Steering shaft part missing

ebc · October 31, 2006

Greetings,

My truck is a 2001 Silverado 2WD/5.3L with 91K on the odometer. The steering shaft had started to rattle again so I bought a lube kit from the dealer and serviced it myself. (The dealer had serviced it about 3 years ago). The spacer clip in the lower connection was missing. I had no choice but to reassemble the shaft without the clip. The tubing did not appear to be bent dispite the excessive torque it was assembled with. (it took ~85 lbs/ft to loosen the lower nut). I was thinking of putting a lock washer on this connection to prevent loosening. What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

EBC

GM-Tech · October 31, 2006

Are you talking about the "U" shaped clip that goes into the tube and prevents collapse of the tube when tightening the thru-bolt? I'd want that there. You probably can't buy just that... may have to get a new shaft to get it.

Or, go back to the guy that did it the first time. He probably has a drawer full of 'em.

Norseman · October 31, 2006

Man, I hate seeing sh!t like that!! Just reminds me of why I don't like other people working on my stuff. I hope you can find a clip.

ebc · October 31, 2006

Are you talking about the "U" shaped clip that goes into the tube and prevents collapse of the tube when tightening the thru-bolt? I'd want that there. You probably can't buy just that... may have to get a new shaft to get it.

Or, go back to the guy that did it the first time. He probably has a drawer full of 'em.

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Yep, thats the one. I will check with the dealer soon. I was amazed that the tubing sleeves were not deformed with all the torque that nut had on it. Do you think a lockwasher would be a good idea on that lower connection?

Thanks again,

ebc