Dorman Intermediate Steering Shaft

b_zieman · January 4, 2008

Okay so I finally got fed up replacing the intermediate steering shaft with GMs "supposedly" fixed ones. (4 times now!!) This time I did some research and found some of you were using the Dorman brand one instead. I ordered it, installed it. Clunk gone..... However when I am on the freeway or going above about 35 with the steering wheel straight I can move the steering wheel back and forth about an inch. Pretty much just feels loose. You can rock the wheel back and forth about an inch and not have it turn the truck. Very annoying...

Any guesses guys? Is it the shaft or did I screw something else up? Anyone elses Dorman shaft do this?

Thanks!

the hammer · January 4, 2008

I too would like to know abouty this Dorman shaft, and its effectiveness.

Jasonsupafly · January 4, 2008

How much did it cost ya if you dont mind me asking.. thinking about getting myself one

b_zieman · January 4, 2008

I payed something like $57.00 at Rock Auto.com. However if the one inch play is "normal" I would definately NOT recommend it. It feels like I traded the clunk for a loose wheel....ha

Would really like hear from someone that has done this besides me to see if it is infact "normal"

redvett · January 4, 2008

I myself wouldn't use one unless its been barrier tested & certified. I don't want to be the test dummy.

C & A s Dad · January 4, 2008

We (CARQUEST) are still waiting for the arrival of this new piece from Dorman. I have had my hands on one and it would be impossible for it to cause any slack in the steering. It is a solid Iron shaft that slides in and out of a tube in order for it to absorb impact from a frontal crash. There was no slack at all in the unit that I saw.

Redvett, I cannot promise you it has been crash tested but I did compress and expand it several times while I had it in my hands. It did so with realative ease although it had a feeling similar to a shock, just with no rebound. I guess what I am saying is that it felt more precise than the OE I shaft that is on my truck. It is also more substantial in appearance although I realize this does not necessarily mean it is better. Dorman is a very reputable company and I would have to assume it has been thoroughly tested.

I will try to verify this.

pm26 · January 4, 2008

I payed something like $57.00 at Rock Auto.com. However if the one inch play is "normal" I would definately NOT recommend it. It feels like I traded the clunk for a loose wheel....ha

Would really like hear from someone that has done this besides me to see if it is infact "normal"

$ 57 sounds suspiciously cheap to me. Maybe they have several versions of this shaft? Where was this one made?

Yotaman · January 5, 2008

Guys, I took my 06 GMC to my dealer b/c of a bad tie -rod and the service MGR said that he heard the steering clunk so he went ahead an replaced the input shaft with a new updated one from GM. He said that the new one has rubber bushings in them whereas the old style they just pumped grease into so that the tubes wouldn't rattle. I don't know if this is the same one that ya'll have tried but he told me that since he started using the upgrade he hasn't had one come back yet. So far mine drives great. Just something to consider for ya'll

Yotaman

pm26 · January 5, 2008

Guys, I took my 06 GMC to my dealer b/c of a bad tie -rod and the service MGR said that he heard the steering clunk so he went ahead an replaced the input shaft with a new updated one from GM. He said that the new one has rubber bushings in them whereas the old style they just pumped grease into so that the tubes wouldn't rattle. I don't know if this is the same one that ya'll have tried but he told me that since he started using the upgrade he hasn't had one come back yet. So far mine drives great. Just something to consider for ya'll
Yotaman

Thanks,

maybe I'll have this done to mine before the warranty expires. So far there is no indication of anything loose.

pjmmoore · January 5, 2008

I payed something like $57.00 at Rock Auto.com. However if the one inch play is "normal" I would definately NOT recommend it. It feels like I traded the clunk for a loose wheel....ha

Would really like hear from someone that has done this besides me to see if it is infact "normal"

$ 57 sounds suspiciously cheap to me. Maybe they have several versions of this shaft? Where was this one made?

The GM shaft is only about $50 bucks too. I wouldn't read anything into the Dorman shaft because of its price. I received mine the other day and will install it later today. I'll post back with it's performance once it's installed.

davo32683 · January 5, 2008

I have the new GM one in my truck and have no cluking anymore. We'll see how much longer it lasts, but so far so good.

b_zieman · January 5, 2008

I payed something like $57.00 at Rock Auto.com. However if the one inch play is "normal" I would definately NOT recommend it. It feels like I traded the clunk for a loose wheel....ha

Would really like hear from someone that has done this besides me to see if it is infact "normal"

$ 57 sounds suspiciously cheap to me. Maybe they have several versions of this shaft? Where was this one made?

The GM shaft is only about $50 bucks too. I wouldn't read anything into the Dorman shaft because of its price. I received mine the other day and will install it later today. I'll post back with it's performance once it's installed.

Yes, finally someone else... Keep me posted. On the freeway hold the bottom part of the wheel with just your left hand and see if it rocks back and forth. (really noticeable when you do this)

Thanks!

C & A s Dad · January 5, 2008

The $57.00 price is about right for an Internet supplier like rock auto. It is looking like we will be selling the Dorman Shaft for the low to mid $60.00 range. Don't hold me to this as many of our stores are independently owned and we do not control their selling prices, only their cost. Of course this price is from a store with no frt involved.

The GM shafts that I have priced have been in the mid $90.00 range, If you can find one for $50.00 that would be a great price.

pjmmoore · January 5, 2008

I bought the redesigned GM shaft last year sometime from gmpartsdirect for 58 + shipping. This is the shaft that's not greasable - it has a rubber bushing instead of grease. As I said previously, this GM shaft is better than the original, but I have still have some knocking going over rough surfaces through a turn. I'm hoping my Dorman will solve the knock once and for all. Will know soon enough.