Knocking in Steering Wheel

AZ1500 · November 14, 2003

My truck has 8000 miles on it now, and lately I've noticed a light knocking sound and I can feel it in the steering wheel. It's most noticable at low speeds and seems to coincide with suspension travel and light steering inputs. It's going to the dealer tomorrow to get checked out. Anyone experience this?

lrymal · November 14, 2003

It is a chronic problem experienced by nearly all car manufacturers. The steering shaft is a "safety" shaft which allows collapse during a front collision. The pieces of this shaft have some flex and the intermediate shaft has a special grease pack inside of it to help cushion the flex during normal driving.

Typically, this is all the problem is. Sometimes there are some other issues, but for the most part this is it. Your dealer will fix it for free under warranty. Eventually, you will want to learn how to do the fix yourself since it really isn't THAT involved, other than your needing to work with a tool or two. Will save you time.

You can purchase a GM kit for under $20.00, sometimes cheaper, that has the full set of instructions. I cannot find the part number, but the dealer probably has these in stock anyway.

Ben · November 14, 2003

Take it back in under warranty.

They will grease the intermediate steering shaft.

It will come back and regrease helps.

stebob · November 14, 2003

My truck seems to do this somewhat, too. It also has a little bit of up and down play that drives me nuts. Same problem? Since it's a '97 and out of warranty there would be a charge at the dealer, right?

2001 HD · November 14, 2003

Yes there will ba a charge, but it doesn't take thet long (1-2 hrs labor). The part number for the lube kit is 26098419. $14.91 list, $8.50 from GMPD. Instructions are included in the kit.

There is also a steering gear stub shaft bearing upgrade for the NBS recirculating ball type steering, but I'm not sure it applies to a 97. Part number is 26099860. It also requires J-45798 installation tool. You could probably use a deep socket as well.

Joe C · November 15, 2003

I have thumping sound and can also feel it in the wheel. It's more noticeable in a turn like on/off ramps.

I've had the truck in twice and they can't find anything.

The second time I left it for them to drive and the tech could'nt find it.

It now seems to be getting worse, I'm taking it in a third time, grabbing the tech by the hand and taking him/her for a ride.

I also think the wind blows this thing aroung more the vans seem to be affected.

does anyone also think this or is this the norm. I have only about 14,000 miles on it.

Thanks

poonis · November 16, 2003

I have the same problem as you all and was wondering is this problem serious enough to get fix right away. I hate going to the dealer and trying to explain it and them looking at me like I'm out of my mind.

MiSdIrEcTeD_1 · November 16, 2003

Youre still under Warranty, go back and b itch a little... Ive got 43k miles on my '01 and it didnt start doing it til 40,000 or so... and did it for a month at that, and i havent heard/felt it again.

I live in AZ too by the way... Cool to see someone from nearby.

AZ-Z71 · November 17, 2003

AZ - Phoenix.

I think we can almost start our own chapter here!!!

I think there is at least six here from AZ.

Cool.

Joe C · November 24, 2003

Guys,

Went to the dealer.

They replaced the intermeadite shaft. The tech said they also put a boot on the shaft, so far it seems to have done the job.

As for the wandering the service tech said he felt it also depending on the road surface. He also said they've had problems with the Wilderness AT tire and have returned some to the manufacturer. He said if the problem continues they should be able to do something? I told him if it does he'll see me again!!!

The tire aren't warranted by the dealer so we'll see what happens.

sgiangregorio · November 26, 2003

I just had this fixed on Tahoe, yesterday in fact. It was a quick job, under warranty, and the noise is gone. They don't replace the shadt however, they just grease it. Dealer said it shouldn't return as they just weren't properly greased to begin with. It causes no damage however and is not a dangerous condition.