steering column

terry2004 · November 4, 2003

i have a 2002 silverada that has a noise in the steering column when turning . i thought others here have had this problem.was this fixed under a recall ?

Wingnut · November 4, 2003

Yup, it's the steering wheel "clunk". They should know about it, and fix it without hassle.

Jet-X · November 4, 2003

I had the recall done a while ago and now I have a squeeky noise when turning the wheel. It sounds like something is rubbing, near the top of the steering column. I don't know yet, if this is related to the recall or not. I need to do some digging.

Mega Dogmeat · November 4, 2003

Ok, I have that problem too, and I don't believe it's the "clunk" that the TSB was released on.

What I found out was that there is a bearing down there that basically gets a bunch of dirt and dust in it, and then it sort of "grinds" when you move the steering column.

The fix is to remove the steering wheel and clean it out .....

I had asked the service dept. at the local chevy place about it, and it makes senes, but the morons wanted $275 to take the steering wheel off and basically spray some solvent on the bearing

I wasn't gonna pay that no way, so I still have the problem, because I haven't managed to figure out how to get my steering wheel off yet.

There are some "tabs" on the back side but I can't get them disengaged for the life of me.

If anyone has a good HOWTO for taking the steering wheel off and cleaning the bearing, we'd all appreciate it

Wingnut · November 4, 2003

If anyone has a good HOWTO for taking the steering wheel off and cleaning the bearing, we'd all appreciate it

With a great deal of care and finesse, you can get it off with a BFH.

Or there is always the telephone pole method, but I wouldn't advise that.

I couldn't resist.

I think someone posted a description of how they did it a few months back...I'll look for it.

Wingnut · November 4, 2003

Yup.....Chevy4X4trucks posted it here.

Taaaaaaahoe? · November 4, 2003

Yup.....Chevy4X4trucks posted it here.

Rent a wheel puller for FREE and do it right.

Its really simple!! Just take your time for your playing with a loaded wepon (airbag)

1. Disconect your ground fromt he batt.

2. remove Airbag fiuse

3. remove all airbag wires there is one bhind the glove box, under drivers seat, and under dash above break pedal.

(it seems like overkill, but the system can hold a charge anywhere and you would rather be sure to eliminate any chance of it blowng on you.

The one behind the glovbox is a little tricky, if you fully extend glovebox -push little tab in so the door opens ALL the way down you will see it back there (its yellow. ALl of them are besides the one under seat.)

Once they are all un-hooked they still recommend wating 20 min to "discharge" system, probally just an extra safety thing.

I wiould still always wear safety glasses, and try to work behind the airbag.

As chevy 4x4 said in that link above, jsut stick a screw driver in the slots and turn the airbag will about fall out! I was in disbelif too! My problem is that I was using a screw driver that was too small. The one that worked had a blade that just fit into the hole. So if its not doing anyting, try a larger screw driver. basically stick it in the hole and turn and you will "feel" it come lose.

Once airbag is off....un-plug it (pull entire yellow plug out of airbag) and set it (Face UP,,,,away from your work area. for it can still be set off by static)

Then use the wheel puller, and take the wheel off, that part is self explaniatory.

Once all set plug airbag in, and push on it like you were going to honk the horn "Snap" and its in! Then plugh your connections back in, and put in the fuse...your done!

NOT a hard job! Take your time, be careful people have been injured with the airbag. But if you take proper steps should be just fine!!

Mike

terry2004 · November 5, 2003

thanks to all time to call the dealer.

jhm · November 5, 2003

I had the clunk fixed about a year ago, then I got the occasional squeek from the column right behind the steering wheel. It is in the shop now for a cracked battery and I told them about the squeek among other things I wanted fixed while under warranty. They called yesterday and said the squeek was fixed with a lube, didnt sound like a big deal. WE will see when I get it back. They are chasing a buzzing/rattling sound from the firewall that happens only on acceleration, they dont know what it is.