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Thumping sound when turning left

02SierraZ71

By 02SierraZ71
in Ask A GM Technician

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02SierraZ71 Enthusiast

02SierraZ71

Posted
Posted

I have a 2002 GMC Sierra 4x4 ext cab 60k miles

 

It just started to "thump" when I turn left. Its more noticeable at 20+ mph or more. When i go straight or right, its fine.

 

I took it to the dealer tonite for another issue (recall work), but now they will be working on this hopefully so they will be calling me sometime in the morning.

 

I was wondering what you think it might be.

 

From what ive been reading its sounds like a bearing assembly or something :D:)

02SierraZ71 Enthusiast

02SierraZ71

Posted
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I just got off the phone with the service guy at the dealer. :D

 

 

My bill is gonna be around $1,200 :cool:

 

 

He said that the thumping noise is because the steering shaft needs lubed, but I also need front bearings and thats the bulk of the cost.

 

What a f'n wonderful Monday morning. :)

 

 

At least my truck will be in good shape when i get it back :D

GM-Tech Senior Enthusiast

GM-Tech

Posted
Posted

Steering shaft knocks are usually most noticeable at parking lot speeds, turning either way, not just left (or right).

 

Wheel bearings (hubs) that are bad usually cause a continuouis grind, rough sound, not a rythmic thump. The noise will often change or completely go away on turns as the weight shift loads or unloads the problem bearing.

 

That said, we see quite a few bad hub bearings, so hopefully that's what it is.

jhm Senior Enthusiast

jhm

Posted
Posted

GM TECH,

Do you know why they would go bad so often? He only has 60k on his truck. Is there any common link to the failures? What about preventive maintenance?

02SierraZ71 Enthusiast

02SierraZ71

Posted
  • Author
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the hubs/bearings alone are gonna be over $800 of the bill, but the hubs/bearings are not what is making the noise, they found that while doing the recall and looking around.

 

the guy said the THUMPING is because the steering shaft needs lubed.

 

im also getting some seals fixed that will fix a coolant leak.

 

:)

GM-Tech Senior Enthusiast

GM-Tech

Posted
Posted
GM TECH,

Do you know why they would go bad so often? He only has 60k on his truck. Is there any common link to the failures? What about preventive maintenance?

 

 

 

 

I don't believe they have a really abnormal failure rate. Sure, we replace them in our shop but we see hundreds and hundreds of trucks per month where they're fine. I see nothing in common with the failures. Some are relatively low mileage, others high. Most have the factory installed wheels/tires and some have the larger wheels/tires installed. Some are SUV's, others are pickups.

 

There's no maintenance needed or possible on the hub bearings. It's a sealed unit. Nothing you can do to prevent failure.

dhansell22 Enthusiast

dhansell22

Posted
Posted
Steering shaft knocks are usually most noticeable at parking lot speeds, turning either way, not just left (or right). 

 

Wheel bearings (hubs) that are bad usually cause a continuouis grind, rough sound, not a rythmic thump.  The noise will often change or completely go away on turns as the weight shift loads or unloads the problem bearing.

 

That said, we see quite a few bad hub bearings, so hopefully that's what it is.

 

 

 

 

 

I've been noticing this knocking noise and feeling on my truck. Almost feels like the shaft is loose from the steering wheel. I can feel it in the steering wheel and hear it. It's most noticable in parking lots and on long steady turns like freeway on and offramps. Are you saying it just needs lubed?

GM-Tech Senior Enthusiast

GM-Tech

Posted
Posted
Are you saying it just needs lubed?

 

 

 

 

Yep, most likely. The best way to describe this problem is... it feels like someone tapping on your steering shaft with a deadblow hammer. You feel it more than hear it and it's very annoying, though essentially harmless.

 

GM came out with a new design shaft... which didn't permanently fix the problem. They've also come out with several revisions of the grease used to fix it. I've heard some go out and buy this expensive, aftermarket "Borgenson" I-shaft and STILL get the same noise after a while. So just grease it and you'll be good to go for quite a long time.

 

Search for intermediate shaft and you'll probably find a zillion posts on the topic.

Parts New Member

Parts

Posted
Posted

It just started to "thump" when I turn left. Its more noticeable at 20+ mph or more. When i go straight or right, its fine.

 

I've had this happen on my '97 chevy and it was the CV shaft/ front axle, the rubber boot becomes torn and lets the grease out, which can be seen splattered around the area of the rubber, in turn the bearings inside are not lubed anymore and you will hear a clicking/clunking in the beginning and then it will get louder.

 

I would suggest pulling the tire off and taking a look at the boot behind the brake rotor. Hope this helps

02SierraZ71 Enthusiast

02SierraZ71

Posted
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Posted

I picked up the truck earlier and the THUMP is gone. and the new wheel bearings makes it ride much better. i didnt notice how bad it was because it was such a gradual progression.

 

i cant say for sure what caused the thump, but its most likely the steering shaft needing lube

 

:)

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