In the early 2000s, General Motors and Delphi collaborated on a four-wheel-steering system for Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickup trucks called Quadrasteer. However, due to its cost, it never really caught on with truck buyers.
Years later, things may be about to change. Ford Authority reports automotive supplier ZF has developed a new rear-wheel-steering system and it wants to implement associated benefits on full-size trucks. ZF is currently testing the system on the current generation Ford F-150.
The system was developed to work with a solid rear axle and can turn the rear wheels up to 12 degrees in either direction. With reference to turning radius, that’s significant and makes a full-size truck incredibly more maneuverable. However, the system doesn’t have any solid plans for production just yet.
There’s no denying such a system could help full-size trucks, though, especially when it comes to maneuvering in tight quarters.
Comments
Yep GM’s quadrasteer was a $7,000 option on top of the truck cost so it was a hard pill to swallow. Its pretty rare to see a truck equiped with it. I’m curious to know if production costs for this have gone down now that fancy tech is getting a little cheaper. And it would be pretty neat seeing it integrated into the rotary dial trailer backing feature with the backup cameras.
It was $4995 and dropped in price a few times. At the end it was either 1995 or 2995.
A great feature and very reliable. If Ford picks this tech up, I’ll be pissed. Then GM will get it again and everyone will claim GM is copying Ford.
Don’t matter what other people say GM will have to add the system if others have it just to stay competitive. Better to be called a copy cat than to my not have it like not haveing air duct for rear seat passengers. Whatever the competition you ha darn well better offer it too or something better in this competitive market.
I have a 2004 GMC SLT Quadrasteer with 260k. I LOVE IT! It’s my daily driver but besides the normal GM rocker panel cancer, it has run like a top. Family is pushing for a new truck, but haven’t found anything to replace it. Question for the guru’s here, if GMC is so plug and play, can a newer GMC be retro fitted with a rebuilt Quadrasteer from a donor truck? Anyone know a reputable GMC custom shop willing to do this? Thanks!
Wasn’t the quadrasteer expensive to maintain as well? I mean it’s cool and all but
My crewcab 2500 quadrasteer still driven daily has cost me nothing but a tie rod end with oversized tires and 200k
I have a 2003 Silverado Quadrasteer with 340,000kms. I have not done a single thing to the Quadrasteer system except for rear diff fluid replacement. Not a single tie rod or kingpin in the rear has been touched after all those Kms.
Zero maintenance beyond normal rear diff requirements. I have one still running after 180k miles, and plan on keeping it until GM brings out a replacement.
I have a 2003 Silverado 1500HD with quadrasteer and I love it, it makes backing a trailer a lot easier and parking a breeze. The only drawback at this time is that GM no longer supports the system and the parts are now obsolete.
Rare parts makes the lower ball joints for the axle now so as long as the controller doesnt fail it can still be serviced.
My brother-in-law bought a Suburban with it. Apparently it is amazing.
I have a 2002 Silverado with Quadrasteer. It is more of a weekend driver these days, but it is driven regularly. In 15 years I have had to do nothing to the rear axle system save for change the fluid. This one (I am told) is pretty rare. LT package, 5.3 engine with a 3.73 rear end. They only built a handful of these in 2002 and then changed the front end clip in 2003. I would certainly consider buying a new Quad Steer, but I’ll be keeping this one until one of us gives up the ghost.
I ve known a handful of people that owned them. They all loved em
It was a great idea and a great system and would have cost less by now had they continued with the option.
With Gm’s development of electric power steering, used in the Chevy Volt and other cars, adding a rear steering system should not be as hard as before when it was hydraulic. It will be most useful for parking and trailer moving.
It was electric before.. Not hydraulically actuated at all.
I think with electric power steering now being standard the parts for this system would be considerably cheaper now then 15+ years ago. I would absolutely love to see this return, it’s the type of innovative feature that sets it apart from the competition.
I had a 2002 Silverado with it and loved it. Thought if GM marketing had put this in an up level package they could have brought the price down. Glad to hear Ford is considering the system maybe GM will wake up. Makes you wonder if they priced themselves out by having a high margin for the exclusive option.
Almost a year ago I bought a loaded 2003 Suburban LT 2500 with Quadrasteer. I was afraid it would fail due to age and miles, but research indicated it was very reliable as long as the rear steering position sensor didn’t get water in it and corrode. Corroded contacts anywhere in the system can cause trouble, but easy to clean up with Deoxit if just typical oxidation over the years. Perhaps those that failed were being used to launch boats and submerged their lower portion of the steering motor. The truck has 240,000 miles and runs perfect. I leave it in 4-wheel steer at all times. I’ve seen one just like it while camping in Shenandoah NP and spoke to the owner at length. He’s had no problems with the system., Another twin is near my home (mine is in good condition, these twins were in excellent condition…so people want these to last). GM blew it by making it exclusive to the high end versions of the GMC and Chevys. They should have made it available at a lower priced option for all models and let the economy of scale make it profitable. It is a fine example of original American engineering, innovation, and QUALITY! It is world class technology that was way ahead of its time! GM has made a lot of mistakes that should have been huge wins – but every time they blow it on the marketing and fail to convince their dealers to embrace the technologies (e.g. composite pickup bed, Chevy Volt (I own one…best car I’ve ever owned), Quadrasteer, etc.). I hope GM brings Quadrasteer back. I hope an automotive electronics business starts remanufacturing the steering controllers, motors, and steering position sensors.
To add to this, I’ve had my 2003 1500HD Quad for around 12 years now. It’s not my daily anymore so only just over 100K on the ODO but I’ve driven it pretty hard in mud and dirt without a single issue related to the QS system. Blew a front shock but well, I shouldn’t have hit that mud hole so hard 🙂
Just drove my buddies newer (2010) Silverado and while the ride was comfier, no QS had me very frustrated.
I Love my 2004 Denali Quadrasteer. Pining for a newer, but mine still has plenty of performance.
Rick Wagoner Jr. ditched GM & Quadrasteer. Down with Dick and up with Delphi.
I have a 2003 Quadrasteer Suburban I looked for about a year to find, flew halfway across the country and drove it home. It has about 110k miles and is now only used to tow my travel trailer. Absolutely love it.
I’m still driving my 05 gmc yukon xl quadrasteer to work every day. Only 10k miles on its original engine since I rebuilt it last year. It has a 4.10 rear axle and a 6.0.
Wish I could get that ^@%# sensor to work gain.
Quite a let down for GM to stop making parts for it.
Im going to drive this one to the ground or be buried with it.
I’ve got a 2003 Sierra with 130K. Bought it new never had a problem and won’t sell it until they bring back quad steer, or come out with a conversion kit. It’s the worlds best plow truck
With full size Pickups get bigger in each generation this is something that IMO whose time has come. With GM’s wait and see attitude if it does happen they will be years behind the competition.