ISS Lube

Hi folks,

New here so just wanted to say 'hi' and to add my kudos to whomever it was that came up with the idea of lubing the ISS from the inside of the car (under the dash). I did it last week and the thing is like a new car...sort of. Any way, it made a huge difference to the driving experience.

I did mine about 2 years ago by disconnecting the shaft from the upper end and using the 'hypo' from the top . It totally fixed mine too. However, it's finally starting to act up again. I also can't believe my wife doesn't notice it - and she's the primary driver of the car. Anyway, I'll probably take care of it again in September when it's a little cooler out.

By the way, did you use the kit from GM?

Is there a thread concerning this DIY procedure? I know they sell a kit, but it sounds like something you could do with some high-temp grease in your spare time. Im interested.

There is a kit but you have to disconnect (and likely remove) the ISS to use it. I don't have the equipment to do that. I read on another forum that you do it with a can of spray grease (lithium preferred) from inside the car without disconnecting or removing anything.

You will have to peel back the rubber boot under the driver's side dash that covers the end of the shaft. Once you can contort yourself enough to see it, just push it back until you can see the joint of the ISS. With a flashlight you can see past the joint to the shaft sticking through the firewall. With a bit of skill (or luck) you can get the straw from the spray grease into the shaft and then fill it up with the grease. I gave it several good shots.

The spray grease is available at the auto parts store ($6 CAD). Most folks recommend lithium grease for some reason. Took 10 minutes and the steering literally feels like new. I couldn't believe it.

Hope this is useful for anyone else with clunky steering.

That is good news. I have been dealing with this clunking since I purchased my car. It drives me nuts. I just didn't want to disassemble the steering to put this grease in. Even if the spray will last a shorter time, it would be worth it. Just hope that the original grease in the joint is lithium. Otherwise you might have some problems with dis-simular greases coming together.

There was someone in this forum who suggested motorcycle chain oil - the stuff that sets up a little after it sits. I was wondering if that person is still around, and if it worked?