Steering Clunk When Turning

[kevinc]

My '02 1500 4wd has developed a clunk when turning, it's worse turning right than it is to the left.  While turning on smooth pavement I'll get 4-6 clunks, and if I'm on bumpy pavement I can actually hear it clunking under the dash.

 

It's going back to the dealer Monday morning, given the sudden onset of this condition I'm not comfy driving it on the highway.  Will report back w/ their findings.

[TxDoc]

click Here for some info you can print and take to the dealer. There is no TSB, that I know of, so many act like they have no idea. Some have had luck witth greasing , but bearing replacement seems to be the fix. See if any others have some different opinions.

[Shaners]

I've had mine greased twice.  The second time seems to be the cats' meow though!!!  It seems as though there is no margin for error when the tech guys do this fix, so they either do it right or do it again....

 

Yes it is pretty un-nerving when driving down the highway and it feels like the steering wheel could come off in your hands.

[kevinc]

I brought a printout of the TSB, service manager already knew about it and scheduled me for a Thursday dropoff for greasing.  He indicated the bearing replacement was not part of the TSB, but if the problem comes back after greasing he'll do the bearing kit.

 

Not to get off on a rant here, but it's stuff like this that gives American vehicles a bad rep.  My old Nissan ran past 150K miles without any suspension work, and the Ford that I traded in to buy this 1500 had 60K on it and still felt like new...no grease fittings either.  This thing has 8K on the clock and it's falling apart?

[Snacky]

So that's what that clunking noise is!

 

I've only heard the clunking when I'm standing still and turning the wheel, such as backing into a parking spot.

[kevinc]

Update: on Thurs the Chevy dealer examined it and serviced it under the TSB calling for a grease kit.  The truck drives like new again and they also replaced my driver's side rear view mirror as I reported it had a case of the shakes at highway speed.

 

Hopefully the grease kit will nail this for good, if not I'll push for the intermediate shaft bearing replacement next time.

 

The loaner they gave me on Thurs really stunk...6-cyl 1998 regular cab 2wd that has had a hard life.  Tire out of balance, wheezy engine, low ride height, brake rotors warped, etc.  Good to have mine back.

[Snacky]

What is the number of that TSB and can I find it online to print out too?

[RyanbabZ71]

snacky email me at [email protected]

 

I have it in word format

[CapnDean]

CapnDean had this problem.

 

Changed the bearing....still had the problem.  Replaced the rack...problem solved!

 

Same thing to my buddy...we have twin trucks and to date, everything that has gone wrong with his, has also happened to mine...or vica versa.