A little help/opinions on EVO

xAFNYx · Apr 21, 2022

Good morning everyone!

So I just replaced my rag joint in my 98 K1500, and while doing so i noticed some slop on the intermediate shaft. So after some research i found that i should replace the intermediate shaft bearing/bushing. FURTHER digging clarified that the occasional power to my steering wheel my truck likes to give to make sure im awake is likely do to the EVO/ wheel angle sensor. Then deeper into the rabbit hole i discovered that some people just disconnect the sensor and retrofit a gm retrofit valve to bypass the sensor.

So im wondering if anyone has done the retrofit and or just replaced the sensor? Which is better to do?

sewlow · Apr 21, 2022

Lots of discussions about the EVO on the forum.
GM figured out that the system was problematic.
So much so, they don't even sell parts for it.
Instead, when it comes to the EVO, all that GM offers is the elimination kit.

When my '97 first began do that 'momentarily-on-ice' thing, I just unplugged the EVO sensor on the lower column.
That worked for a while, but doing so puts the pump into full boost mode all the time.
3-4 months later, it catastrophically failed, puking fluid out of every possible connection. Luckily, it blew up in my driveway.
For the repair, I just used a pre-EVO high pressure line.
I liked the idea of that as opposed to the elimination kit because the kit adds an additional union.
After going through the hassle of the S/pump re-n-re, I really didn't want to do it all over again due to that union possibly leaking.

Some have had a CEL appear after the EVO elimination.
My '97 was done for about 8 or 9 years with no CEL.

xAFNYx · Apr 21, 2022

I searched EVO and it told me there were no results. But i'm kind of glad because you gave a solid response MUCH faster than i couldve read through a 20 page thread.

So i guess I'll just go with the GM elimination valve. I'll do some more research on the CEL after install because that would drive me crazy enough to just buy 10 doorman sensors and just keep replacing them

sewlow · Apr 21, 2022

Lol! If you own a 400 & the CEL is not on, something's wrong!

df2x4 · Apr 21, 2022

I'm running the GM EVO delete kit (part number 19168825) on both of my '97s with no issues, and no check engine lights. FWIU the EVO system shouldn't throw one under any circumstances.

I replaced the sensor on the column multiple times in both trucks as I really liked the EVO when it worked properly. Unfortunately the column sensors failed frequently and eventually either the solenoid on the pump or the control module in the dash (both of which are discontinued) started giving me intermittent problems. I went with the delete kits at that point. No regrets.

As sewlow mentioned, unplugging the column sensor is OK for diagnostic purposes, but that puts the system in full boost all the time and will result in overboosted steering at highway speeds. Some don't mind that apparently, it felt unsafe to me.

@Night Bomber did a really cool modification that allows manual adjustment of the EVO boost level. This would eliminate the column sensor from the system, but you'd still have issues if the pump solenoid or control module started to go like in my case.

https://www.gmt400.com/threads/evo-steering-delete-repair-or-upgrade.52633/

xAFNYx · Apr 21, 2022

sewlow said:
Lol! If you own a 400 & the CEL is not on, something's wrong!

As a previous VW owner.... I never wanna see a CEL again lol.

df2x4 said:
I'm running the GM EVO delete kit (part number 19168825) on both of my '97s with no issues, and no check engine lights. FWIU the EVO system shouldn't throw one under any circumstances.

I replaced the sensor on the column multiple times in both trucks as I really liked the EVO when it worked properly. Unfortunately the column sensors failed frequently and eventually either the solenoid on the pump or the control module in the dash (both of which are discontinued) started giving me intermittent problems. I went with the delete kits at that point. No regrets.

As sewlow mentioned, unplugging the column sensor is OK for diagnostic purposes, but that puts the system in full boost all the time and will result in overboosted steering at highway speeds. Some don't mind that apparently, it felt unsafe to me.

@Night Bomber did a really cool modification that allows manual adjustment of the EVO boost level. This would eliminate the column sensor from the system, but you'd still have issues if the pump solenoid or control module started to go like in my case.

https://www.gmt400.com/threads/evo-steering-delete-repair-or-upgrade.52633/

Thank you for also replying. This is what i needed to hear. So after you install that part you can just take out the sensor? Like doesnt matter if its there or not?

HotWheelsBurban · Apr 21, 2022

sewlow said:
Lol! If you own a 400 & the CEL is not on, something's wrong!

So... does that mean mine is behaving normally then? Last time it was EGR valve related, being sticky or something. Ran a can of Berry man's B12 through it and it went away.

df2x4 · Apr 21, 2022

xAFNYx said:
So after you install that part you can just take out the sensor? Like doesnt matter if its there or not?

I just left mine alone. The GM EVO delete kit removes the pump solenoid and replaces it with a fitting that eliminates the variable boost all together. It doesn't matter what the column sensor or control module are commanding at that point.

Blad · Apr 21, 2022

Mine worked fine, my pump was worn, changed the pump, couldnt swap over the evo valve as it has a super thin nut portion thats made out of brass and stripped, searched for new evo valve, nothing, had to use the eliminator fitting. Does anyone know where i could buy a new evo valve? Or procedures on how to swap one over?

smdk2500 · Apr 21, 2022

sewlow said:
Lol! If you own a 400 & the CEL is not on, something's wrong!

There must be something wrong with both my 95's lol. Neither of the have a CEL on but both have abs lights on. Weird thing is they both have the same issue with the ABS. Both have bad front right wheel sensors.

A little help/opinions on EVO

xAFNYx

I'm Awesome

sewlow

Bitchin' Stitchin'

xAFNYx

I'm Awesome

sewlow

Bitchin' Stitchin'

df2x4

4L60E Destroyer

xAFNYx

I'm Awesome

HotWheelsBurban

Gotta have 4 doors..... Rawhide, TOTY 2023!

df2x4

4L60E Destroyer

Blad

Newbie

smdk2500

I'm Awesome

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