I had mine replaced twice under warranty and the second time they said it was "the good new design". I guess they were pretty well right since it lasted a bit over 100,000 miles. I just had it replaced again a month ago and it improved the rattle, but it was still there to some degree. They then replaced a bearing that this shaft rides on and that solved it completely. The steering now feels rock solid like a brand new one. So if you do get the shaft replaced, have the bearing done at the same time. IMHO
Ed
KM4STL
'06 Sierra LBZ 4x4 Crew SB, Titan 52 gallon fuel tank, TTT/Schefenacker Mirrors
'98 Suburban, 245,000 - sold 7-4-06