So how is the latest steering shaft working out?

crtfour · March 13, 2007

Hi,

I read the thread awhile back about a new and improved intermediate steering shaft. To anyone that has had it installed, does it seem to be doing the job? My truck has been so good, but the steering shaft clunk is the one thing that I can't seem to cure. I quit lubing the shaft myself because it just comes back so quickly. My next step would be to purchase some sort of aftermarket shaft or wait for this new one. Thanks for the replies.

overlord1 · March 13, 2007

Hi,

I read the thread awhile back about a new and improved intermediate steering shaft. To anyone that has had it installed, does it seem to be doing the job? My truck has been so good, but the steering shaft clunk is the one thing that I can't seem to cure. I quit lubing the shaft myself because it just comes back so quickly. My next step would be to purchase some sort of aftermarket shaft or wait for this new one. Thanks for the replies.

Had it done last week under warranty. Yes, the improvement is very noticeable. Imho, it is worth doing even if you have to pay the part cost and install it yourself. The steering feels more precise and "heavy" for lack of a better term. I don't think it felt this precise even when the truck was brand new. Of course its only been on for a week so I can't comment on whether this is really a "permanent" fix as GM claims.

Sumner · March 13, 2007

I just purchased my 05 1500 Z71 last week, two days later I noticed this clunking sound in the steering column. I'm assuming this is the sound this post is speaking to. Is this a known issue with these trucks? It sounds like you are saying GM has a improved part that they can fix this with? I wonder if it's covered under my 3 month/3K mile GM Certified warranty?

Thanks

bigdogxx · March 13, 2007

I just purchased my 05 1500 Z71 last week, two days later I noticed this clunking sound in the steering column. I'm assuming this is the sound this post is speaking to. Is this a known issue with these trucks? It sounds like you are saying GM has a improved part that they can fix this with? I wonder if it's covered under my 3 month/3K mile GM Certified warranty?
Thanks

Yes it is if your service adviser tells you anything different he is full of @#@$. Most people on this site even out of warranty have been getting the fix goodwilled from the dealers. My advice is call your dealer setup a apointment and also check and make sure they are using the correct part number through their parts department, the corect part number can be found in the other steering shaft post on this site.

Norseman · March 13, 2007

I just purchased my 05 1500 Z71 last week, two days later I noticed this clunking sound in the steering column. I'm assuming this is the sound this post is speaking to. Is this a known issue with these trucks? It sounds like you are saying GM has a improved part that they can fix this with? I wonder if it's covered under my 3 month/3K mile GM Certified warranty?
Thanks

I'd say yes and get on it today!!

vctbmcam · March 13, 2007

I have around 500 miles with the new steering shaft and have no problems.

2004GMC1500CC · March 13, 2007

I just purchased my 05 1500 Z71 last week, two days later I noticed this clunking sound in the steering column. I'm assuming this is the sound this post is speaking to. Is this a known issue with these trucks? It sounds like you are saying GM has a improved part that they can fix this with? I wonder if it's covered under my 3 month/3K mile GM Certified warranty?
Thanks

Yes it is if your service adviser tells you anything different he is full of @#@$. Most people on this site even out of warranty have been getting the fix goodwilled from the dealers. My advice is call your dealer setup a apointment and also check and make sure they are using the correct part number through their parts department, the corect part number can be found in the other steering shaft post on this site.

Just got mine back today. My 04 has 41K on it and had previously had the lube done twice. My service advisor started in on the out of warranty crap, but eventually came around and had it warrantied. GM knows there is a problem and if you push them they will do it for free.

caddycruiser · March 13, 2007

I just purchased my 05 1500 Z71 last week, two days later I noticed this clunking sound in the steering column. I'm assuming this is the sound this post is speaking to. Is this a known issue with these trucks? It sounds like you are saying GM has a improved part that they can fix this with? I wonder if it's covered under my 3 month/3K mile GM Certified warranty?
Thanks

Yes it is if your service adviser tells you anything different he is full of @#@$. Most people on this site even out of warranty have been getting the fix goodwilled from the dealers. My advice is call your dealer setup a apointment and also check and make sure they are using the correct part number through their parts department, the corect part number can be found in the other steering shaft post on this site.

Just got mine back today. My 04 has 41K on it and had previously had the lube done twice. My service advisor started in on the out of warranty crap, but eventually came around and had it warrantied. GM knows there is a problem and if you push them they will do it for free.

Hmm...we're at 43k on our '04 Suburban, and had one shaft replaced at 25k, and it's been clunking now pretty badly since a little past the warranty ran out. Still have just been trying to ignore it, but wonder if we could get the dealer to "look" at it again and get through without cost, or only partial. Or just buy the part for $50 and put it in ourselves.

drumhack · March 13, 2007

Mine was replaced about a month ago and it's been great ever since. Previously had the shaft replaced once and then lubed once. I looked at the new shaft before they put it in and it is definitely engineered differently. I'm feeling pretty optimistic about it this time.

Oh, and mine was replaced this last time around 42K under warranty. The dealer does make a difference in how they take care of ya.

crtfour · March 14, 2007

Does anyone have the part number for the new shaft? I wouldn't think that it would be hard to change. Mine is an '02, so I don't think warranty would cover it.

MS3DALE · March 14, 2007

Does anyone have the part number for the new shaft? I wouldn't think that it would be hard to change. Mine is an '02, so I don't think warranty would cover it.

19153614

frupp · March 14, 2007

I have 99,000 mile on my Suburban and I had the new steering shaft installed yesterday as a Goodwill Warranty by Rick Hendrick Chevrolet. The previous shaft was installed less than a year ago and already had to be re-greased twice. In total I had less than 10,000 miles on that shaft. They had to order the new shaft, it was not in stock, and it took about four days to get.

The new shaft does not have a warranty but the Service Manager said they would re-grease it at least once free of charge, if it is needed. Of course, the new shaft is supposed to be a permanent fix and not need re-greasing. We’ll see.

I do notice that it seems there is a little more road feel with this shaft. But maybe it's just my imagination as I have been driving with one that made it feel like the ball joints and tie rod ends had fallen out.

omegafiler · March 14, 2007

Just got mine back from the dealer today, fixed under warranty, and it's great! Only has 11k miles, but I had already started noticing the light clunking in the steering wheel while making turns. Wasn't anywhere near as bad as my friends '05 Z71, but decided to have it fixed anyways since they had the new part. It's really like a whole new vehicle now. Steering is much more precise and "smooth."

Rolandd · March 14, 2007

had mine done, its nice to have a normal steering system again

caddycruiser · March 15, 2007

I do notice that it seems there is a little more road feel with this shaft. But maybe it's just my imagination as I have been driving with one that made it feel like the ball joints and tie rod ends had fallen out.

Hah! That's what our 44k mile Suburban with 20k on it's 2nd shaft has been like for a while...hadn't driven it for months, and when I did finally, it really made my 12 year old Cadillac really feel like silk in even more ways. Jittery, clunky, and rattly is all that I could think. Of course, my father barely notices it (not his truck), but it drives my mother nuts and has for a while, so hopefully she'll get it fixed soon with a new one and we too shall see how that goes.