I-shaft

[jrrod2004]

Dealership said that they are going to replace it (AGAIN) and this will make repair # 3 to the I-Shaft. Has anyone still had problems with the new revised I-Shaft clunking and had it replaced multiple times?

[Tigerado]

I just had my shaft replaced for the second time on my 06 with 26k miles . This one feels much better than the old ones, but the fact that it's such a problem for so many people seems ridiculous. I expect more of GM engineering.

[omegafiler]

Only had the i-shaft replaced once and it did fix the issue. That was back in early Feb of this year - so far so good. But since then, they have had to replace other parts of the steering system for other unrelated issues.

[TEE]

I just had mine replaced at 53,000 miles with the NEW shaft...so far so good.

The new shaft is heavier in design but, time will tell.

Even though it was out of warranty, GM paid for the part and I paid labor (which IMHO...GM should cover that also)

I'm with ya' on a pisspoor design since 99 ? WTF

[C & A s Dad]

 

 

Mine was replaced in warranty at 39K but at 57K it has begun to make a little noise again. I called my Dealer yesterday and he said they would be happy to do it again with the new improved shaft.

 

However, Dorman through their OE Solutions line has just released their re-engineered I shaft. They claim after much testing and develpoment that they have corrected the problem. They went back to the design used in the 70s and 80s using a "Double D" designed close tolerance shaft. We (CARQUEST) just received the info and do not even have them in stock yet. The part # is 425-176. They have also done the same thing for the Impala and some other GM cars that have a similar issue. I will say that everything that Dorman has provided to us through their OE Solutions line has been a tremendous hit and in every case, has solved the issues that were present with the OE designs.

 

Here is a link to their website. This does not show much about the advantages that they claim. I have a nice PDF flyer showing the side by side comparison but I am not smart enough to post it here.

 

 

Dorman I Shaft

 

I was able to download the flyer from Dorman. It is at the top of this post. This just goes to show you, "even a blind hog can find an acorn every now and then".

[hogpowr]

 

Does this continue to be an issue? Has it been corrected at the factory?

[Draenor]

I had mine replaced earlier this year and haven't had a problem since.

[jrrod2004]

I got my truck back from the dealership on Friday afternoon, (in the shop for 3 days) and on the warranty paperwork, it states "Customer States: Clunking noise can be felt in steering wheel. Technician Found: Inspected I-Shaft, found upper I-Shaft dry". The dealership changed the I-Shaft because it was 'dry', anyone have an idea how this newly designed part could already fail?

[Zembonez]

I got my truck back from the dealership on Friday afternoon, (in the shop for 3 days) and on the warranty paperwork, it states "Customer States: Clunking noise can be felt in steering wheel. Technician Found: Inspected I-Shaft, found upper I-Shaft dry". The dealership changed the I-Shaft because it was 'dry', anyone have an idea how this newly designed part could already fail?

I know any manufacturer can fumble the ball... but GM certainly didn't do their homework on this one. The "FIX" is apparently just as bad as the original... just a little more lube. My 05 made noise from day one until I sold it.

[jrrod2004]

I guess that I will get Dorman I-Shaft when this vehicle leaves its warranty and see how that holds up, thanks Zembonez.

[Norseman]

I guess that I will get Dorman I-Shaft when this vehicle leaves its warranty and see how that holds up, thanks Zembonez.

 

Hey, M, to give credit where credit is due, C&A's Dad was the one that gave us the great info on the Dorman Shaft.

 

But, hey you're a great guy too ZEM

[C & A s Dad]

I just was able to put my hands on the new I Shaft from Dorman. From appearances and feel, Dorman has done their homework and has developed a really nice piece. It is very heavy and solid and when extended and contracted, it feels almost like a shock. The exterior part of the shaft that rides in the boot assy is covered with a type of hard plastic material and the inside shaft itself is really heavy and shaped like two "D"s placed back to back and has a goove cut into one of the flat sides.

 

Mine is not making any noise at the moment since I pumped it but I will replace mine with this unit if (when) the noise returns.

 

Just thought I would provide an update since I had not actually had my hands on one when I posted the link above.

[jrrod2004]

how about thanks to everybody for their input......didn't mean to misplace credit.....

[pm26]

Technician Found: Inspected I-Shaft, found upper I-Shaft dry". The dealership changed the I-Shaft because it was 'dry', anyone have an idea how this newly designed part could already fail?

 

Yeah, it was made in Mexico and Pedro forgot to grease it.

[jrrod2004]