Thumping/Clunking in steering column/frontend?

[Submariner]

2002 Sierra 1500 Z71 4x4 Extended cab 5.3l auto. Flow Master duel exhaust, K&N FIPK intake, Superchips Tuner.

Thats the truck. Now the problem is while I'm taking a corner I can feel a thumping/clunking vibrating up thru the steering column into the steering wheel (not sure if its in the column or frontend) I have had an idependent garage and Midas go all thru the front end and all looks good. Tie rods, pitman arm, CV joints (Boots are fine), ball joints everything is tight and shows no sign of wear or tear. This only happens when I am turning. The turn can be a sharp one or a gradual one (On/Off ramps) also the sharpness of the turn makes no diffrenece in the noise. So I figure that rules out a CV Joint problem. I would greatly appriciate any advice prior to taking it to the stealership.

[2004vho]

Its probably the intermediate steering shaft, located just outside the firewall of your truck. GM has adesigned a new replacement for this exact issue as you have described. Contact your local dealership for part # and pricing, unless you purchased a GM extened warranty-as then it would most likely be a covered component.....

[Submariner]

Thanks for the info. It's been replaced once in early 2004 (Previous owner). I wonder what the chances are it need to be replaced again.

[2004vho]

It might not have been replaced with the new design part #??? I heard that there was such a "run" on these shafts that GM actually installed the same old part #'s until that stock ran out.....So i'd still check it out.

[Submariner]

Went to the dealer and they brought up my VIN number. The place only regreased it. I got into a discussion and the service guy said he is even seeing the new ones having the same issue. A new one is 150.00 a rebuilt is 69.00 (With core return). So with that info I decide to get the regrease kit (11.00) and do it myself. It took about 15 to 20 minutes (I only disconnected the end under the hood). They also told me there was no safety issue it is just an annoying noise. Now lets see how long it lasts.

[buckyberndt]

Originally Posted by Submariner

Went to the dealer and they brought up my VIN number. The place only regreased it. I got into a discussion and the service guy said he is even seeing the new ones having the same issue. A new one is 150.00 a rebuilt is 69.00 (With core return). So with that info I decide to get the regrease kit (11.00) and do it myself. It took about 15 to 20 minutes (I only disconnected the end under the hood). They also told me there was no safety issue it is just an annoying noise. Now lets see how long it lasts.

Submariner,I`m having the thumping you are,thanks for this info:Can you go into more detail on how you greased the steering rod. That rubber at the top of the rod is giving me fits with out going into the cab. Thanks

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by buckyberndt

Submariner,I`m having the thumping you are,thanks for this info:Can you go into more detail on how you greased the steering rod. That rubber at the top of the rod is giving me fits with out going into the cab. Thanks

No problem. First i'm assuming your using the grease kit you can get at the stealership because it contains a plug you will need. I didn't feel like removing the whole shaft so I only disconnected the shaft under the hood (1 Bolt). the nut has a clip on it which will not allow it to turn so you will need to hold it with a wrench and turn the bolt. Once the bolt and nut are removed you can compress the intermediate shaft enough to let it come free (Just let the lower shaft lay where ever). At this point take care to note the placement of the shaft and do not turn it. I had a small mirror which I was able to look into the shaft because you will need to remove a C clip from the inside. Next fully extend the shaft and insert the syringe with the grease into the shaft and inject all the grease into it. Put the plug into the end of the shaft and tighten up the wing nut. Slowley compress the shaft all the way (This pushes the grease all the way up into the shaft). Remove the plug, insert the clip back in as it was when you removed it (Only insert it about 1/4 of an inch past the edge of the shaft opening). Insert the lower shaft reinstall the bolt and thats it. The noise stopped immediately for me. I figure I will have to have owned the truck for 10 more years and regrease it once a year before I spend as much as the dealer wants for the "New and improved shaft" which they will not guarentee will even take care of the issue (They told me some of the new ones still are acting up). If you can change your oil you can do this.

[buckyberndt]

Originally Posted by Submariner

No problem. First i'm assuming your using the grease kit you can get at the stealership because it contains a plug you will need. I didn't feel like removing the whole shaft so I only disconnected the shaft under the hood (1 Bolt). the nut has a clip on it which will not allow it to turn so you will need to hold it with a wrench and turn the bolt. Once the bolt and nut are removed you can compress the intermediate shaft enough to let it come free (Just let the lower shaft lay where ever). At this point take care to note the placement of the shaft and do not turn it. I had a small mirror which I was able to look into the shaft because you will need to remove a C clip from the inside. Next fully extend the shaft and insert the syringe with the grease into the shaft and inject all the grease into it. Put the plug into the end of the shaft and tighten up the wing nut. Slowley compress the shaft all the way (This pushes the grease all the way up into the shaft). Remove the plug, insert the clip back in as it was when you removed it (Only insert it about 1/4 of an inch past the edge of the shaft opening). Insert the lower shaft reinstall the bolt and thats it. The noise stopped immediately for me. I figure I will have to have owned the truck for 10 more years and regrease it once a year before I spend as much as the dealer wants for the "New and improved shaft" which they will not guarentee will even take care of the issue (They told me some of the new ones still are acting up). If you can change your oil you can do this.

Submariner,Thanks again!That seems to do the trick.Greased that steering rod up an so far no thumping.Saved me alot of time.I put up with that thumping for alone while.This forum is great,hope I don`t have to use it very often. Thanks!!!

[bobboinge]

Try GM_TRUCKS.com They tell you how to do it even show photos.