Suspension/Steering Noise

[Jet-X]

I had my intermediate steering shaft replaced last summer, however now I have a new problem. Whenever I turn the wheel almost fully left or right such as pulling into a parking spot, I get a grinding/groaning noise, which is sometimes followed by a loud pop. Last time in, the dealer re-torqued the cross member bolts. It didn't solve the probelm. Truck has just under 35K miles. It's an 02 Silverado extended cab 2WD. Also, if it matters the front end was just lubed about 5 months ago. Visually, I don't see anything wrong, aside from a few scars on one of the brake rotors. I'm at a loss....

[GM-Tech]

I'll assume the groan/pop are really not related. The groan at full lock may not be abnormal, but without experiencing it, I can't say. Could be the pump.

 

The crossmember pop fix has been revised three or four times. You didn't get the latest fix if they just retorqued the bolts. In fact, I don't think any of the official fixes is just retorquing.

[pm26]

Are you sure that the noise is not caused by the wheel stops contacting the frame? I had such adjustable wheelstops on my 95 Nisan pickup to allow the use of oversize 31X10.5 inch tires, and when I fully turned the steering wheel to the right or left and the stops made contact, they made the most horrible grinding and groaning noise, and occasionally popping noise as well. However, this noise was perfectly normal and harmless in this case. I do not know if Chevy trucks use similar adjustable wheel stops, but these things can be noisy for sure.

[GM-Tech]

We have the wheel stop noise problem on S10 Pickups and Blazers, which is fixed by simply lubing the stops, but I have not seen that problem on the full-size trucks.

[Jet-X]

GM-Tech, Is this the latest bulletin for the crossmember? If not, could you post the latest? Thanks...

 

#03-08-61-002F - (May 20, 2005)

Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from front of Vehicle (Remove front Crossmember, Change Fastener Orientation)

 

 

I'll assume the groan/pop are really not related.  The groan at full lock may not be abnormal, but without experiencing it, I can't say.  Could be the pump.

 

The crossmember pop fix has been revised three or four times.  You didn't get the latest fix if they just retorqued the bolts.  In fact, I don't think any of the official fixes is just retorquing.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

[GM-Tech]

Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Bolt-In Front Crossmember and Add Washers) #03-08-61-002G - (Feb 14, 2006)

 

2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade

 

2003-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe

 

2004-2006 Chevrolet Silverado

 

2003-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

 

2004-2006 GMC Sierra

 

1500 Series (½ Ton) and 2500 Series (¾ Ton) with Two-Wheel Drive

 

This bulletin only applies to 1500 and 2500 series 2WD vehicles with recirculating ball type steering.

 

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2006 model year, update the correction information and change the quantity of parts needed. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-61-002F (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

Remove the bolt-in front crossmember and add washers using the procedure listed below.

 

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 mounting holes.

Reinstall the crossmember with the bolts and nuts. On the driver and passenger side, add washer P/N 11509592, or equivalent hardened washer (see dimensions below), at each bolt head and nut location.

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.

Inside Diameter

Outside Diameter

Thickness

 

14 mm (0.551 in)

35 mm (1.38 in)

3 mm (0.118 in)

 

 

Parts Information

Part Number

Description

Qty

 

11509592

Washer

8

 

 

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

 

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

 

E1730

Crossmember, Front Suspension - Replace

Use published labor time

 

 

 

 

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.

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