Learned something today

az'03Silverado · August 20, 2004

Hey y'all. My truck just started to develop the dreaded steering 'clunk' due to the steering shaft. However, my Silverado is a 4x2 with rack-and-pinion steering so I was a little confused because all of the information that I've seen seems to indicate that the TSB is only for the recirculating-ball type steering. So I called the parts counter at the dealership and they said the shaft for both types is the same and can develop the same problem. I've decided to try the grease job and see if that fixes it. I could take it in under warranty but the grease job takes so little time and when I take it in they usually have it half of the day.

redvett · August 20, 2004

Why in the world would you want to spend the time & money doing the job when you paid for the warrenty. Also taking it in under warrenty is causing a tracking on the problem its just like calling and complaining about it.

facn8me · August 20, 2004

there's a new tsb that replaces the shaft. just got mine done. plus a few other little things. I have only had my truck for a month. like night and day with the new shaft.hopefully it lasts.

Here's a funny though. my front bumper has a slight defect on the front and is rusting. I asked for a new bumper. the service guy rubbed and rubbed trying to get the rust off. It is a spot 5/16ths round it has 2 little gouges that look like a factory defect. when I went to pick it up he said the service manager said it was "hit". I explaned that if it was "hit" wouldn't there be a dent? but said no problem I have at least a year left on my warrenty I'll be back.

az'03Silverado · August 20, 2004

Why in the world would you want to spend the time & money doing the job when you paid for the warrenty. Also taking it in under warrenty is causing a tracking on the problem its just like calling and complaining about it.

I'm not taking it in because 30 minutes in my driveway and it's done, whereas, if I take it in, I drop it off, take the courtesy shuttle home, 6 hours later they call me and I have to find a ride back to pick it up. Almost every time I take it in this happens. It's worth the 14 bucks, to me, to not waste half of my day like that. Besides, I like working on my truck anyway. Especially if it's something simple like this.

GMC_DUDE · August 20, 2004

Why in the world would you want to spend the time & money doing the job when you paid for the warrenty. Also taking it in under warrenty is causing a tracking on the problem its just like calling and complaining about it.

I'm not taking it in because 30 minutes in my driveway and it's done, whereas, if I take it in, I drop it off, take the courtesy shuttle home, 6 hours later they call me and I have to find a ride back to pick it up. Almost every time I take it in this happens. It's worth the 14 bucks, to me, to not waste half of my day like that. Besides, I like working on my truck anyway. Especially if it's something simple like this.

Besides, who knows what else they'd break while fixing the steering shaft?

GMC_DUDE

facn8me · August 20, 2004

the grease is a band-aid not a fix.

1500HDCC · August 20, 2004

Where can I find info on this new TSB.

az'03Silverado · August 20, 2004

the grease is a band-aid not a fix.

That's true but it sure makes a world of difference. I did the grease thing this morning. It took me about 40 minutes and the steering is as smooth as glass. It should last a while. I don't know what they were thinking with that original grease. It looks like 'Crisco'. And there wasn't very much in there, anyway. If it acts up again I'll take it in for that new shaft. But, for now, it works great.

facn8me · August 20, 2004

bigdog posted this a while back kudo's to him

There is a new TSB that does replace the shaft. You may want this one done as it is more permanent than the grease method that usually has to be redone.

Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt In Steering Wheel (Replace Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly) #00-02-35-003E - (Jul 20, 2004)

Clunking Noise Under Hood and can be felt in Steering Wheel (Replace Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly)

2002-2003 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV

1999-2003 Chevrolet Silverado

2000-2003 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe

2002-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

1999-2003 GMC Sierra

2000-2003 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

2003 HUMMER H2

with Recirculating Ball-Type Steering

This bulletin is being revised to include the replacement of the intermediate shaft . Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-003D (Section 02 -- Steering).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a clunk-type noise coming from under the hood that also can be felt in the steering wheel. These conditions may be more noticeable when turning at low speeds on rough road surfaces.

Correction

Replace the steering column upper intermediate shaft with an improved design shaft that will eliminate the clunk noise using the procedure listed below.

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

Qty

88963611

Shaft, Upper Intermediate Shaft

Use on all 1500 Series trucks:

Except Escalades

Except Denalis

Except Avalanches

1

89060582

Shaft, Upper Intermediate Shaft

Use on all 2500 and 3500 Series Trucks and

Escalades

Denalis

Avalanches

H2

budhayes3 · August 20, 2004

I greased my shaft (can I say that here? LOL) about a year and a half ago, and so far it's been good. As soon as I start hearing clunks again, I'm going for the new shaft, unless of course if by then we find out it doesn't work. Only time will tell.

Teal03 · August 20, 2004

That TSB is for Ball type steering, right? I have Rack&Pinion, but I too have the clunk. How should I go about getting my dealer to fix it?

Thanks,

Teal03

budhayes3 · August 20, 2004

That TSB is for Ball type steering, right? I have Rack&Pinion, but I too have the clunk. How should I go about getting my dealer to fix it?

Thanks,

Teal03

AZ03silverado's post mentioned that his local dealer said that both shafts share the same design. If you're still under warranty, tell the dealer your concern and they should be able to take care of it.

Teal03 · August 20, 2004

Thanks I will try that. I hope that I can get them to do it as I had my truck in there last weak for the $1500 driveshaft replacement(launch shudder).

Teal03