Adventure Edition question VS Base Steering

[RFG]

I drove one today. 80k with all brand new Yokahama Geolander A/T-S tires. I also drove an 06 Base H3. Huge difference in how "tight" or "Heavy" the steering is. The Base was easy like my Jeep the Adventure was like my 96 Peterbilt.


It there a reason? I know the Adventure has different drive train componants but was wondering if this was a normal variation between the two.


I'm new to Hummers I know nothing about them. I have been a Jeep guy for a while. I test drove an Unlimited 4 door Wrangler and the Hummer won out.


And yes, I did do a quick search. Found nothing.


It is an Adventure. Has the Locker button. I did look up how to make sure it is what it is.

 

[Ghostbuster]

80k-100k mile mark is when the front suspension/steering components need to be freshened up on H3s

The base and adventure models use the same rack and pinion so...

Maybe it was low on power steering fluid.. haha

There are a number of things that could make it do that.

My adventure's steering is "tight" but not heavy. (50k miles) It's not that easy to turn the wheel with one finger. My dad's 09 Dodge Ram's steering is super light, but it has always been that way.

 

[RFG]

Cool. Thanks for the fast reply. I'll look into it further when I go back to take another drive. The owner remarked I felt tight and said he'll go over it. It's in almost perfect shape and the only thing I'd have to black out is the grill. Also what is the button to the right of the rear locker button?

 

[USMC_TOP]

Turns off and on the stability control. Off your can spin your tires, on it stops the spin giving you control on slick surfaces.........


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[RFG]

Thanks USMC, And thanks for your service.

 

[SedonaBound]

Shouldn't be so much difference in the steering feel between base and adventure models. You may want get the front end and steering looked at before deciding.

 

[Best4x4]

I have 122K on my Alpha, and the only thing that has shown it's age were the upper ball joints and the front diff crossmember bushing. Replaced all of that, and it handles great. You'd never know it had 122K on it! All my Jeep's with 50K handled like crap and I spent good $$$ on trying to fix it. I made it better, but nothing like how a good maintained H3 steers/handles.

 

[3rdH3]

As stated before, there is not much difference in the steering between the two. I have owned both. My Alpha/Offroad is a little stiffer is the only difference I have noticed. That is likely due to the larger and more aggressive tires. I would start looking for worn parts. Good Luck.

 

[Hunner]

Around 08 the fancy color brochure stated improved steering ratio. I could not see any difference in that and my 06.

Same rack as far as I can tell.

I would recommend jacking it up and have someone turn the wheel slowly full lock both directions and watch the pass side steering rack mount and see if the rack is sliding in and out of it. That will reduce the steering response, a lot.

After you do that it may have chased some fluid around and allowed it to "burp" check your fluid level.

 

[Neo]

might just be the feedback from different sized tires, are the Geolander's 35's ? if so that's a lot more tire than stock 32's

 

[Best4x4]

Yep tire size is honestly the only difference, with exception of an Alpha's PS Pump vs an I5's PS Pump and the Alpha having an inline cooler.

 

[RFG]

might just be the feedback from different sized tires, are the Geolander's 35's ? if so that's a lot more tire than stock 32's

33's and brand new. Went by the dealership and took a look. H3 is spotless underneath.

 

[Ghostbuster]

33's and brand new. Went by the dealership and took a look. H3 is spotless underneath.

Did you pop the hood? Check the PS fluid? Do you have a mechanic friend in your area that could drop by and take a look at it.

Are both H3s at the same dealer?

Did you ask the dealer to have it looked at by their mechanics?

Does it come with any type of warranty?

Is it on cars.com or autotrader?

 

[RFG]

Did not check fluid. Have no friends like that just moved here. Wife's boss is friends with lot owner. He's going to have them check the fluids and whatever else. Comes with a 90 day. Drivetrain and some minor stuff. But said he'd fix whatever. It ma be on auto trader. Not sure.

 

[Hunner]

Get it in writing. Good business and helps avoid misunderstanding.

 

[Best4x4]

H3's can handle totally different depending on shocks, Tbar cranked up/leveled, worn steering rack bushings, worn tie rods/steering pump, and tire size. Have it inspected at a local mechanic if you aren't sure what to look for.

My Alpha handles different from my wife's Adventure. Different shocks, added weight from bumper/winch different tbars.

 

[Mr_Rich]

In my personal experience; heavy steering is indicative of a failing PS pump. Once I replaced mine I could "palm" the steering wheel in low speed maneuvering conditions again. I added 285's to my (base) truck recently and it handles very well with them.

 

[amrg]

In my personal experience; heavy steering is indicative of a failing PS pump. Once I replaced mine I could "palm" the steering wheel in low speed maneuvering conditions again. I added 285's to my (base) truck recently and it handles very well with them.

In my alpha I have heavy steering, been like that since day one. I replaced the power steering pump just before my warranty ended early this year (was getting a shudder at full lock) and the replacement I had was also heavy! In comparison to my I5, the I5 is lighter.

 

[RFG]

I got. 3 year 38k mile warranty. Covers about the whole damn thing.

 

[4speedfunk]

Next time...check the tire pressure and make sure it is the same on both trucks. Apples vs. apples. Low tire pressure (especially with oversize tires) will turn the H3 into a Peterbuilt.