
Power steering fluid contamination and rust damage
Power steering hoses, fittings, and related lines rust and corrode, causing fluid leaks and loss of steering function. One owner reported power steering fittings rotted entirely, causing loss of steering. Brake lines and cooler lines also affected. One power steering hose rupture caused a fire.
When: Various mileages; appears accelerated compared to other manufacturers
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fittings corroded and rotted; Fluid loss from corroded lines; Loss of steering function; Power steering hose rupture causing fire
Repairs/costs cited: Rust-damaged fittings and lines replaced by dealer. One hose rupture resulted in total vehicle loss and fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer attributed corrosion to environment; owner noted competitor vehicles 8 years older with no similar rust. No assistance offered. No recall issued.
Steering assist loss at idle and in cold conditions
Power steering assist is reduced or lost at idle engine speed, making steering extremely difficult during parking maneuvers. Problem is exacerbated in cold weather. All major power steering components (pump, gearbox, pressure valve) have been replaced without resolving the issue, indicating a design or calibration problem.
When: Occurs at idle and low engine speed; cold-weather exacerbation
Symptoms owners cite: Little or no power steering at idle; Extremely difficult to steer in cold weather; Loss of steering assist at low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Pump, gearbox, and pressure valve all replaced by dealer with no improvement reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer issued a recall for this vehicle for this problem, but the repair did not correct the issue per owner statement.
Serpentine belt and idler pulley failure affecting steering
Engine idler pulley seizes, causing the serpentine belt to break. Belt breakage results in loss of power steering and power brakes since the power steering pump relies on the belt for operation.
When: Timing not specified in complaint
Symptoms owners cite: Serpentine belt breaks; Loss of power steering assist; Loss of power braking assist
Repairs/costs cited: Idler pulley and belt replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two local GM dealer parts departments stated this is a common problem on Duramax diesel engines.
Steering column clicking and ring defect
Steering column develops a clicking noise when turning the wheel left and right. Dealer attributes this to a ring in the steering column that works with the airbag and claims it cannot be fixed. Question raised whether a defective ring could affect airbag operation.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise when turning steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer claims the noise cannot be repaired and is inherent to some vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer (service manager) stated no fix is available and that some vehicles are louder than others but nothing can be done.
Synthesized from 52 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a serious issue. 52 complaints have been filed, including 3 reports involving a crash and 2 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 18,000 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 70,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.