Steering/front End Noise

[pops1552]

I have a 2004 Silverado that makes a noise in the steering column while driving. It is sort of a clunking noise that I can feel in the steering wheel. Any thoughts??

[sceptre]

I have a 2004 Silverado that makes a noise in the steering column while driving. It is sort of a clunking noise that I can feel in the steering wheel. Any thoughts??

 

 

probably steering shaft

[yukon_denali_05]

definitely sounds like intermediate steering shaft. they are notorious problems on GMC trucks. It's a well-known engineering defect. I just had mine replaced this weekend on my '05 yukon denali with 50k miles on it and no more clunking noise. www.borgeson.com makes the intermediate shaft that corrects the GM engineering defect. they are based in torrington, ct.

[TonyMack]

definitely sounds like intermediate steering shaft. they are notorious problems on GMC trucks. It's a well-known engineering defect. I just had mine replaced this weekend on my '05 yukon denali with 50k miles on it and no more clunking noise. www.borgeson.com makes the intermediate shaft that corrects the GM engineering defect. they are based in torrington, ct.

 

 

How much did the shaft cost you? I was discussing this with a fellow the other day...he had his replaced under warranty by the dealer. he was told that the part cost $700.00 Cdn...

[Supertech64]

How much did the shaft cost you? I was discussing this with a fellow the other day...he had his replaced under warranty by the dealer. he was told that the part cost $700.00 Cdn...

 

I'm not sure what the labor charge is for this in your area(0.4 of an hour x labor rate: for most trucks), but the intermediate shaft from GM is in the neighborhood of $85 USD(what I have priced for customers) for just the part(GMPartsDirect.com has it for $54.44, list price is $92.00).

Its also a pretty easy install, only made worse if you have adjustable foot petals or non-cable accellerator, still easy though... Just mind the steering wheel so it does not turn and ruin the clock spring when the shaft is disconnected, or you will have airbag problems. Some use a bungee strap to the shifter, some use the J tool that goes in the hole in the column if they have it to keep it from turning.

 

P/N 19153614(Upper Intermediate Steering) is the new GM shaft that was redesigned(dampened internaly) to get rid of this problem.

[zlrh11]

I also have a 2004 Silverado Crew Cab with this reoccuring issue. It now has 90,000 miles, but the dealer has "fixed" it 3 times in the past, 2 out of the warranty. Each time they just lubricated it.

 

Is it realistic for the dealer to actually "fix" this now? Since it is a known issue and they have previously worked on it, I feel that they should repair it at no cost to me. What say you?

[Supertech64]

GM really did jerk techs around with...lubricate it...no, replace it....no, lubricate it...no, stroke it to spread out the grease....no, replace it with this new one.

 

New ones do have what looks like a nylon dampener in the end instead of seeing grease... So far they seem to be working out.

[zlrh11]

Thanks for the reply. All they can say is NO, right? The dealer I bought it from is now bankrupt and closed (Bill Heard). I have some contacts at another dealership, so maybe they'll work with me.

 

I could always apply the ultimate "fix" and just buy a new one while the prices are good. I can buy a brand new for less than I gave for the 2004 model 5 years ago. But my problem, like everyone else, would be the trade-in. Who wants another used truck on their lot right now?

[66vetteman]

After taking my 2001 Silverado to the dealer about a year ago, I was told this was a common occurance, and the fix was to lube the existing shaft.So they lubed mine and charged me $56. It started clunking again within 6 mos!... I just replaced mine with the new 19153614 shaft. I had to file the flats on the new shaft down to get it to fit. The old shaft was .784 across the flats and the new one was .804, a .020 interference with the mating part! I was careful not to move the steering wheel while changing the shaft, so as not to get the dreaded "Service Airbag" message. So far all is good, no more clunking. We'll see how long it lasts.

Nick

[yukon_denali_05]

I bought the Borgeson version for $150. I had it installed for $75. No more clunking noise. Since these are common problems on GM trucks you might want to try to get a group buy for a potential discount from borgeson