2007 Chevrolet 5500: steering and brakes
 

A little off track here, but my car hauler (toter home) has a major problem (problems ?) that currently make it unusable.

It started with the brake alarm going off and staying on. Topped off the hydraulic fluid, but made no difference. Next, the steering locked up. Drove home from Bowling Green at 40 mph not knowing when it would lock up.

Are these two systems related? I don't want to take the truck to the Chev. dealer if possible. What can I do myself?

The truck only has 12,000, easy, miles on it.

Re: 2007 Chevrolet 5500: steering and brakes
 

Not sure why the steering locked up but when we had our Kodiak 5500 motorhome our brake alarm and dash warning leaving a race track stayed on. After several tries to get it out we found that the brake lite switch was bad. After googling this issue the brake lite switches are a common problem especially of you have a brake controller hooked up. Replace the switch drove it 100 yards and the problem was fixed.

Re: 2007 Chevrolet 5500: steering and brakes
 

On my GM 5500 I had a rear abs sensor go bad due to a caliper issue and also had a small relay under the master cylinder that controls the electric side of the brakes burn up from getting moisture in it. As far as the steering, I have't had a problem. Borrow a scanner tool and see what codes you have for the brake system.

Re: 2007 Chevrolet 5500: steering and brakes
 

So, I take it from these two responses that I have separate problems. The two systems are not integrated.

I'll try the brake light switch first (as soon as I figure out where it is) as it seems the easiest and yes, I do have a brake controller hooked up.

Re: 2007 Chevrolet 5500: steering and brakes
 

Ouch ! May have burnt up the trailers brakes .

Re: 2007 Chevrolet 5500: steering and brakes
 

I'm not sure about the gas pots but if it's a diesel, the systems are related in the fact the power steering pump also supplies the hydraulic pressure for the brake booster.
As Bob said, the brake light switches are a big problem. I did figure out that pulling the radio fuse shuts up the alarm until you can get it fixed.

Jim Mantle V/SA 6632

Re: 2007 Chevrolet 5500: steering and brakes
 

These trucks have a hydro-boost system. It works the power steering and power brakes. Sounds like the pump is acting up. Maybe this will help.

http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/oper...ssist-systems/

Jeff :)