Steering Issue - Clunk/pop

99gst_racer · November 5, 2011

The vehicle is a 2001 Suburban LT.

This issue just developped about 2 months ago. I get a light clunking/popping sound and feel when I turn left. It doesn't seem to do it when I turn right.

Balljoints, tie rods, and everything else checks out OK. Is this some sort of common problem, or is there some common wear point in the steering system?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

MS3DALE · November 5, 2011

Intermediate steering shaft,very common issue back in the day,most have already been replaced with the new design shaft.

99gst_racer · November 5, 2011

Intermediate steering shaft,very common issue back in the day,most have already been replaced with the new design shaft.

Got a pic of which shaft it is? I assume it's the shaft from the firewall to the steering box?

Also, can you give me a part number for it?

3GNFK16T31G110461

MS3DALE · November 5, 2011

Intermediate steering shaft,very common issue back in the day,most have already been replaced with the new design shaft.

Got a pic of which shaft it is? I assume it's the shaft from the firewall to the steering box?

Also, can you give me a part number for it?

3GNFK16T31G110461

I don't have a picture handy,it is the shaft from the firewall to box. Part number is 19153614.

waumo1 · November 5, 2011

Our 02 Yukon had the same problem and GM replaced it long after the vehicle was out of warranty but probably they won't for a 10 year old vehicle.

99gst_racer · November 6, 2011

Mine doesn't look very old, almost like it may have been replaced within the past year. How could I determine if it's a new style or an old style?

Any online write-ups that explain how to change it out?

jblakeney · November 6, 2011

Mine was replaced in warranty before the updated shaft. About 4 years ago I flipped out and changed everything under the front end, less the rack and pinion....... My noise stayed (I had forgot about the blasted thing and what it sounded like)...... Was the intermediate shaft.......

I'd start with the intermediate shaft like Rich said....... Its probably the cause.

Jbo

jdubub · November 6, 2011

Strange thing is, on my new to me 2010 with only 14k miles, only on cold mornings mine clunks when turning left as well.

Rich- Have you heard of this happening on the newer ones?

November 6, 2011

My 07 had the same thing,just drilled and taped and put in a greese nipple on the shaft just below the first jiont. First time filling it up took forever but now I just greese everytime I do a oil change and have never had the noise come back. maybe not all the same with everyone but worked for me and a few of my friends.

MS3DALE · November 6, 2011

Strange thing is, on my new to me 2010 with only 14k miles, only on cold mornings mine clunks when turning left as well.

Rich- Have you heard of this happening on the newer ones?

Nope,I've seen no issues on the GMT900 trucks.

99gst_racer · November 7, 2011

Rich, do you know the part number for the intermediate shaft?

00Silverado4x4 · November 7, 2011

Rich, do you know the part number for the intermediate shaft?

Reread Post #4. MS3DALE gave the part number you requested.

"Part number is 19153614"

After almost ~90k miles mine is now starting to pop/clunk, my driving habits probably haven't helped it much. Funds aren't there yet to replace yet so I'll just try the relube/live with it method until I can get it replaced.

99gst_racer · November 7, 2011

Damn, I completely missed that. Thanks guys.

So, what exactly is the issue with this shaft? What did they change in the new shafts to fix this problem?

00Silverado4x4 · November 7, 2011

Not sure on either of your questions. From what I've read the design of the shaft didn't keep the grease where it was needed so it would be "dry" & clunk you get. Why mine took so long to show I think is more old age & my driving than a design flaw. Hopefully some of the techs can chime in with a more official answer.