Steering wheel click 04 Sierra

tryn2lrn · December 7, 2004

I have been noticing for months now, maybe even since new, the very first time I start up the truck and turn the steering wheel I get an audible click from the wheel. I can feel it in the wheel as well. It only does it once but it does it every time. Anyone else have this, is it normal? It is not bothersome but I guess I want to know if it's the old standard "normal characteristic of the vehicle". If not I guess it goes back to the dealer, although I hate to take it back for just that. Thanks

GM-Tech · December 7, 2004

Never heard anything like that. It won't do it the second time you start it up? How long does it have to sit before you consider it the "first time"?? All night, several hours, etc. Does it matter which way you turn it? Do you have to be moving or will it do it sitting still?

Not that answering any of those questions will help me, but ya never know. Besides, knowing the answer to these kinds of questions will help the service department duplicate it, find it and fix it.

Doesn't seem like anything one could call a normal characteristic. I'm sure if that were the case, I would have heard it at least once in the hundreds of trucks I've driven.

tryn2lrn · December 8, 2004

I can't really say how long it has to sit between times. I start it in the morning and back out of the garage as I turn the wheel it does it. It will not do again all the way to work. After work I back straight out of the parking place start moving forward to turn out of the lot and click it does it. Doesn't do it the all the way home. Tomorrow repeat. The truck is moving very slowly when it does it, but it doesn't do it at stop signs or making turns at lights. It does it once and doesn't do it again till I use the truck the next time. The sound it makes is exactly like one of those push button pens when you press the button on top. It has only done it when I turn the wheel to the right, tomorrow I will (if I remember) turn the wheel left first. It feels like a spring popping right behind the wheel. Thanks

budhayes3 · December 8, 2004

That's wierd, but I'll almost bet that it's something normal...kinda like the click that a shift lock solenoid makes when you step on the brake on some vehicles to get them out of park.

GM-Tech · December 8, 2004

Is it possible you could be hearing the crossmember snap? Pretty common problem, though I can't say you would feel it. These usually only make noise on a slow, hard turn, like backing out of a parking spot or pulling into one and sometimes they are dependent on which way you turn.

The more I read your description of how/when it does it, the more this sounds like the crossmember issue we have.

GM-Tech · December 8, 2004

Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Front Crossmember, Change Fastener Orientation) #03-08-61-002D - (Oct 8, 2004)

2003-2005 Cadillac Escalade

2003-2005 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe

2004-2005 Chevrolet Silverado with Recirculating Ball Type Steering

2003-2005 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

2004-2005 GMC Sierra with Recirculating Ball Type Steering

All 1500 Series (½ Ton) with Two-Wheel Drive

This bulletin is being revised to update the correction information to reflect using the same procedure for all vehicles involved. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-61-002C (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a snap or popping-type noise coming from the front of the vehicle. This condition is most apparent during hard left or right turns at low speeds. Going over bumps while turning may also aid in producing this noise.

Correction

Change the front crossmember fastener orientation using the procedure listed below.

All Model Years

Important

DO NOT slot the mounting holes on the crossmember as stated in previous bulletins. Slotting the holes has been found to be less effective and, in some cases, causes the noise condition to be more prevalent.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in the General Information sub-section of the Service Manual.

Remove the mounting nuts, bolts and the front crossmember from the vehicle.

Clean all the undercoating off the crossmember in the area of the left side mounting holes.

Reinstall the crossmember with the bolts and nuts. Tighten

Tighten the bolts to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).

Apply an even coat of Anti-Corrosion Coating, P/N 12346501, or equivalent, to the crossmember where removed. Overlap the original coating in order to provide an effective corrosion protection.

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

A9976*

Pop/Noise, Frame Rail - Repair

0.5 hr

*This is a unique labor operation number for use only with this bulletin. This number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

fastdrvr23 · December 8, 2004

Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Front Crossmember, Change Fastener Orientation) #03-08-61-002D - (Oct 8, 2004)

2003-2005 Cadillac Escalade

2003-2005 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe

2004-2005 Chevrolet Silverado with Recirculating Ball Type Steering

2003-2005 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

2004-2005 GMC Sierra with Recirculating Ball Type Steering

All 1500 Series (½ Ton) with Two-Wheel Drive

This bulletin is being revised to update the correction information to reflect using the same procedure for all vehicles involved. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-61-002C (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a snap or popping-type noise coming from the front of the vehicle. This condition is most apparent during hard left or right turns at low speeds. Going over bumps while turning may also aid in producing this noise.

Correction

Change the front crossmember fastener orientation using the procedure listed below.

All Model Years

Important

DO NOT slot the mounting holes on the crossmember as stated in previous bulletins. Slotting the holes has been found to be less effective and, in some cases, causes the noise condition to be more prevalent.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in the General Information sub-section of the Service Manual.

Remove the mounting nuts, bolts and the front crossmember from the vehicle.

Clean all the undercoating off the crossmember in the area of the left side mounting holes.

Reinstall the crossmember with the bolts and nuts. Tighten

Tighten the bolts to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).

Apply an even coat of Anti-Corrosion Coating, P/N 12346501, or equivalent, to the crossmember where removed. Overlap the original coating in order to provide an effective corrosion protection.

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

A9976*

Pop/Noise, Frame Rail - Repair

0.5 hr

*This is a unique labor operation number for use only with this bulletin. This number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks man!

[RANT]I've had this problem for the entire time I've owned the truck. After three trips to my dealer (who said last time, and I quote "It's a truck, not a luxury car, it's not going to be whisper quiet all the time") I'd all but given up.

It didn't help that the last time I took the truck in, they greased the intermediate steering shaft, and over-torqued the bolt in the cab for the top of the shaft so much, it rounded it off. Then when I saw that, and asked if they would fix it, they told me I must have done it, as they don't do stuff like that. [/RANT]

At any rate, thanks man, I really appreciate the TSB, I am going to try that this weekend.

Like tryn2lrn said, mine happens in the morning, cold or hot. I don't hear anything, but I feel a slight bump in the steering wheel as I am turning to get out of the garage. It will only happen once, but pretty much every time. It seems like if the truck sits for more than 4 hours or so, is the only condition. I figured the power steering was to blame, or maybe the steering rack itself or something.

On a side note, is there an easy way to get a rounded off bolt out of the intermediate steering shaft (the part in the cab)?

Thanks again!!!!

tryn2lrn · December 9, 2004

Thanks for the input, I am about 99.5% sure that it is not coming from the frame (although I could be wrong, it happens ). It does it while turning left or right after backing out the opposite direction today. It is one quick tick as I turn the wheel and it sounds and feels as if it is coming from right behind the steering wheel. It doesn't feel solid enough to be coming from the frame. Is there some kind of spring contact behind the steering wheel to make electrical contact for the air bag?? That's the "dink" type noise and feel in the wheel.

SS Crew · December 9, 2004

I had my truck repaired under the previous service bulletin where they elongated the holes. I haven't heard any noise since the repair, but I kind of bugs me to have the holes in the parts "enlongated". Shouldn't another factory part with the correction built into it be used?

ts71281 · December 9, 2004

I noticed this thread and after reading it, I cared enough that I registered on this site . Anyways TRYN2LRN, is your truck 2wd or 4wd? I just bought an '04 Silverado, reg cab short box with the 4.8 and 5spd. Mine does the same thing. I've tried greasing the front end with different grease, I've added more power steering fluid, everything is tight. It just feels like a brief bum/click after sitting for a few hours or more. But believe me, you're not the only one with this. I've got 4800 miles on mine now and it still does it. I won't bring my truck in to get it looked at for the same reason I know I'll get a reply like you got with the "it's a truck, not a luxery car" excuse.

Joe

GM-Tech · December 9, 2004

I had my truck repaired under the previous service bulletin where they elongated the holes. I haven't heard any noise since the repair, but I kind of bugs me to have the holes in the parts "enlongated". Shouldn't another factory part with the correction built into it be used?

The holes are only elongated about 2-3 mm. Barely enough to be noticeable, and certainly not always effective in eliminating the noise. If someone insisted, I'd say we'd replace the crossmember to make 'em happy. But, the correction is nothing but a cleaning, so I don't see how that could be "built in".

GM-Tech · December 9, 2004

Is there some kind of spring contact behind the steering wheel to make electrical contact for the air bag??

No, there's an SIR coil, called a "clock spring" by some. The old "horn contact" type of spring button with a brass ring contact is not reliable enough for an air bag, so it uses a looooooong piece of wound up, flat wire in a spool. I've heard these make noise, but it's usually a rythmic noise as you turn the wheel.

SS Crew · December 9, 2004

But, the correction is nothing but a cleaning, so I don't see how that could be "built in".

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What I ment was a new part with the holes the correct size and or location.

tryn2lrn · December 10, 2004

I tried turning the wheel very slowly before moving the truck and it does it that way as well. It only takes about 1/3 of a turn of the wheel and it does it and then it's fine. It almost reminds me of the sound and feel of how the turn signal used to shut off on my old 68 Nova. I just dread taking it in for service as inevitably "something" will get #$%&@!^ up. I will try a few more things first, I might even take apart the plastic on the column if it's not too much of a pain.

P.S. GM-TECH regrettably I have not had the greatest luck with service in the past, although I have dealt with one place that always exceeded my expectations. Unfortunately they don't sell GMC. There are some service depts out there that really do care about the customer. Thank you for your assistance.

Bill