Steering Shaft Clunk to new Problem

[vanderpj]

I have a 2003 Chevrolet, and have noticed a increasing clunky feel when making small slow turn and going over bumpy roads. I noticed in this Forum the steering shaft needs to be replaced and/or lubricated.

 

I am not a mechanic by any means, but when I took the truck in, the Mechanic told me the steering shaft should be replaced, and there was a "small leak" coming from the steering gear area and that the entire steering gear should be replaced, and the steering gear could possible be contributing to the problem... Again I saw a TSB about the clunk and steering shaft replacement, so thats lagit.

 

I have not seen any steering fluid leeks hitting the ground, so I am wondering is there any possible validity to this guy,when he says I should replace the entire steering box???? Seems a little extreme to me. Any insight would be apperciated...

 

Thanks to all -Jason

[busta]

I have a 2003 Chevrolet, and have noticed a increasing clunky feel when making small slow turn and going over bumpy roads.  I noticed in this Forum the steering shaft needs to be replaced and/or lubricated. 

 

I am not a mechanic by any means, but when I took the truck in, the Mechanic told me the steering shaft should be replaced, and there was a "small leak" coming from the steering gear area and that the entire steering gear should be replaced, and the steering gear could possible be contributing to the problem...  Again I saw a TSB about the clunk and steering shaft replacement, so thats lagit. 

 

I have not seen any steering fluid leeks hitting the ground, so I am wondering is there any possible validity to this guy,when he says I should replace the entire steering box????  Seems a little extreme to me.  Any insight would be apperciated...

 

Thanks to all -Jason

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

I am not a mechanic by any means either but I have a 2000 GMC Sierra 4X4 that I am currently having front diff problems with but while it was at a mechanic getting that checked out he told me about a service bulletin for the steering shaft and I had him replace the bottom section of the steering shaft. Before I always felt a clunking noise while turning or breaking and ever since it has beenf fine. Just my 2 cents.

[debo4x4]

both problems you identified are 2 separate issues....the squeeking/clunking steering shaft is very common and has been well documented in this forum. you can do a search and find all the info you need to get that fixed(you will actually have it replaced but some still have problems after the new shaft is installed). the mechanic is probably correct about the groaning coming from the steering gear. they are also very prone to pre-mature wear and it's a costly repair at that(dealer quoted me $600+ but you could probably get it done cheaper). you could also do a search for steering gear and find more about it too.