Steering Issue

[naterasmussen]

I have an '01 Sierra, and you can feel movement in the steering when turning, even just hitting a curve on the highway. I just replaced the tie rods and ball joints, and the 2 places I brought it to for alignment didn't notice any problems. I double checked to make sure everything is tight. The whole reason I re-did the front end was to get rid of this problem. It happens more often at higher speeds. Maybe the idler arm or the pitman arm? What do you think? I'd appreciate the info.

[ridnlow]

Could be the dreaded steering shaft clunk.. luckily GM has a new shaft and you dont have to go through the re-greasing problems that some of us did..

 

 

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 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.

 

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.

 

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.

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

 

Set the steering wheel in the LOCK position on 2001 and prior model year vehicles,

 

For 2002 and later vehicles, install the J 42640 in the steering column lower access hole.

 

From under the hood, remove the lower bolt that connects the upper intermediate shaft to the steering gear coupling shaft.

Slide the shaft towards the dash in order to disengage the shaft from the steering gear coupling shaft.

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

 

From inside the vehicle, remove the upper bolt from the upper intermediate steering shaft (1) to the steering column connection.

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.

 

Replace the upper intermediate shaft.

Install the upper intermediate steering shaft through the dash boot seal and slide the lower end into the steering gear coupling shaft.

Raise the upper end of the intermediate steering shaft and install into the steering column shaft.

Install the upper bolt and nut.

Tighten

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

 

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.