Steering "Giggles"

[jdmak68]

Has anyone had the problem of the sensation that the steering wheel fels like it giggles? Especially when you are going around a turn. I had something in the steering unti greased when I first got the truck and it fixed the problem, but now I can't remember what it was. The GMC dealer in town looked at me like I was crazy and said it will take a couple of hours to diagnose. I figured I come here where more intelligent people are.

[PeteA216]

I have the exact same problem on my '84 Caprice Classic (I know there's close to a 20 year difference there). Over time it seemed to get better, but its still there. Nobody, including myself could find out what it was.

[maxwedge]

What year?

[jdmak68]

It is a 2004 Sierra 3500 4X4 SRW with the 8.1L engine

[Bob B]

Originally Posted by jdmak68

Has anyone had the problem of the sensation that the steering wheel fels like it giggles? Especially when you are going around a turn. I had something in the steering unti greased when I first got the truck and it fixed the problem, but now I can't remember what it was. The GMC dealer in town looked at me like I was crazy and said it will take a couple of hours to diagnose. I figured I come here where more intelligent people are.

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My 97 doesn't giggle, sometimes it moans like a ghost wanting out, only when I turn especially if I whip the wheel fast.
I'm cautious to spray lube in there because of the airbag though.

Bob B

[jdmak68]

The giggles is down in the steering arms near the tires, not at the steering wheel.

[Bob B]

Originally Posted by jdmak68

The giggles is down in the steering arms near the tires, not at the steering wheel.

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Hi,
The giggles may be down in the arms, but in my truck, the moaning is in under the steering wheel.
Bob B

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by jdmak68

It is a 2004 Sierra 3500 4X4 SRW with the 8.1L engine

Sounds like the intermediate steering shaft joint that has been problematic for GM, I think they released an updated one to correct this.

[phipps]

Mine will occassionally suddenly "release" when I'm in a turn, especially going around a curve. Very unnerving.

[oinkr2]

I found that there is a Service Buletin on this problem. I have an '03 that doesn't make a noise but my buddy has an '05 that does. Here is what I found:
Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in the Steering Wheel (Lubricate
Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly) #00–02–35–003C – (10/20/2003)
Clunking Noise Under Hood and can be felt in the Steering Wheel (Lubricate
Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly)
2002–2004 Cadillac Escalade‚ Escalade EXT

2003–2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV

1999–2004 Chevrolet Silverado

2000–2004 Chevrolet Suburban‚ Tahoe

2002–2004 Chevrolet Avalanche

1999–2004 GMC Sierra

2000–2004 GMC Yukon‚ Yukon XL

2003–2004 HUMMER H2

With Recirculating Ball–Type Steering

This bulletin is being revised to add additional procedures and time for
vehicles equipped with adjustable foot pedals and to add additional models
and years· Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00–02–35–003B (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·

Correction

Important
DO NOT REPLACE THE FOLLOWING INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT P/Ns:

a.· 26085548
b.· 26049343
c.· 26083324
d.· 26088325
e.· 15772436
f.· 26078079

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

[speilman]

Originally Posted by phipps

Mine will occassionally suddenly "release" when I'm in a turn, especially going around a curve. Very unnerving.

Seems to be a common problem with the older models. Something about slow speed steering assist going wrong. Pop on over to the Chevy CK forum and do a search for EVO sensor and you should find yourself a solution.

[phipps]

Originally Posted by speilman

Seems to be a common problem with the older models. Something about slow speed steering assist going wrong. Pop on over to the Chevy CK forum and do a search for EVO sensor and you should find yourself a solution.

Thanks, I'll do that!!

[PK55Z85]

what do you mean by "giggles"? do mean the clunk-rattle noise/feeling in the str wheel column, or does it feel as if the p/s assist comes and goes while in a long turn, almost feels as if it jerks?
update: the interm. shaft bulle. has been updated back to a lube kit, new type of grease.