2002 Intermediate Steering Shaft...

[sleber]

I know there are several posts about the Intermediate Steering Shaft on this forum but after searching through a bunch I did not find one that had detailed, illustrated instructions on fixing the problem. My wifes 02 suburban had the problem "fixed" twice under warranty and now the problem has resurfaced with only 38,000 miles on the vehicle. I need to do the repair soon because she will be going on a long trip in about a month.

Could someone please post a link (or actual instructions) to some detailed, illustrated instructions on repairing this problem along with best place online to purchase parts (and any special tools needed).

Thanks

[sleber]

No replies. Guess I'm on my on.

[dewaynep]

Not entirely on your own. Here is a link to a "Weekend Mechanic" episode that aired on DIY network: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ab_sus...117394,00.html
Very informative and a pretty straightforward job. From what I have read though, I would replace the shaft with the newer updated one rather than just replacing the grease. Good luck.

[sleber]

Thanks for the link Dewayne. Do you happen to know the part number for the new shaft? And is it really better?

[dewaynep]

Well, I checked out my GM ESI service bulletins and it appears GM doesn't recommend changing the shaft. Apparently all that happens is the grease that is on the splines of the shaft gets heated by the exhaust manifold which is right next to the shaft. This causes the grease to run down and out of the end of the shaft. The current fix is the lube kit. If it were me, I would get the lube kit but find the highest tempurature grease I could and use that to lube the shaft instead of te grease provided in the kit. From what I've read, you don't have anything to lose trying a different grease, as the others who are having problems are regreasing their shafts every 10k miles or so. It's up to you.
There is a borgeson replacement shaft, but that has its problems too; Too much road feel through the steering column.