New Twist On The Intermediate Steering Shaft!!!

rahtreelimbs · December 2, 2006

I got ahold of my Chevy dealer and explained my plight with the steering shaft noise. This is the third time, second shaft. Anywho according to the head of service Chevy has abandon the regreasing of the shaft and is now "removing it and working it on the bench"......whatever that means. They are fixing it at no cost to me.

Apparently the noise comes from the shaft "sticking" whereas I always thought that the grease took up "play" that was in the sfaft.

Deep Blue · December 2, 2006

I got ahold of my Chevy dealer and explained my plight with the steering shaft noise. This is the third time, second shaft. Anywho according to the head of service Chevy has abandon the regreasing of the shaft and is now "removing it and working it on the bench"......whatever that means. They are fixing it at no cost to me.

Apparently the noise comes from the shaft "sticking" whereas I always thought that the grease took up "play" that was in the sfaft.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Did they reference any bulletins or give you anything in writing? I'be interested in having something to challenge my dealer with since they just lubricated mine. The sound is not as loud but you can still feel a motion in the column over certain surfaces.

rahtreelimbs · December 2, 2006

I got ahold of my Chevy dealer and explained my plight with the steering shaft noise. This is the third time, second shaft. Anywho according to the head of service Chevy has abandon the regreasing of the shaft and is now "removing it and working it on the bench"......whatever that means. They are fixing it at no cost to me.

Apparently the noise comes from the shaft "sticking" whereas I always thought that the grease took up "play" that was in the sfaft.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Did they give reference any bulletins or give you anything in writing? I'be interested in having something to challenge my dealer with since they just lubricated mine. The sound is not as loud but you can still feel a motion in the column over certain surfaces.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I will see what I can do. I am not taking the truck in until the week of Xmas!

bry21317 · December 2, 2006

I actually just regreased mine again today as I just did it about 4 weeks ago and it started to clunk again, and it gets really annoying.

I am a pro at it now it seems, but still it would be nice not to have to do this at all.

It really is a nuisance. I hope to take mine in later this month also, so Please let us know what they say.

Bryan

yukon4wd · December 3, 2006

A month ago I changed to my Snow/Ice tires, the next day I started to feel a clunk though the steering wheel, and suspected somethign with the changing of tires. The pressure monitors also died, so I though that they broke something when then changed the tires.

Well lucky for the wealth of information on GM-Trucks (thanks guys ) I am now pretty certain that it is this steering shaft issue, and I probably just noticed it after the tire change.

So.... my questions.

1/ Firstly there is absolutely NO noise at all, you can't hear it. BUT you can definitely feel it. Its as though there is a loose tie rod end. The truck at 100mph is absolutely dead smooth, and at that speed there is no problem. That funny "clunking" is only up to about 40 mph or so. Stopped if I shake the steering side to side, I can't feel any play at all. Lifting the truck off the ground, there is absolutely no play in the wheels. (This is all the stuff I tried before I used my brain and searched this site instead). So... do these symptoms sound right?

2/ Is it worth greasing the shafts, and if so how big a job is this, and does it need a GM/Chevy expert, or can my local garage do it, and then if so what is the spec for the grease.

J45p3r · December 3, 2006

A month ago I changed to my Snow/Ice tires, the next day I started to feel a clunk though the steering wheel, and suspected somethign with the changing of tires. The pressure monitors also died, so I though that they broke something when then changed the tires.

Well lucky for the wealth of information on GM-Trucks (thanks guys ) I am now pretty certain that it is this steering shaft issue, and I probably just noticed it after the tire change.

So.... my questions.

1/ Firstly there is absolutely NO noise at all, you can't hear it. BUT you can definitely feel it. Its as though there is a loose tie rod end. The truck at 100mph is absolutely dead smooth, and at that speed there is no problem. That funny "clunking" is only up to about 40 mph or so. Stopped if I shake the steering side to side, I can't feel any play at all. Lifting the truck off the ground, there is absolutely no play in the wheels. (This is all the stuff I tried before I used my brain and searched this site instead). So... do these symptoms sound right?

2/ Is it worth greasing the shafts, and if so how big a job is this, and does it need a GM/Chevy expert, or can my local garage do it, and then if so what is the spec for the grease.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yep, sounds like the shaft. GM has a "lube kit" that comes with a syringe to inject the grease into the shaft. It can be done by anyone, but the kit comes from the dealer. It's around $10-$15 I think.

yukon4wd · December 3, 2006

...
Yep, sounds like the shaft. GM has a "lube kit" that comes with a syringe to inject the grease into the shaft. It can be done by anyone, but the kit comes from the dealer. It's around $10-$15 I think.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks,

another silly question; do you know if the Hummer has the same problem? The reason is that I am in Europe, and that the closes thing here to a GM dealer, is a pseudo official Hummer dealer, so they may have the kit. I am taking the Yukon to them on Wednesday so they can replace a window, so maybe I can get this doen at the same time. Do you know how long it takes.

Deep Blue · December 4, 2006

I got ahold of my Chevy dealer and explained my plight with the steering shaft noise. This is the third time, second shaft. Anywho according to the head of service Chevy has abandon the regreasing of the shaft and is now "removing it and working it on the bench"......whatever that means. They are fixing it at no cost to me.

Apparently the noise comes from the shaft "sticking" whereas I always thought that the grease took up "play" that was in the sfaft.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Maybe they were referring to this bulletin? It appears that the shaft has to be removed and lubed in order to be completely effective. However what is not encouraging is that even then the duration of the repair is spoken of as an "interval" instead of being a permanent solution.

Steering - Under Hood Clunking Felt in Steering Wheel

Bulletin No.: 00-02-35-003J

Date: January 30, 2006

TECHNICAL

Subject:

Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in the Steering Wheel and/or Steering Column (Lubricate Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly)

Models:

2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade Models

1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado Models

2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe Models

2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche

1999-2006 GMC Sierra Models

2000-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL Models

2003-2006 HUMMER H2

Attention: This Service Bulletin DOES NOT include Mid-Size Utilities such as Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer Models, GMC Envoy Models or Oldsmobile Bravada. Refer to Service Bulletin 02-02-35-006A or newer for Mid-Size Utilities.

Supercede:

Based on recent Engineering validation testing, it has now been determined that either grease (Molycote Grease (dark color) or NYE Grease (yellowish color)) can be used on all vehicles noted in this bulletin. Either grease will provide a significantly longer interval than replacing the I-shaft itself. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-0031 (Section 02 - Steering).

Note: To properly grease the splines, the I-shaft MUST be removed from the vehicle. Failure to do so will result in a repeat repair and a dissatisfied customer.

Condition

Some customers may comment on a clunk-type noise coming from under the hood that also can be felt in the steering wheel. These conditions may be more noticeable when turning at low speeds on rough road surfaces.

Diagnostic Tips

Use the information below to help diagnose the source of the noise.

Frame Snap and/or Popping Type Noise - A frame snap or popping type noise can be duplicated on rough or smooth road surfaces with steering wheel input to the left or the right. This type of noise can be HEARD and is typically louder with the windows rolled down. For additional information refer to Corporate Bulletin # 03-08-61-002F or newer- Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Front Crossmember, Change Fastener Orientation)

Intermediate Shaft Clunk - Intermediate shaft clunk is heard and FELT in the steering wheel and/or steering column area, typically while driving on rough road surfaces with steering wheel input.

bry21317 · December 4, 2006

I just did mine again this past Saturday, its amazing how big of a difference in the Feel of the vehicle this makes.

I didn't use the grease that had come with the kit, as the last time I used that it only worked about a month. This time I filled it full of Mobil 1 Synthetic Red Grease, hoping this stuff will say in there this time. I guess Time will tell, but it feels so much better. If I have to, I will do this every oil change, but would rather finding something that will last forever. Come on GM give us a real fix.

Bryan

97whitez71 · December 5, 2006

I have a question, where does all the grease go? My wife's '01 Burb is doing the same thing. But, I can't find grease stains anywhere. Thanks.

bry21317 · December 5, 2006

I don't know either. I don't see any greese laying around under there, so I am not sure where it disappears to. My guess is that the little clip that you pull out where the bolt goes through under the hood, maybe the greese links into the other stearing shaft that connects to the Power Steering. I am not sure, just guessing or it is all stuck inside of that black rubber cover mounted to the firewall. Only things I can think of, or places that I can see that it would do this.

The Mobil 1 Synthetic grease seems to be working very well so far. Just letting everyone know, I will see how long it lasts though.

Bryan

Deep Blue · December 5, 2006

I have a question, where does all the grease go? My wife's '01 Burb is doing the same thing. But, I can't find grease stains anywhere. Thanks.

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I can only think that if the shaft has excess play in it as some have reported (an independent technician mentioned this when he looked at mine) the the resulting increase in motion is causing the grease to "break down" more quickly. At least one person has posted that his clunk came back when warm weather returned; this makes sense if the "breaking down" theory is correct, as higher temperatures would hasten the process.

rahtreelimbs · December 5, 2006

It would be nice if a zerk fitting could be put on this!!!

Deep Blue · December 6, 2006

It would be nice if a zerk fitting could be put on this!!!

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According to the bulltetin you have to remove the shaft in order for the lubrication to last for any length of time. I think the only permanent solution is a redesigned part.

koffey · December 7, 2006

It would be nice if a zerk fitting could be put on this!!!

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According to the bulltetin you have to remove the shaft in order for the lubrication to last for any length of time. I think the only permanent solution is a redesigned part.

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I would agree on a redesigned part, however, after multiple years with the same issue in all trucks/suvs, I have only done the lub kit from GM once, and the knock has not returned...yet....

http://gm-trucks.com/home/content/view/232/25/