Dash Rattle Now Steering Sqweeks

Redding Matt · January 10, 2009

I have a 2007 HD Classic/Duramax. I have noticed a rattle/clunking (sounds/feels significant) deep inside the dash in the area behind the instrument cluster. This occures on mildly bumpy roads and seems to be worse when headed downhill. I have brought the truck into the dealer and they were unable to duplicate. This may be partly due to the fact that the noise disipates after the truck gets warm. Now I have also started to hear an intermintent sqweek comming from the steering column. This only occures once in a while, but none the less I think they could be connected. I have read about the intermediate shaft issues, but my clunking seems to occure even when there is no steering input....Any help would be great.

lvlagnum · January 11, 2009

Hello, Matt. I have a 2003 Chevy Silverado 5.3 Z-71 extended cab and that sounds exactly like the problem I had. The intermediate shaft was replaced under warranty at 20,000 KM. The intermediate shaft went again at 40,000KM and that time it was pumped full of grease which got rid of the noise. At 60,000KM the intermediate shaft started clunking again and I just learned to live with it. In warm weather, the noise is barely there and when it is cold outside, the clunking returns with a vengeance. I have heard there is a redesigned replacement shaft but I don't know if it works or not. Perhaps someone else can chime in and tell you more about that. I hope this information helps.

Cheers, lvlagnum.

digitalembrace · January 11, 2009

Matt it sure sounds like the intermediate shaft to me too! Had it replaced under warranty on my 04 Sierra at 20,000km. The 05 at work had to be replaced under warranty at 45,000km. You can feel it clunking in the wheel especially in a turn at slow speed over slightly rough or irregular ground. I also had the surcoil replaced under warranty in my 98 because of squeaking while making a turn. There are a couple of articles about the intermediate shaft and a mention of surcoil in the teckwiki section under recall and TSB listings and then pick your year. And to Ivlagnum I noticed you mentioned it clunked worse in cold weather and less in the warmer weather. Mine got worse as it got warmer, but then again it may have been timing and wear. You are correct about a newer replacement/repair kit for the intermediate shaft. Don't know much else about it and if I even have the latest one.

Regards, Mike

Redding Matt · January 11, 2009

Thanks guys.....I have brought the truck in a few times and the service adviser said he could not hear it.....it drives me crazy, so I am willing to pay for the repair myself if I have to.....I will start out with the intermediate shaft and go from there...I appreciate the input that I found here..

lvlagnum · January 11, 2009

Matt. If your truck is still under warranty, I would advise you to have it repaired at the dealer. That way, if and when it ever happens again, they will be more apt to repair it after your warranty has expired. Once you have a file open, you are more likely to have the intermediate shaft replaced or repaired again under a goodwill warranty with little or no deductable.

Seach some of the previous threads and I'm sure you'll find someone has posted the part number of the new design shaft. Double check and make sure the new style shaft is installed as I'm sure there are lots of old parts still in the supply system.

As for the service advisor not hearing the sound, I had a wheel bearing go bad on me a year ago and it took a half hour each driving around with two different service advisers before either one of them could hear anything wrong. Selective hearing I guess.

Cheers, lvlagnum.