To Clunk or not to Clunk?

[Jet-X]

I read through a number of posts pertaining to the clunk issue. However, some of the symptoms I've experienced differ from most. First it seems to occur mostly on 4WD vehicles. I have a 2WD. Don't know if this matters. I assume the steering system is the same for both.  Anyhow, what is happening is I am beginning to feel what I refer to as "road shock" through the steering column. This happens when going over speed bumps, rough roads in general, and making turns.  I don't hear a clunk noise at the moment.  Any thoughts on whether or not this is the same issue?  Thanks..

[RyanbabZ71]

2wd trucks have rack and pinion

4wd trucks have recirculating ball

[Shaners]

2wd trucks have rack and pinion

4wd trucks have recirculating ball

Does it matter if it is rack and pinion or recirculating ball for the TSB on the steering wheel "clunk" ?  Personally I don't think it should matter, since the problem is in the steering shaft.  The feeling you describe is accurate for what we are calling the "clunk".  It is a clunk that is felt and not really heard.

 

I'd take it to the dealer and have the work done (assuming you still have some warranty).  It's a quick job, because the tech guys have done it on several other trucks I'm sure...

[02Blue]

First it seems to occur mostly on 4WD vehicles.

Had mine fixed last friday. It is a 2WD.

 

I felt more than heard it when first noticing the problem. Kind of like a bump or catch or tap feedback in the steering wheel. Hard to describe other than to call it a "clunk". It was not a constant clunk. Noticed it mostly at low speed on uneven surfaces, but also at speed sometimes while turning or hitting bumps or going from highway to driveway or highway to parking lot. Then, as it sloooowly got worse, I heard and felt it. Subtle changes over time are harder to notice because I become accustomed to the condition. Who knows, had I done nothing about it, it may have sooner or later turned into a constant clunk with each movement of the wheel.

 

Prior to the fix, my truck would "wander" just a bit. Didn't even notice that it wandered or felt ever so slightly loose till driving after last friday. Everything feels more solid now and it tracks a little better going down the road. I think I caught the problem early on. I had 10.8K miles when fixed.

 

After carefully reading your post, looks to me like your truck probably has the same problem mine did.

[Badger]

Had mine fixed just yesterday.  Mine is an '01 2WD with a little over 15,000 miles.  Started to feel it about two months ago.  Found some good advice on this sight.  Looked up the TSB that was mentioned.  Made an appointment.  She is good to go.  Re-packed the steering shaft is what they did.  Good as new.

[CapnDean]

In my 2001 2wd Ext Cab...I did not have the clunk per se,

 

I had what they called "steering gear whistle".  best described as; the sound that a GM power steering unit makes when you turn your wheels all the way one direction...and keep trying to turn...you know..that annoying BINDING sound that you hear when your wife is trying to park in a tight spot.

Anyhow...the fix was supposed to be a bushing replacement, but that did not change the whistle...second trip to the dealer (with a copy of the tsb in hand) and they replaced the rack.

 

Officially...the rack was the problem and it solved my steering issues.  Got a buddy with a 2000 GMC (same truck) had the same problem and got the same fix.

 

I must admit...I have the bugs outta my truck and it's the BEST!

[Jet-X]

Thanks for all the responses!  Looks like I'll need the TSB.  Anyone have a copy, that they could post?  It would be nice to have a copy in hand, when they write it up.  

[Shaners]

You shouldn't need the TSB to get the service work done.  Trust me when I say that if the dealer is of any size, he has repaired many of these and will know what you are talking about.