01' Gmc 1500 Z71 Bumping Noise In Steering Wheel

[slodude8]

Hey I am new here. I just bought a 2001 GMC 1500 Z71 ext cab completely stock and i noticed that driving down the road their is this weird almost "Bumping" noise coming from the steering wheel or colum. Does anyone know what is causing that? and if so is it a serious problem?

 

 

Thanks,

 

Pat

[slodude8]

how do i go about fixing it?

 

 

Thanks,

 

Patrick

[gmtech4]

you have 2 options ,gm has tried many fixes ,the 2 are:

 

replace the int sheering shaft or

 

remove the int shaft and fill the splines with grease from a kit bought from the general(instructions included and is temporary at best

[slodude8]

Any idea how much that shaft cost? And does this problem hurt anything or is it just annoying? Sorry for all the questions but thank you so much for your help!

 

 

Thanks,

 

Pat

[gmtech4]

anoying only and call the dealer for a price,if the dealer installs a new one,only max .7 hr labour

[Zembonez]

Some trucks react well to the grease trick and some don't. It is temporary but I've heard of a lot of folks who went the replacement route only to have the problem come back anyway.

[Patrick H]

FWIW, I pulled the pinch bolt on the end of the shaft, under the hood, and exercised the shaft (pushed it in and out) several times and put it back together. It's been quiet for 1500 miles now.

Do I expect it to last forever? No.

[PwrdByWinchester]

There was a write-up somewhere (here maybe?) where a guy removed his intermediate shaft, drilled and tapped it for a grease fitting. He just pumps a shot or 3 of grease in there anytime he gets 'the knock'. I plan on doing it on my truck soon.

 

I do have a question though.....how long can it knock without damaging anything? Does it ever get to the point to where it's considered a safety concern??

[thearborbarber]

The intermediate steering shaft is probably causing that noise. It's a fairly common problem and the fix isn't too hard.

[bossier62guy]

Any idea how much that shaft cost? And does this problem hurt anything or is it just annoying? Sorry for all the questions but thank you so much for your help!

 

 

Thanks,

 

Pat

 

You can get a dorman shaft p/n 425-176 from www.rockauto.com or www.amazon.com for under $50

[gmtech4]

+1