Front end rattle when turning the wheels

onevwnut_99 · January 4, 2004

I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado 4x4 that had developed a front end rattle that travels up through the steering column when I turn the wheel. It does it sitting still and driving. Any ideals on what it could be? My visual exam of the front end revealed nothing, but I could be over looking something. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

frdfandc · January 4, 2004

I'm having the same problem on my 03. Any ideas?

Wingnut · January 4, 2004

Steering knock TSB?

Didn't know it did it when sitting still though.

frdfandc · January 5, 2004

I shouldn't have said "same problem". Mine only does it when turning at approx 25 mph & up, especially on on-ramps and off-ramps.

chvythndr · January 6, 2004

I shouldn't have said "same problem". Mine only does it when turning at approx 25 mph & up, especially on on-ramps and off-ramps.

Yours is the intermediate steering shaft. It needs to be regreased. A simple procedure that only takes 30 min. If it's under warranty, take it in and tell the dealer/whoever about the intermediate steering shaft lube TSB - I'm sure they've heard of it.

I'm not sure about onewvnuts though.

onevwnut_99 · January 8, 2004

How easy is it to do this lube job on the intermediate steering shaft on your own? Are there any special tools required?

chvythndr · January 9, 2004

It's simple. You'll neeed a 15mm (If I remember correctly) box end wrench and a few other general tools. If your truck is lifted, the stealership might not do it under warranty work. The lube kit is $8. But... I don't think this is your prob. The symptoms of the intermediate steering shaft needing grease is a thump in the steering wheel when turning at slow speeds.

J-rod · January 9, 2004

The symptoms of the intermediate steering shaft needing grease is a thump in the steering wheel when turning at slow speeds.

Heh, maybe I'm not crazy then! I've noticed mine doing that at times, but it isn't bad, it doesn't always do it, and I seem to notice it more on slight left-hand turns than anything else. Strange ...

chvythndr · January 9, 2004

The symptoms of the intermediate steering shaft needing grease is a thump in the steering wheel when turning at slow speeds.

Heh, maybe I'm not crazy then! I've noticed mine doing that at times, but it isn't bad, it doesn't always do it, and I seem to notice it more on slight left-hand turns than anything else. Strange ...

That's exactly right. Mine did the same thing. Left hand turns more than right ones and still not all the time.

Dusterman · March 3, 2004

Boy, I wonder if that's what's wrong with my '03? I thought it was my new BFG all terrains, so I had em rebalanced but it didn't fix it. I don't notice a vibration going straight, but when i turn the wheel (mostly right handed turns like on-ramps) i get a slight knock and what i perceived to be a wheel wobble....

I'll have GM do the TSB next time i take it in, or maybe do it myself the next oil change.

what do ya think?

Ideeho · March 4, 2004

Mid shaft. Just had mine done. Mid shaft clunked when turning, like pulling into parking lots, delicate knocking, noticeable in the steering wheel. All tight now.