Steering Column Clunk/rattle

**gregg** · 10-01-2008, 08:27 AM

Hi. I'm new to this forum and this is my first post. I own a 2004 GMC 2500 Sierra 4X4 with a duramax diesel. The dealer just replaced the "intermediate Steering Shaft" after I compained about a clunking/rattle sound coming from near the steering wheel under the dash. The sound occured more often when turning on a rough road. I thought something might be loose under the dash but couldn't find anything. The dealer diagnosed the "intermediate steering shaft" and replaced it. No change. Took the truck back and after the mechanic drove the truck with electronic stethoscopes attatched around the steering column; he said the steering column needed replacement at a cost of $1900..WOW. This is not covered under my extended warranty as the mechanic used the word "rattle" when talking with GMC. I had the left ball joint replaced and the tires rotated at the same time they installed the "intermediate steering shaft" and now the trucks steering wheel is slightly off when travelling in a straight line. I'm hoping some of you guys/gals can help me resolve these problems. Truck has 65,000miles/110,000km on it and I use it to pull an RV. Thanks Gregg

**dwill3015** · 10-01-2008, 10:30 AM

Welcome to the site Greg. I had the ISS replaced on my 2006 2500HD as well a few months ago and the rattle/clunking is starting to come back again. I have read on other forums about the ISS being replaced 3 or 4 times but I have never heard of the steering column needing replaced (unless the truck was involved in an accident). As far as the steering wheel not being straight now after front-end work, a simmple alignment should have corrected that after the parts replacement. If you can, take it to a different dealer for a second opinion.

**MWright936** · 10-01-2008, 02:18 PM

I second what Darcy said. I have had my intermediate steering shaft replaced as well. I would get a second opinion on that steering column diagnosis.

**smpoulin1** · 10-01-2008, 02:51 PM

I had an 02 HD with the same problem. Took 2 trips to get it fixed. Was the intermediate shaft. Make the dealer re-align the front end and make sure you mention that the sterring wheel is off center.

**common dude** · 10-01-2008, 03:02 PM

there was a recall on the 03 models for the steering columns. it sounds similar to the problem my dad had with his and it was the steering column

**dwill3015** · 10-01-2008, 03:56 PM

The recall for the 03 was for the steering wheel position sensor/steering shaft lower bearing but it's not listed for the 04's but it sounds like the same problem like common dude said. I read the repair procedure and the whole steering column has to be removed from the vehicle and then disassembled to fix it.

**fifty_2pickup** · 10-01-2008, 10:56 PM

My '88 Suburban has only 48K miles on it, and it's steering column was replaced before I got the vehicle. I realized this when I noticed that I had a cruise control type wiper arm, and my rig is not cruise control equipped. Checking with a friend of mine who owns a salvage and repair yard, I was told that the steering column is a definite problem item on these rigs, and that he sees lots of them. Some kind of a design flaw...

**tellys350ck** · 10-01-2008, 11:58 PM

Highly unlikely you need a steering column replaced, I have yet to see a GM truck roll through the shop with a "knocking,rattling,feels like something loose" complaint be a steering column. GM had a big problem with the I-shaft making noise because they didn't pack enough grease into the joint, for the longest time (2003- last 5 months ish) GM said to pack the joint with more lube and the noise would go away but they have FINALLY came out with an updated I-shaft to correct the noise. I would recommmend to take it to another dealer before you drop major coin on something that probably doesn't need replaced. Good Luck!

**Rex** · 01-21-2009, 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by tellys350ck

Highly unlikely you need a steering column replaced, I have yet to see a GM truck roll through the shop with a "knocking,rattling,feels like something loose" complaint be a steering column. GM had a big problem with the I-shaft making noise because they didn't pack enough grease into the joint, for the longest time (2003- last 5 months ish) GM said to pack the joint with more lube and the noise would go away but they have FINALLY came out with an updated I-shaft to correct the noise. I would recommmend to take it to another dealer before you drop major coin on something that probably doesn't need replaced. Good Luck!

Dealer greased mine about 30K ago and the noise went away until recently, 60K.
Do you have a picture or description of where to pack in grease?

**TopNach** · 01-22-2009, 08:08 PM

mine dose the same thing.. its kinda annoying at times. I looked at it really quick like 1 min and it seems like with mine the steering column right before the firewall of the car i shook it and it seems like the noise is coming form there. I am going to take a look at it more and in depth then ill report back!... Just had a baby so its kinda hard to find time