Steering Shaft Issues Part 2 (long)

05_2500HD · June 7, 2007

So after having my original shaft greased several times over the past year, trying out a Borgeson aftermarket shaft (which was junk also) I finally had the so called "new redesigned GM steering shaft" installed a few months ago when it first came out.....and guess what ?

It clunks / feels like garbage also. I also noticed (and this might not have anything to do with it at all) that if you grab the steering wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position and move it side to side there is play in it. Also when holding it at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. It feels like the "play" corresponds with the clunking I am feeeling. I took it to the Dealer yesterday, showed the Service Advisor what I was talking about, and surprise surprise he said they took out the airbag (isn't there a big nut or bearing under there?) and checked everything for tightness and it was all fine. He also told me that he "checked" other trucks in the lot and all of them had the same "play" that I am talking about, but wouldn't show me when I went to pick my truck up. So basically my steering is garbage once again.

Can others check their steering wheels and see if they have "play" in them as well ?

Funny thing is that after my shaft was greased every time at the Dealer it felt really good for a few months so maybe this "play" doesn't have anything to do with it.

daviddsims · June 7, 2007

So after having my original shaft greased several times over the past year, trying out a Borgeson aftermarket shaft (which was junk also) I finally had the so called "new redesigned GM steering shaft" installed a few months ago when it first came out.....and guess what ?

It clunks / feels like garbage also. I also noticed (and this might not have anything to do with it at all) that if you grab the steering wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position and move it side to side there is play in it. Also when holding it at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. It feels like the "play" corresponds with the clunking I am feeeling. I took it to the Dealer yesterday, showed the Service Advisor what I was talking about, and surprise surprise he said they took out the airbag (isn't there a big nut or bearing under there?) and checked everything for tightness and it was all fine. He also told me that he "checked" other trucks in the lot and all of them had the same "play" that I am talking about, but wouldn't show me when I went to pick my truck up. So basically my steering is garbage once again.

Can others check their steering wheels and see if they have "play" in them as well ?

Funny thing is that after my shaft was greased every time at the Dealer it felt really good for a few months so maybe this "play" doesn't have anything to do with it.

daviddsims · June 7, 2007

I am in the same boat. After having mine greased twice I went back in March and got the new shaft. It is back to doing it just as bad now. I am confident they will never fix this issue.

David Lanier · June 7, 2007

Newiest number is a 19153614. check your Ro's to see if that is the number you got. I have NOT seen any of these shafts return with a clunk.

Hoss

Mudcon · June 8, 2007

yea check the part #'s cause I have not had the lastest shaft come back either. I have installed hundreds of them also.

daviddsims · June 8, 2007

Took it back to the dealer today and had them look at it. They dont think it is the steering shaft but rather a bearing close to the steering shaft. I really cant describe where they said but they somewhere close to the shaft. They had to order the part. Anyone heard of this?

05_2500HD · June 11, 2007

Newiest number is a 19153614. check your Ro's to see if that is the number you got. I have NOT seen any of these shafts return with a clunk.

Hoss

Just checked and that's the part number they put in...I just called the Dealer and I'm bringing it back on Thursday....we'll see...

05_2500HD · June 15, 2007

So today they put in ANOTHER 19153614 shaft....said the other one was binding, who knows...they also said they checked 3 other trucks there and they all had that "play" I described in the first post....feels OK for now but time will tell...

can someone else check to see if thier steering wheel has that play I described ?

mike33087 · June 16, 2007

so i am having this same problem.... is it worth it to get the "improved"shaft or just keep greasing it? I hate to have the down time of leaving the truck at the dealership when greasing it works for a while.

are there any good after market ones?

also is this something that would be cover under warrenty i have a 2003 chevy 2500hd reg cab 4x4

rrscott · July 8, 2007

I have a 2003 HD 2500, 4 wheel drive,diesel, crew cab, and I am also having steering issues. I had a new steering shaft put in about 2 months ago, and it is already back to having the grinding feel in the steering column. My truck just doesn't steer right. In the last 6 weeks I have also had a new steering gear (box) installed as well as a new pittman arm. The truck wanders over the road, and they can't seem to find the problem. Although it has 70,000 miles on it now, it has had the problem since almost new. Does anyone have any suggestions

GMTRUCKTECH · July 8, 2007

So after having my original shaft greased several times over the past year, trying out a Borgeson aftermarket shaft (which was junk also) I finally had the so called "new redesigned GM steering shaft" installed a few months ago when it first came out.....and guess what ?

It clunks / feels like garbage also. I also noticed (and this might not have anything to do with it at all) that if you grab the steering wheel at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position and move it side to side there is play in it. Also when holding it at 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock. It feels like the "play" corresponds with the clunking I am feeeling. I took it to the Dealer yesterday, showed the Service Advisor what I was talking about, and surprise surprise he said they took out the airbag (isn't there a big nut or bearing under there?) and checked everything for tightness and it was all fine. He also told me that he "checked" other trucks in the lot and all of them had the same "play" that I am talking about, but wouldn't show me when I went to pick my truck up. So basically my steering is garbage once again.

Can others check their steering wheels and see if they have "play" in them as well ?

Funny thing is that after my shaft was greased every time at the Dealer it felt really good for a few months so maybe this "play" doesn't have anything to do with it.

[/quot THIS MAY HELP

Subject:Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in Steering Wheel and/or Steering Column (Replace Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft (I-Shaft) Assembly) #00-02-35-003M - (01/31/2007)

Models:2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade Models

1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado Models (Classic)

2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe Models

2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche

1999-2007 GMC Sierra Models (Classic)

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.

This bulletin is being revised to update the repair procedure with a permanent fix. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-003L (Section 02 -- Steering).

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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.

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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 Number 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.

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Correction

DO THIS

DON'T DO THIS

Replace the I-Shaft with P/N 19153614.

Do NOT lubricate or exercise the I-Shaft.

Important:

• I-shaft P/N 19153614 has been designed to replace previous designed dampened and non-dampened I-shafts. The physical difference in the yoke size will accommodate all vehicles listed in this bulletin.

• Due to the design of the new I-shaft, it is not possible to lubricate/grease the I-shaft.

Replace the steering column upper intermediate shaft with an improved design shaft that will eliminate the clunk noise using the procedure listed below.

<LI type=1>Set the front wheels in the straight ahead position. Notice: On the 2002 and later model year vehicles, the steering column LOCK was removed from the steering column. It is critical that the J 42640 - Steering column Anti-Rotation Pin is used when servicing steering columns on 2002 and later model year vehicles. Failure to use the J 42640 may result in damage to the SIR coil.

<LI type=1>Set the steering wheel in the LOCK position on 2001 and prior model year vehicles.

<LI type=1>For 2002 and later vehicles, install the J 42640 in the steering column lower access hole.

<LI type=1>From under the hood, remove the lower bolt that connects the upper intermediate shaft to the steering gear coupling shaft. <LI type=1>Slide the shaft towards the dash in order to disengage the shaft from the steering gear coupling shaft. <LI type=1>For vehicles equipped with adjustable foot pedals, perform the following steps:

6.1. Reposition the carpet away from the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor.

6.2. Remove the two nuts retaining the accelerator pedal to the bulkhead.

6.3. Reposition the accelerator pedal out of the way so the intermediate shaft can be removed.

<LI type=1>From inside the vehicle, remove the upper bolt from the upper intermediate steering shaft (1) to the steering column connection. <LI type=1>Remove the upper intermediate steering shaft assembly.

8.1. From inside the vehicle, slide the shaft down and off the steering column.

8.2. From inside the vehicle, slide the upper intermediate shaft through the dash boot seal and remove the shaft from the vehicle.

<LI type=1>Replace the upper intermediate shaft. <LI type=1>Install the upper intermediate steering shaft through the dash boot seal and slide the lower end into the steering gear coupling shaft. <LI type=1>Raise the upper end of the intermediate steering shaft and install into the steering column shaft. <LI type=1>Install the upper bolt and nut. Tighten

Tighten the bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

<LI type=1>Install the lower bolt and nut. Tighten

Tighten the bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

For vehicles equipped with adjustable foot pedals, perform the following steps:
14.1. Reposition the accelerator pedals into position on the bulkhead.

14.2. Install the two retaining nuts.

Tighten

Tighten the nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

14.3. Reposition the carpet into place.

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Parts Information

Part Number

Description

19153614

Shaft - Upper Intermediate Steering

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Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

E7700

Shaft, Steering Intermediate - Upper -- Replace

Use Published Labor Operation Time

Likarok · July 23, 2007

Look at this picture and add a 2"exhaust clamp as I did and your problem will be gone. I am totally convinced that the steering shaft was never the problem. After I have tryed all the same things you did. I got this idea from a guy on the "diesel place" website. He used only the hose clamp, but I also used the exhaust clamp.

Also take the bearing assembly out of the steering housing and grease the bearing as well. I used one of those hypodermic needle greasers to get it in there. Re-install and add the clamp. Don't go crazy tightening it. Just enough to stop the bearing from moving around.

All I know is that the steering in my truck has never been this tight and felt tough.....and I have 20" wheels with big meats, so anyone with stock wheels and tires should be very happy.

Good luck!

bassadict69 · July 23, 2007

Where exactly is that part you show? Is that under the hood or under the dash?

Looks simple enough...I would be more than willing to try that to see if it will help. My "clunk" has gotten so bad it isn't even funny. A lot of times I don't even have to be turning anymore for it to do it.