Steering shaft clunk

[Dawg]

I've searched some old posts but still have some questions on the repair procedure. My truck has about 31,000 miles and the steering clunk is in its beginning stages. I'm going to take it in before the warranty is up.

What should I expect? What will the repair procedure be? Is there a TSB?

Thanks in advance.

[OC_DMAX]

I had a 2000 Chev 2500 series truck that had the same clunking noise in the steering shaft. They replaced the intermediate steering shaft. My current 2002 Chev 2500 D/A is developing the same problem. Looks like they are just lubing them now.

It amazes me how incompetent GM is on this. Something that should have been put to bed long time ago.

Anyway, I obtainted the TSB from another website and posted part of it here for you (since direct linking does not work):


Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt In the Steering Wheel
(Lubricate Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly)
#00-02-35-003B - (01/24/2003)


2002-2003 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

1999-2003 Chevrolet Silverado

2000-2003 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe

2002-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche

1999-2003 GMC Sierra

2000-2003 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL

2003 HUMMER H2

With Recirculating Ball-Type Steering

This bulletin is being revised to add model years and models and Correction information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-003A (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

26085548
26049343
26083324
26088325
15772436
26078079

Remove the intermediate shaft from the vehicle and lubricate the intermediate shaft with a Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Lubrication Kit, P/N 26098419. Follow the service procedure below.

[JimWilson]

I've had the "lube job" :eek: done twice, and 2 steering shafts replaced. And it's back. Again. Just imagine how many of those shafts are littering the landfills because of GM's incompetence. Absolutely deplorable! :mad:

[HD-Nate]

Originally posted by JimWilson:
I've had the "lube job" :eek: done twice, and 2 steering shafts replaced. And it's back. Again. Just imagine how many of those shafts are littering the landfills because of GM's incompetence. Absolutely deplorable! :mad: Incompetence....Absolutely deplorable.... :eek: :eek:

I have a buddy who has a 2002 F*rd 6.0 PSD (aka {his words} POS) who would gladly trade you problems.

[OC_DMAX]

This problem first started appearing on 1999 trucks. Some people with 2004 models are complaining about the problem. That is 6 model years this problem has been present. Lets say in 1999 the problem had not surfaced yet. So for 5 years GM has ignored the problem.

Agreed, the Ford 6.0L problems are terrible and I feel sorry for anyone stuck with a problem truck. Causes a lot of stress, among other things. However, I'll bet Ford doesn't ignore their problem for 5 years!!

[txguppy]

I've got the "Clunk" too. Always have. Just been living with it. Will it hurt anything to just let it clunk, or should I try to have it fixed? Is there any relation to the steering rattle? I mainly notice it in parking situations especially with wheels left.

Thanx,

txguppy