Intermediate Steering Shaft

springfield · January 22, 2010

I know that this topic has been ran into the ground....just wondering if any body has found a lasting repair. I have an 04 with the "normal" steering shaft pop and would like to know if anyone has good detailed instructions on how to lube the shaft. I had thought about the new "updated" shaft, but not sure if it is worth the money and if it will last.

Thanks in advance,

knipper_03 · January 22, 2010

I know that this topic has been ran into the ground....just wondering if any body has found a lasting repair. I have an 04 with the "normal" steering shaft pop and would like to know if anyone has good detailed instructions on how to lube the shaft. I had thought about the new "updated" shaft, but not sure if it is worth the money and if it will last.

Thanks in advance,

Get the updated shaft. Its Under $75. It'll last. Dorman.

MS3DALE · January 22, 2010

We haven't had any issues with the new updated shaft,GM part#19153614

jrrod2004 · January 23, 2010

Flaming River I-Shaft:

http://www.flamingriver.com/index.cfm/page...prod/prd363.htm ; Nuff said.

Stylous · January 26, 2010

I'm 6k miles into the repair I did myself for $0 and have had no problems yet. If it happens again I might buy the new part ($75) but I'm undecided at this point to be honest.

Here is what I did...

I used this link for the general instructions (http://www.gm-trucks.com/resources/how-to/2009/01/22/lubing-your-intermediate-steering-shaft-for-1999-to-2004-trucks/). It was spot on except my '02 used 15mm, not 17mm as described here but everything else was the same.

This cost me $0. Here's why...

My friend works for Chevy and said the grease in the shaft is most likely failing due to the heat from the manifold. This is the "theory" around GM. If you look at the bottom of the steel shaft you can see where the grease ran out from the shock then down the shaft. I can buy this theory given the physical evidence and the fact that lithium grease is not designed to hold up to those engine temps.

I knew the new grease that comes in the kit (about $12 at the dealer) is black in color (not white lithium as the original) and that it has to be able to hold up to extreme heat. I am guessing it must be (or close to) brake caliper grease.

I had some caliper grease in my garage so for $0 and 1 hour of my time (taking it easy) I decided to try the repair. I used the process described above in the link but used some brake caliper grease instead. I used a clamp to plug the two side holes and just kept my palm over the larger hole as I pressed the shaft down. I did this twice for good measure. Somewhat messy job but very easy. It will take you about 5 mins to remove the part, 5 mins to put it back on.

I am just over 6k with this fix and it seems to be working well.