Steering Shaft Clunk

[JohnnyR]

Had the dreaded clunking sound and steering shaft was replaced (alledgedly) on my '05 2500HD just before 36K warranty expired. Now the clunk is back again at 70K miles. Is it mine to replace this time and what's it cost to do it?

[madmatt]

at 70k it's probably your baby now. two beers, 20 minutes, couple of wrenches, and about $130 should cover it. Not sure if they're available aftermarket yet.

[JohnnyR]

I was wondering whether their first fix not fixing it might require them to do it again. Wishful thinking and all that. So it's not that hard to do? Where can I find instructions?

[Ric]

at 70k it's probably your baby now. two beers, 20 minutes, couple of wrenches, and about $130 should cover it. Not sure if they're available aftermarket yet.
hell if I'd have known it was that easy, I'd have done it to my 05 a year ago:rolleyes:

[JohnC]

Not sure if they're available aftermarket yet.


Borgeson makes a HD shaft that fits, at least up through 2006. It's a little pricy, though, about $250 IIRC.

[Maxhillbilly]

I saw on another forum where they were putting grease zerks in them and if it started clunking they just pumped some new grease in there. and Fixed it.:D

[movemyrv]

I have had a solid feeling clunking in the front end, more noticable at slow speeds, especially noticable when turning slightly left, I can sort of feel it in the wheel. I have had it up on jacks twice already and can't seem to find anything loose. I am afraid it's gonna fly apart, but I can't just stop using it either.

Perhaps this thread is my answer? I did just run outside and try shaking it from under the hood. No luck.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[atchafalaya_man]

I have an 02 and an 05 GMC 1 ton and a 1/2 ton. Both developed the steering clunk. Speaking with a mechanic at the 'back door' of the dealership I was told that this is ultra common and a design flaw. The fix is what the mechanic referred to as "Excercising the shaft", which amounts to merely removing the bolt/nut at the center of the shaft (a 15MM nut I think) and sliding the upper and lower shaft halves up and down in place. Realign, replace the bolt/nut and the clunk is gone for another 25-30000 miles.

The dealer charges $25.00 to excercise the shaft according to the Service Writer.

Try that before buying parts..

[KrazyNate]

Its funny, I havent had this issue.. 02 Silverado HD with 105 K.. Ive had all the common failures, NSBU switch twice, injector recall, bouncy tires, and most recently my transfer case sprung the 'pinhole' leak.. But nigh a sign of steering shaft issues, knock on wood!! :cool:
I wonder what other 'common failures' I can expect... Is it time to sell this thing or what?

[JohnnyR]

So is the bolt at the center of the shaft easy to get to and visible? Hadn't looked lately and don't remember what it looks like? I'll certainly try exercising it.

[JohnnyR]

I see only one visible bolt just above the rubber boot on the steering shaft. I assume that's the bolt I loosen to "exercise" the shaft as described above?

[JohnnyR]

Well, I exercised the steering shaft as described earlier by Atchafalaya Man and it worked. Clunk is gone. We'll see for how long.

[jbplock]

Well, I exercised the steering shaft as described earlier by Atchafalaya Man and it worked. Clunk is gone. We'll see for how long.

Good deal! I wonder if "excersising" the shaft redistributes the grease and eliminates the clunk?

[JohnnyR]

That's what the GM mechanic told Atchafalaya Man, grease redistribution. Bolt is a PITA to reach from the top. Think I'll try from the bottom next time.

[madmatt]

With the wheels pointed straight, I use a 3/8 impact, 6" extension and a 15mm deepwell to get on it. I've "excercised" the shaft before and found it was a VERY shortlived fix and did nothing for the real bad clunks.