steering column rattles

[timbercutter]

My 99 sierra has had the same problem since new but it is getting worse over time. The problem is a rattle in the steering shaft or boot just inside the engine compartment.  The dealer has inspected this noise 3 times over the trucks life and says while very annoying everything is OK.  Has anyone fixed this same problem?  It rattles or clunks when you start traveling and when you hit small bumps while turning. It is making me wish I never bought this particular vehicle, even with all of the other traits I like so much!

[RyanbabZ71]

There is a TSB (email me link is at the bottom in my sig and ill send it to you and you can print it and take it in with you)

 

I had the shaft replaced (yr and a half ago) and lubed last wk.

[woyster_00z71]

My '00 did the same thing.  About a month after I bought it last October I took it to my mechanic and he lubed the steering boot.  It hasn't made the popping/creaking since.

 

B.J.

[Firetiger(MN)]

There is actually a new "hot fix" for this problem...a bearing replacement.  Supposedly this is the real deal and people have been saying that it cured the rattle.  The intermediate shaft replacement along with the grease packing procedures have been bandaids to the issue and the consenus was that the rattle typically returned in time.

 

I too have this happening in my truck.  Due to this fix being relatively new, I'm going to wait a while to see how it works in the long run.  Knowing my local dealership, they will just look at me with that dumb look as usual and tell me "it's normal."

 

 

The new stub shaft bearing kit is #26099860

A tool is needed for installation to avoid damage to the bearing seal.  #J-45798.

[sirlan]

My '02 just started doing this a few weeks ago. It's not loud, but you can hear and feel it when driving slowly over small bumps and when turning. I guess I'll have to get it checked out.