Eagle70ss

anyone heard of this problems?? Apparently it's very common for 99-07 chevy trucks...The dealer sells a grease kit to put a band aid on it and they allegedly are designing a new shaft? Just like the piston slap thing!! They never do crap...Does this hurt anything to let it go?? I've seen in other forums that the grease kit run 15 bones and lasts about 15K at most....Anyone have any word on degradation of the steering shaft assembly or anything? My truck you can feel a little tap in the steering wheel whenever turning sharp....

Rebel Racing 3

Hmm where to start, your truck has power assist rack and pinion and in my opinion that should not even be put on a truck of your size, as for is it safe the long term affect could be a frozeb state in the steering shaft or maybe a broken shaft, i have never seen ether but that is a possibility

muff34

not sure about the trucks ,but have read about the problem on this forum. What I do know for sure is that I put an intermediate steering shaft in my 2000 sunfire .70,000 miles on it. Same thing was told that I could put the "grease kit" into it but this would not last. Just went ahead with new shaft as reccomended by a former GM tech. My 2000 Silvy is starting to sound similar to sunfire now.

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Rebel Racing 3

I have had a few of the chevy's run through the shop here with the same prob, and i am still a firm believer in that a full size truck should not have any type of rack and pinion steering.

akfireman

do a search of the forum and you will see mulitple posts on the steering shaft clunk. very common on chevy/gmc trucks it seems.

skipr

There is a TSB (technical service bullentin) on the correct way to fix the problem. Do you want a copy of the TSB?

Rebel Racing 3

Yeah if you could get me a copy that would help with all the ones that are running throught the shop, and even call in that way they know the correct fix and not just a cover up fix.

akfireman

hey skipr could you email me that tsb also, I would appreciate it.

muff34

why not post it here for all to see?
Thanks Muff

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skipr

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

Date: January 30, 2006

TECHNICAL

Subject:
Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in the Steering Wheel and/or Steering Column (Lubricate Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly)

Models:
2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade Models
1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado Models
2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe Models
2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
1999-2006 GMC Sierra Models
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:

Based on recent Engineering validation testing, it has now been determined that either grease (Molycote Grease (dark color) or NYE Grease (yellowish color)) can be used on all vehicles noted in this bulletin. Either grease will provide a significantly longer interval than replacing the I-shaft itself. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-0031 (Section 02 - Steering).

Note: To properly grease the splines, the I-shaft MUST be removed from the vehicle. Failure to do so will result in a repeat repair and a dissatisfied customer.

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.

^ 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 # 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.



THIS IS THE PROCEDURE:

Note: To properly grease the splines, the I-shaft MUST be removed from the vehicle. Failure to do so will result in a repeat repair and a dissatisfied customer.

Remove the intermediate shaft from the vehicle and lubricate the intermediate shaft with a Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Lubrication Kit, P/N 26098419.

Follow the service procedure below. Failure to follow each step as it is outlined below may result in a repeat repair.

1. Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.

Note: On 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 these steering columns. 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 vehicles.

3. Remove the upper intermediate shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement - Upper in the appropriate SI Document.






4. Remove the spacer clip from the end of the intermediate shaft with a pair of needle nose pliers.

5. Fully extend the shaft by pulling the two shafts apart.






6. Apply the syringe of grease supplied in the Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Lubrication Kit, P/N 26098419, into the open end of the shaft. Direct the syringe tip as deep as possible into the shaft and dispense the full content of the syringe.






7. Insert the plug supplied in the Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Lubrication Kit into the open end of the shaft and finger tighten the wing nut.






8. Place the plugged end of the shaft on a hard surface and apply pressure to collapse the shaft and dissipate the grease through the shaft.

9. Remove the plug from the shaft and fully extend the shaft.






10. Inspect the shaft for a minimum of 13 mm (1/2 in) of grease on the shaft splines.

11. Repeat steps 11-14 if less than 13 mm (1/2 in) of grease is on shaft splines.

12. Clean the excess grease off of the shaft splines and around the shaft opening.






13. Carefully spread apart the spacer clip with a pair of pliers.






14. Reinstall the spacer clip into the open end of the shaft.






15. Align the spacer clip with the stakes in the shaft.

16. Reinstall the upper intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement - Upper in the appropriate SI Document.



I couldn't copy and paste the illistrations!

yakk

You're kidding, right? This is a band-aid that they use to get you to go away for a while until you're out of warranty. In my case, it quieted the grinding for a month or so, but the vibrations are still there. I can't imaging that it won't get worse with time, that's why I'm installing a Borgeson.

skipr

Am I kidding? I didn't write the service bullentin. You might want to ask General Motors that question. I don't have this problem on my 2005. I saw the TSB, heard alot of guys have this problem, so I thought I would relay this info. Sorry for trying to help. I assure you it wont happen again.

akfireman

Skipr, I for one appreciate your help, dont let other peoples attitudes get you down. again, Thanks.

muff34

Yes thanks for the input ,it was very much appreciated by myself and many others I`m sure.

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yakk

If you search this forum, you'll find this has all been discussed before. Sorry if you took offense, I was just trying to pass along what's coming next up the road after your lube job...