Something feels loose up front,

samckitt · January 3, 2004

There seems to be something loose up front, I can feel it in the steering wheel. I feel it more so when in a turn, and the road can be completely smooth. Feels like something hitting the steering shaft. This is on my 2003 1500 HD. Not sure, but it seems like it has been there ever since I switched to the 285/75/16 tires & cranking on the torsion bars to level out the front. Has anyone else experienced this or know what to look for to fix it? I have jacked up the front end to get both tires off the ground & can find nothing.

Thanks,

Scot

DanaliHD · January 4, 2004

I am experiencing this right now in my 02 2500hd. I am bringing it in the the dealership in thursday to have it looked at.

Worktruck · January 4, 2004

Had sane issue with my 02 1500 Sierra. It was the steering shaft that had to be repacked. This is a warranty issue and the dealer will know what to look for.

JimWilson · January 4, 2004

It might indeed be the steering shaft, and if so it's a warranty item.

samckitt · January 4, 2004

When you guys say steering shaft, what exactly is that? Is it from the column to the steering box? Is there anything I can do to it to check to see if it is "bad"?

Thanks,

Scot

DanaliHD · January 5, 2004

My 2000 silverado 1500 had that steering shaft problem and it was fixed under warranty. I hope that is all it is. I'll post the answer on thursday night.

samckitt · January 5, 2004

I have the GM bulletin ID# 1394286 that is titled: Clunkin noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel (Lubricate Intermediate Steering SHaft Assembly)

I have this in PDF format. If anyone wants a copy of it, email me at [email protected] & I will send it to you.

Scot

03GMC2500HD · January 5, 2004

Same thing on my 03 with 1700 miles. Lubed the shaft and everything has been OK since!

JimWilson · January 6, 2004

When you guys say steering shaft, what exactly is that? Is it from the column to the steering box? Is there anything I can do to it to check to see if it is "bad"?
Thanks,

Scot

If you look in your engine compartment you'll see where the steering column goes into the steering box. You'll also notice that the shaft is not one complete piece. The section that goes from the box to just before the firewall -- which is held together by a bolt through the middle -- is the piece in question.

moregrip · January 6, 2004

my 03 1500 hd just started doing the same thing 6K, feels like little pops in the steering wheel when turning.

TPN · January 7, 2004

Just noticed the same thing about a week ago; kinda like a "knock" you can feel in the steering wheel, especially when turning & going over small bumps. Called the dealer today & he knew immediately what it is. Said it is covered under warranty.

jhill · January 7, 2004

Happened to mine. First they replace the steering gear box. Didnt fix it, come to find out, after the dealer charged gmc $500 for the gearbox, all that need to be done was lubing the steering column/shaft!