steering column noise

[g-man]

My 2004 chevy silverado 1500 crewcab Z71 has developed a rattling sound in the steering column. It has about 50,000 mi on it. Anybody else had this problem? If so what's up with it? Thanks in advance for any insight. Ythe way G-Man here.

[Tom Evans]

I just bought a 2002 Suburban and observed the same thing. I don't usually hear the rattle when I hit a bump going straight. The rattle occurs more when I am off from center.

[TahoeFever]

Steering - Clunking Noises Felt in Steering Wheel

Bulletin No.: 00-02-35-003M

Date: January 31, 2007

TECHNICAL
Subject:
Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in Steering Wheel and/or Steering Column (Replace Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft [I-Shaft] Assembly)

Models:
2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade Models
1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado Models (Classic)
2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe Models
2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche
1999-2007 GMC Sierra Models (Classic)
2000-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL Models
2003-2006 HUMMER H2

Attention: This Service Bulletin DOES NOT include Mid-Size Utilities such as Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer Models, GMC Envoy Models or Oldsmobile Bravada.

Refer to Service Bulletin 02-02-35-006A or newer for Mid-Size Utilities.

Supercede:

This bulletin is being revised to update the repair procedure with a permanent fix. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-003L (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.

Diagnostic Tips

Use the information below to help diagnose the source of the noise.

Frame Snap and/or Popping Type Noise - A frame snap or popping type noise can be duplicated on rough or smooth road surfaces with steering wheel input to the left or the right. This type of noise can be HEARD and is typically louder with the windows rolled down. For additional information, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-61-002F or newer - Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Front Crossmember, Change Fastener Orientation).

Intermediate Shaft Clunk - Intermediate shaft clunk is heard and FELT in the steering wheel and/or steering column area, typically while driving on rough road surfaces with steering wheel input.

[g-man]

Thanks for the info. Obviously, there is no danger of loss of control or there would be a recall. This gm truck club is the Hot Lick, as they say.

[TahoeFever]

all is good i got the shaft replaced myself and it looks like i'm back into the shop again for the perm fix . :)

i know another site where a guy actually did the job himself and did a step by step with pics in a pdf format walkthrough :)

[DutchTBI]

Can you post the link to that site??

[TahoeFever]

Sure I'l send an email to the other forums to make shure its ok to post it :)

[TahoeFever]

Ok I posted the Link online here it is

Enjoy!

Steeringprocedure.pdf (http://z71tahoe-suburban.com/iboard/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=69)

:fighting0040:

[DutchTBI]

Thanks:great:

[FireRed]

Reading the PDF it says 2002 needs a special tool for the job, curious roughly how much a dealer charges for the job?

Phil

[PowerMax]

I had my '99 in to the dealership for a recall on the tailgate cables and abs speed sensor in '06 and I complained about the intermediate shaft clunking. They replaced it under recall, also - they said it was a voluntary recall and the intermediate shafts were only replaced if the customer complained about it. So sometimes the squeeky wheel does get greased. :rofl:

Jeff

[FireRed]

Had the newer version of the shaft installed Thursday, just under two bills sweet not to have any racket. This one they say is the cure all, it has a hard rubber insert that requires no lube, I guess time will tell.

Phil

[TahoeFever]

just under two bills? not bad at all :)

[Steve]

I had my '99 in to the dealership for a recall on the tailgate cables and abs speed sensor in '06 and I complained about the intermediate shaft clunking. They replaced it under recall, also - they said it was a voluntary recall and the intermediate shafts were only replaced if the customer complained about it. So sometimes the squeeky wheel does get greased. :rofl:

Jeff

Wow, thanks for the info on that. Good stuff.

[corburns]

First I want to say that this forum is great! I had been having problems with a clunking/rattling noise coming from the front end of my '05 Tahoe Z71 (44,000 miles) for several weeks. No noticeable issues (except the noise) but it was driving me crazy as I try to keep the vehicle tight. I read up on this website about the I-Shaft issue and had my eyes opened to the source of the nuisance. Thanks to one and all who provided input. :great:

After reading on the forum about the Service Bulletin, I proceeded to contact the dealers in my area. Five of the 6 dealerships were unwilling to cover the repair on a "good-will" basis (despite my best efforts to persuade them). I was at my whits end dreading the cost of the repair and tried one last dealership. Thanks to Gordon Chevy (Tampa, FL) they made the repair with no cost to me in about 1 1/2 hours this past Saturday morning. The vehicle is back in tip-top shape running smoothly and quietly.

Two things to take from this posting... 1. Thanks for your help to those contributing to the forum. 2. If you need service in Tampa on your vehicle, I would recommend Gordon Chevy. Good team of people there focused on what is important (us - the customer).

Corey

[Cableguy]

Thats what I like to hear, Thanks Corey and :sign0016:

[TahoeFever]

thats awsome i'm glad you were able to get that issue fixed :)

Guys any tahoe from 99-06 I got 99.99% all the TSB's if someone needs something

[loridinnx2000]

do u guys know if they came out with another updated shaft cause im on my second intermediate shaft already first one was pulled out and relubed second one cost about 150 cause they said it was out of warrenty and now the second one also just started making noise and ive only put about 17k since it first went into the shop for this problem this is on a 03 yukon with 50k

[TahoeFever]

do u guys know if they came out with another updated shaft cause im on my second intermediate shaft already first one was pulled out and relubed second one cost about 150 cause they said it was out of warrenty and now the second one also just started making noise and ive only put about 17k since it first went into the shop for this problem this is on a 03 yukon with 50k

They should have replaced with this shaft I-shaft P/N 19153614 has been designed to replace previous designed dampened and non-dampened I-shafts. The physical difference in the yoke size will accommodate all vehicles listed in this bulletin.

Due to the design of the new I-shaft, it is not possible to lubricate/grease the I-shaft.

If your a DIY person on these forums i posted instructions in a pdf format on how to replace the shaft yourself.

[LenHaduck]

Hi all,
Was wondering where to get the special tool for 04 so as not to damage anything and how much it costs.
My 04 burb has 18000 miles and started making the same thump. The pdf. in the thread looks helpful but if it can go wrong with me, it will. Any info. would be appreciated.
thanks

[LenHaduck]

Hi all,
Can anyone recomend an aftermarket intermediate steering shaft for an 04 suburban. I want to fix this thing once and don't believe grease is anything but a band-aid. My burb goes to the chevy dealer for them to look at the shaft tomorrow. 17,800 miles on it. I will let you know what they say.

thanks

[MWright936]

I just wanted to give a big thanks to everyone that started and gave info on this thread!! It really helped me ID the problem in my truck. I'm taking it to the dealership tomorrow to get the intermediate steering shaft replaced! It's all covered under warranty since I've only owned the truck for like 3 weeks now. Thanks again!!!!

[dwill3015]

I got mine replaced a couple of months ago as well.

[LenHaduck]

Hi all,
I had the same problem with my 04 suburban. (18,000 miles) I called GM and they told me to take it to the local dealer. I took it to Dean Patterson Chevrolet in Aloona Pa. They were aware of the problem and they replaced it at no cost. imagine that.......

[Sabre7]

Hey all, I too had the shaft replaced 3 times... last time was with the new one.. and 20K later all is still good.

But now I have a new shaft issue.
Under the dash where the intermediate shaft connects to the upper shaft there is a large white plastic bushing on the end of the actual column sleeve. This has become loose and rattles like no tomorrow... I have been able to get my big foot under the dash while driving and placing pressure on this bushing... the rattle/clunnk stops.

Does anyone know if this is a replaceable part.. and if so... How the heck would one go about replacing it...?

Thanks

[62930-03]

My 03 Silverado has developed this problem and I was wondering if there is any type of mileage issue ?
What i mean is will they not do the work on a truck with 70K miles ?

I'll be making a few calls tomorrow but thought I would ask so i would know what to expect when calling.

[62930-03]

So how are you guys getting a stealer to do the TRB work ?

I stopped buy one stealer today and when I asked about it the guy said "for free " ?

LOL, am I not understanding this correct I thought the stealer gets paid from Chevrolet ?

If thats the case whats the problem with them fixing something that obviously has a problem or there wouldn't be a TSB ?