Clunking/Rattling Noise on Left Turns

TedH · August 2, 2004

I've noticed that when I turn the Z71 to the right, there is a noticable clunking/rattling emanating through the steering wheel. I've taken the truck on long trips to OHIO and when it is pointed in a straight line or turning right, no problems. This is not affecting tire wear and I suspect something in the steering vs. suspension. Any similar issues with 2003 Z71's? I'm going to drop the truck by the dealer either this evening or Tues evening to have it checked out (still under warranty).

Also, unrelated note, the service engine light (yellow image of the engine) had come on once I arrived in Ohio back in June. I recently also started getting the 'change engine oil' message so, since I'd already changed the oil, I performed the procedure to reset the oil message. Well, the service engine light also went out!? Was wondering if it was the initial 'warning' about oil change or perhaps the same procedure to reset the oil lite clears engine codes? Gotta wonder... I'll bring that up with the dealer also.

kdm101 · August 3, 2004

This sounds very familiar to a problem I had. Turns out that what I thought was a bad upper control arm bushing was simply a loose control arm bolt. The rear bolt on the drivers side upper control arm was lose enough so that during certain turn conditions, the arm would pivot in or out. That would result in the clunk. When I had it apart (to try and replace the supposed worn out bushing), I saw the grooves worn into the bolt from having been left loose for so long. The bushing was fine.

Anyway, if that's what it is, it's simple to check, just get in with a wrench on the upper control arm bolts. If you can tighten them, they're loose. Naturally, you'll need to get an alignment since the castor angle will be messed up. (I should follow my own advice here, since I haven't done my own yet! ) The upper bolts are actually cams. Turning them will change the control arm angle (and therefore, the castor and camber angles of the wheel). They're not just straight through bolts.

Even without the alignment, after tightening things up, I've had no noises since.

TedH · August 5, 2004

Took it to the dealer on Tuesday (no appointment; they said they wouldn't get to it for three days. I left it anyway). They called yesterday.

The computer had a 'code' associated with evap system. They cleared it. That solves the service engine soon light. Apparently, I had at one time, filled the tank and didn't tighten the gas cap very well. It set the code.

When I dropped the truck off, the service manager said the front end problem sounded like an 'intermediate shaft' failure. This truck has 15K miles and about 80% of those are highway. I can't believe bearings/joints are already failing on the front 4WD system... That is what an intermediate shaft is a part of isn't it (half shaft?)? Am hoping they will call to advise on that later today...

Will keep y'all posted.

TedH · August 5, 2004

Dealer just called. It was a loose steering shaft. That sounds scary. Can't imagine what would have happened if it had let go...

dukbludvl · August 5, 2004

The "intermediate shaft" issue you talk about is a common problem on these vehicles -- it's not a loose shaft, though, it's that it needs to be removed and lubed. There is a TSP on this that calls for buyin a $10 grease kit and re-greasing the intermediate steering shaft.

I had the same clunk and vibration in steering problem in Jan. 2003 and bought the kit and did it myself. Haven't had the steering vibration since.

I still have a loud clunk sometimes when making sharp turns, but I think that's related to a blown boot or maybe even loose bolt in the front suspension. I need to check all the bolts again.

quackmaster · August 5, 2004

TedH

I am intersted in how this turns out, I have similiar noises that I cant diagnose. Keep us posted on whether the steering shaft change fixes it.

TedH · August 6, 2004

It was definitely the intermediate steering shaft. I checked the repair order from the dealer and they bought the $12 lube kit and 'R&R'd the intermediate steering shaft.

Is this something that will need to occur regularly? How often? The truck has 15K miles on it... Is it alot of work to remove and replace (ie. impact wrench and pickle fork needed?)?

Now, no clunk/rattle at all from the front end steering/suspension.

Tfin · August 6, 2004

Yes, you will have to relube it from time to time, since the clunking noise will come back if you only use this "band-aid" fix.

However there is a new replacement intermediate steering shaft that fixes the problem permanently and is covered under warranty.

Just do a search on this site for "intermediate steering shaft" and you'll find all the info you need.

TedH · August 6, 2004

I read the thread from 'chevygurl' about the 'clunk in steering, funny sound when turning' (after I searched on 'intermediate steering shaft' as directed). Got me to thinking that the dealer (Gordon Chevrolet, Tampa, FL) may have taken the easy way out by just lubricating the shaft.

So, I call them and give them the Technical Service Bulletin # 00-02-35-003E (I think they were impressed that I had that) and I also suggested to them that the lubrication solution they used is temporary and expected to return again in about 10K miles. Well, the lady takes my phone number, looks the record up in the computer and says the bulletin they have that recommends shaft replacement is dated Aug 4 (conveniently the day they performed the repair) even though I had the July 20, 2004 date from the other thread.

The service gal said I could bring it in and they would replace the shaft under warranty if that was my preference. As it isn't convenient and the shaft isn't acting up right now, I'm going to drive it a few K miles and then take it back after the first of the year; perhaps they will also be ready to replace that tailgate cable that I received a notice about...

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