Steering Shaft

[scooter3]

I have a friend who owns a 2004 Silverado SB and is getting the clunk out of the intermediate steering shaft. I told her to take it the daler to get it fixed, but they told her it is not covered under warranty or a recal issue. Is this true? They want to charge her $250 to replace it. Is there some sort of TSB out there that shows it is an issue and will be fixed for free or not.

 

Thanks!

[Rays B4U]

Don't believe there ever was a "Recall" on the Intermediate Steering Shafts, they were replacing them while on warranty and some were doing a "good will" replacement after your warranty expired if your mileage wasn't too far out. I think gmpartsdirect.com has them for $50+-.

[mcmahan]

its not coverered i tried also there is a how to on how to re-lube it on here i did it and it works fine no issues yet and that was over a 1 1/2 years ago pretty simple

[firehawknwv]

Yea some of the guys refer to it as jerking off your truck. LOL

[f1ss]

little off topic, my dealer wants the same price for the fix ($250), just to compare prices and make sure she is not being taken.

[Fireman31]

For them to charge $250 to replace the steering shaft is outrageous, the part costs about $50 and takes 15 minutes to change.

 

GMPartsDirect.com link to replacement shaft - CLICK ME

 

And here is the GM TSB for the steering shaft clunk.....

 

 

Bulletin No.: 00-02-35-003N

 

Date: March 26 2008

 

Subject:

Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in Steering Wheel and/or Steering Column (Replace Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft [i-Shaft] Assembly)

 

Models:

2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade Models

1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado Models (Classic)

2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe Models

2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche

1999-2007 GMC Sierra Models (Classic)

2000-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL Models

2003-2006 HUMMER H2

 

Attention: This Service Bulletin DOES NOT include Mid-Size Utilities such as Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer Models, GMC Envoy Models or Oldsmobile Bravada. Refer to Service Bulletin 02-02-35-006A or newer for Mid-Size Utilities.

 

Supercede:

 

This bulletin is being revised to add diagnostic information (refer to Diagnostic Tips) to check the lower steering column bearing as a potential source of the noise. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-003M (Section 02-Steering).

 

Condition

 

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.

 

^ The lower steering column bearing may create the same noise as the intermediate shaft. Before replacing the I-shaft, verify the noise isn't being caused by movement from the lower steering column bearing. Check the bearing for movement by pushing up and down on the I-shaft where it attaches to the steering column.

 

^ 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.

 

 

Correction

 

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.

 

1. 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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

1. From inside the vehicle slide the shaft down and off the steering column.

 

2. From inside the vehicle slide the upper intermediate shaft through the dash boot seal and remove the shaft from the vehicle.

 

 

9. Replace the upper intermediate shaft.

 

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

 

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

 

12. Install the upper bolt and nut.

 

Tighten

 

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

 

13. Install the lower bolt and nut.

 

Tighten

 

Tighten the bolt to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).

[scooter3]

For them to charge $250 to replace the steering shaft is outrageous, the part costs about $50 and takes 15 minutes to change.

 

GMPartsDirect.com link to replacement shaft - CLICK ME

 

And here is the GM TSB for the steering shaft clunk.....

 

 

Bulletin No.: 00-02-35-003N

 

Date: March 26 2008

 

Subject:

Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in Steering Wheel and/or Steering Column (Replace Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft [i-Shaft] Assembly)

 

Models:

2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade Models

1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado Models (Classic)

2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe Models

2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche

1999-2007 GMC Sierra Models (Classic)

2000-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL Models

2003-2006 HUMMER H2

 

Attention: This Service Bulletin DOES NOT include Mid-Size Utilities such as Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer Models, GMC Envoy Models or Oldsmobile Bravada. Refer to Service Bulletin 02-02-35-006A or newer for Mid-Size Utilities.

 

Supercede:

 

This bulletin is being revised to add diagnostic information (refer to Diagnostic Tips) to check the lower steering column bearing as a potential source of the noise. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-003M (Section 02-Steering).

 

Condition

 

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.

 

^ The lower steering column bearing may create the same noise as the intermediate shaft. Before replacing the I-shaft, verify the noise isn't being caused by movement from the lower steering column bearing. Check the bearing for movement by pushing up and down on the I-shaft where it attaches to the steering column.

 

^ 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.

 

 

Correction

 

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.

 

1. 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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

1. From inside the vehicle slide the shaft down and off the steering column.

 

2. From inside the vehicle slide the upper intermediate shaft through the dash boot seal and remove the shaft from the vehicle.

 

 

9. Replace the upper intermediate shaft.

 

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

 

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

 

12. Install the upper bolt and nut.

 

Tighten

 

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

 

13. Install the lower bolt and nut.

 

Tighten

 

Tighten the bolt to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).

 

Thanks for all the information guys. I will let her know.

Edited May 12, 2010 by scooter3 (see edit history)

[ZQ8SON]

Do you self a favor, here is what I did to save some $$$. Just take take the shaft off and pull the tube down all the way until the little plastic piece insde jams in the bottom. I actually just held it and tryed to sling it out. After this I used some white lithium grease and applied it into the bigger side. then reinstalled it and have not had any trouble since. This was done October of 08 still works great. Hope this helps. Also do a search some other guys have done the same thing.

[firehawknwv]

I had the xtra money so I went ahead and ordered a new shaft form gmparsdirect. It was just 60 shipped to me so y not.