Steering wheel clunking

Nobby · #1 09-05-2005, 01:15 AM

I feel a clunk in my steering wheel, usually at slow speed while making a turn.
I remember awhile ago the dealership greasing the shaft and it did help but is this suppose to be routine maintenance?

Is there anything else I can do?

lunasea808 · #2 09-05-2005, 06:04 AM

No this should not be routine. I think the (stealership) was cutting corners with you not wanting to invest any more money into that car.

canatto · #3 09-05-2005, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lunasea808

No this should not be routine. I think the (stealership) was cutting corners with you not wanting to invest any more money into that car.

I second that.

My 2000 GLS came with the exact problem when I bought it. I DIY greased up the intermediate shaft with the grease kit that dealership sells (about $20), and it's never come back so far after 2 years. It's supposed to be a permanent fix if done right.

Nobby · #4 09-05-2005, 10:42 AM

$20 is good for that price I'll buy 2 j/k

So far this is car has been damn good

Hopefully the new sky will be equal since I'm #5 on the list.

Cheers

kmohr3 · #5 09-05-2005, 10:00 PM

My steering shaft clunks too. I bought the kit, but haven't greased it yet - involves removing the steering shaft, per the instructions. Does anyone know how much grief is involved removing the shaft at home? How hard is it to get the shaft off on the steering rack end? Can I get it off without jacking up the car and working from underneath?

02Olds · #6 09-05-2005, 10:20 PM

I just got my 02 back from the dealer.I had the same problem.They replaced the intermediate steering shaft.So far,so good.
I have that 5/60k mile warranty on the car otherwise I wouldn't let those guys see that car at all.

Nobby · #7 09-06-2005, 12:49 PM

I bought the kit today for 20 cdn.

There are 4 retainer clips holding the fabric panel in place

I notice the dealer cut open the rubber boot and greased the shaft while in place then taped up the cut.

Can somebody verify that the cut isn't factory issue

That was about 2 years ago

Now I have the same problem

I'm thinking about doing it myself now

Nobby · #8 09-06-2005, 01:18 PM

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ab_sus...117394,00.html

says 8 hours for the procedure

8 HOURS?!??

canatto · #9 09-06-2005, 11:09 PM

Your dealer might have simply sprayed in some White Grease or alike, cheap ass fix.

That cut was made by your dealer so that they could gain access to the upper opening of the intermeate shaft to spary in stuff.

I did a cut to mine too when I applied the grease-up fix.

You don't have to remove the whole shaft from the car if you don't want to. Simply remove the pinch bolt at the upper end, disconnect the shaft fron the steering column and swing it out of way (never turn the wheel while shaft stays un-connected). Then inject the grease, seal it up with the rubber plug, do the pumping action with your hand -- it'll take a bit of strong arm -- or with your right foot while sitting on the ground if your arm isn't up to the job.

It's pretty straight forward.

Good luck.

kmohr3 · #10 09-08-2005, 06:39 PM

I lubed up the steering shaft on my Intrigue today. The job went pretty well, and it seemed to fix it. It seemed like kind of a hassle, though, if you ask me. I didn't cut the boot open - just left it intact, nor did I take the shaft loose from the steering rack - Also I found it quite difficult to get the steering shaft back into place. I probably spent a couple hours on it. Next time it'll be a little easier, could probably get it down to under an hour.

Nobby · #11 09-08-2005, 08:30 PM

I pulled down the boot and sprayed down the hollow shaft with chain wax.

Once the wax drys, it's hard like well ....wax plus it keeps things lubed.

Been 2 days now and feels good.

I'll keep you guys posted.

roonie · #12 09-21-2005, 03:09 PM

ive never greased my shaft but it needs doing and i may also have a steering rack problem (1998)I am going to grease my shaft first.what would be wrong with drilling a hole and installing a grease nipple and making a little tear in the rubber so that access can be gained.like is there a casing over the shaft so that a person could drill for a nipple??It appears that there is a casing.can someone that has done this fix reply and tell us if a nipple could perhaps be installed so further greasing could be done down the road........so to speak

kmohr3 · #13 09-21-2005, 10:13 PM

It's a good thought and maybe it would work, but I don't think I would try this - it may affect the integrity of the steering shaft - it may weaken it?? Why not buy the kit from the dealer, it has the instructions in it and everything you need.

roonie · #14 09-21-2005, 11:25 PM

I have not looked yet so please tell me,am i correct when i say that there is a steering shaft inside of a pipe type tube overtop of the shaft itself?If so tell me how drilling a tiny hole for a nipple would weaken the integrity of the shaft?Also if i were to go ahead with this type of fix,where on the shaft would the grease benifit the most?top,middle,or bottom?
also do some folks pull the rubber boot down from the top and squirt grease from the top.Im just a little confused as to where everything is situated.I did pull the boot down from the top today and seen a u joint type knuckle near the top. does the tube begin just below that top knuckle?thanks for the help and replies so soon.much appreciated

kmohr3 · #15 09-22-2005, 08:47 AM

The shaft is telescoping, in other words the outer sleeve slips over the inner piece. The outer (hollow) sleeve apparently drives the inner piece. I don't know what they look like inside, I've never cut one open. I think the grease just kind of dampens the sound between the 2 pieces. As far as where to drill the hole, anyone's guess? You're the engineer on this one. Take some pics and post them when you get done

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