Took my truck in for the intermediate steering shaft replacement due to clunking in the steering and it clunked worse after the shaft was replaced. I took it back to the dealer and they pulled the shaft out and checked it with others in the parts department. They decided the shaft was fine. So, they decided I needed a new steering column. Now waiting for the column to come in and they will put it in.

Has anyone else had this problem solved by replacing the steering column? I also wonder if I will have the same problem after a few miles. Did they upgrade the steering columns you order for an 06? I guess I'll just have to see if this works.

I, myself have never replaced a strg col assy. for a clunk in a gmt 800 in the 12 years i have been at the dealership, not to say that a col can't clunk, replaced a few col brgs for noise mind you.....odd.

I, myself have never replaced a strg col assy. for a clunk in a gmt 800 in the 12 years i have been at the dealership, not to say that a col can't clunk, replaced a few col brgs for noise mind you.....odd.

KGT,
Did you replace column bearings to fix the clunk or a different noise? Does it sound like they are hunting to fix this?:rolleyes:

Noise's are tough on the net..lol, the reason for replacing brgs is for a squeak or a grind, rubbin type noise...now saying that a bad brg COULD clunk i guess, but then a simple brg replacement is the repair, not a complete strg col replacement, but then i don't know all the reason's why the tech working on you truck has to make a complete replacment a requirement., Also one other thing, make sure they are using the new updated interm shaft and not a old stock shaft,...one more thing, loose tie rod ends clunk as well...
Whats strange is that is made more noise after they replaced the shaft, that in it self seems odd.....

Just to update everyone on the steering clunk noise. Turns out it wasn't the steering column. Today the dealer found a broken bolt in an instrument panel mounting bracket. They had to get the broken bolt out and put another one in. I know it clunked worse after they did the intermediate shaft . . . . . . . . . hmmmmm :rolleyes:. They said they wondered how it broke. So, I have the updated intermediate shaft, a new steering column, and the new bolt. On the RO it says the steering column had a bad bearing. All I know is the clunk is gone.

Today the dealer found a broken bolt in an instrument panel mounting bracket. They had to get the broken bolt out and put another one in. I know it clunked worse after they did the intermediate shaft . . . . . . . . . hmmmmm :rolleyes:. They said they wondered how it broke. So, I have the updated intermediate shaft, a new steering column, and the new bolt. On the RO it says the steering column had a bad bearing. All I know is the clunk is gone.

I have the"clunk"too. I have no time to go to the dealer and let it sit there right now. In your opion is it dangerious to let it go for a month or so until I have time to let it sit at the dealer? It is seeming to have more and more clunking sounds coming out.

I have the"clunk"too. I have no time to go to the dealer and let it sit there right now. In your opion is it dangerious to let it go for a month or so until I have time to let it sit at the dealer? It is seeming to have more and more clunking sounds coming out.

I had one replaced on my 2001 Z71 and it clonked for some time (several years). No its not dangerous but annoying. My 2006 has just begun to sound and feel the same as my 2001 did. I thought that they had a fix in about 2003 maybe 2004 but it seems to have continued through 2006.
The fix I read about is packing grease into the shaft somewhere that was not done right at the factory. I am not sure about that but my 2001 definitely did not clunk after the 'fix'. The tech said he had done many so knew what to do.

Does anyone know if there is a different shaft from GM that eliminates the potential for this on 2006 trucks? I see that there is a shaft from "borgesen" or some name like that that seems to work also but that on your own dime repair.

In your opion is it dangerious to let it go for a month or so until I have time to let it sit at the dealer? It is seeming to have more and more clunking sounds coming out.

I dont think I am qualified to voice an opinion on such a safety issue, but there are folks on here that know a lot more about it and can voice their opinion. My dealer said it was annoying but not dangerous. I think if it was a safety issue, we would have seen a recall, lawsuits from accidents, or something.

I had one replaced on my 2001 Z71 and it clonked for some time (several years). No its not dangerous but annoying. My 2006 has just begun to sound and feel the same as my 2001 did. I thought that they had a fix in about 2003 maybe 2004 but it seems to have continued through 2006.

Does anyone know if there is a different shaft from GM that eliminates the potential for this on 2006 trucks?

I was told that they didn't change the shafts till the new body style 2007 models.

Yes there is a replacement now. The bulletin is below.


Document ID# 1893252
2006 Chevrolet Chevy K Silverado - 4WD


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Subject: Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in Steering Wheel and/or Steering Column (Replace Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft (I-Shaft) Assembly) #00-02-35-003M - (01/31/2007)



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.



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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).


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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.

Correction
DO THIS
DON'T DO THIS

Replace the I-Shaft with P/N 19153614.
Do NOT lubricate or exercise the I-Shaft.


Important:

• 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.


Replace the steering column upper intermediate shaft with an improved design shaft that will eliminate the clunk noise using the procedure listed below.

Set the front wheels in the straight ahead position.
Notice: On the 2002 and later model year vehicles, the steering column LOCK was removed from the steering column. It is critical that the J 42640 - Steering column Anti-Rotation Pin is used when servicing steering columns on 2002 and later model year vehicles. Failure to use the J 42640 may result in damage to the SIR coil.

Set the steering wheel in the LOCK position on 2001 and prior model year vehicles.



For 2002 and later vehicles, install the J 42640 in the steering column lower access hole.



From under the hood, remove the lower bolt that connects the upper intermediate shaft to the steering gear coupling shaft.
Slide the shaft towards the dash in order to disengage the shaft from the steering gear coupling shaft.
For vehicles equipped with adjustable foot pedals, perform the following steps:
6.1. Reposition the carpet away from the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor.

6.2. Remove the two nuts retaining the accelerator pedal to the bulkhead.

6.3. Reposition the accelerator pedal out of the way so the intermediate shaft can be removed.





From inside the vehicle, remove the upper bolt from the upper intermediate steering shaft (1) to the steering column connection.
Remove the upper intermediate steering shaft assembly.
8.1. From inside the vehicle, slide the shaft down and off the steering column.

8.2. From inside the vehicle, slide the upper intermediate shaft through the dash boot seal and remove the shaft from the vehicle.

Replace the upper intermediate shaft.
Install the upper intermediate steering shaft through the dash boot seal and slide the lower end into the steering gear coupling shaft.
Raise the upper end of the intermediate steering shaft and install into the steering column shaft.
Install the upper bolt and nut.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

Install the lower bolt and nut.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

For vehicles equipped with adjustable foot pedals, perform the following steps:
14.1. Reposition the accelerator pedals into position on the bulkhead.

14.2. Install the two retaining nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

14.3. Reposition the carpet into place.

Parts Information
Part Number
Description

19153614
Shaft - Upper Intermediate Steering


Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

E7700
Shaft, Steering Intermediate - Upper -- Replace
Use Published Labor Operation Time

I too had the clunk in the steering column. Found it out to be the bearing/bushing located at the bottom of the steering column. Dealership replaced the part and clunk is now gone. I looked at the bearing they took out and it appeared to have nothing wrong with it, but after it was replaced I wasn't able to move the steering shaft inside the column anymore.

I I think if it was a safety issue, we would have seen a recall, lawsuits from accidents, or something.


I just didn't want the be one of these guys that had the so say accident!

Thanks

I too had the clunk in the steering column. Found it out to be the bearing/bushing located at the bottom of the steering column. Dealership replaced the part and clunk is now gone. I looked at the bearing they took out and it appeared to have nothing wrong with it, but after it was replaced I wasn't able to move the steering shaft inside the column anymore.


That was part of my problem also. After the dealer replaced the intermediate shaft, I could still move the shaft going into the steering column. But after they replaced the column, the shaft doesn't move. Must have been a combination of things.

Thanks to dmax650tq for steering me in the right direction on the steering column clunk and chatter. I took copies of the forum to the dealer and insisted that they replace the lower bearing. They did not want to listen to me, but after they had already replaced the intermediate shaft twice, I was going to make them listen to all of you who have had the problem. They replaced it and of course, "it is fixed"! Couldn't someone at Chevy figure this out and send a bulletin to the dealers so people don't have to return three or four times? Thanks again!

A big Thank You to dmax650tq, it is amazing how willing my dealership was to replace the steering shaft in my 2006 gmc 2500 when confronted with their own service bulletin. I dont know what was worse, the sound of the clunk or the service manager saying he could not find a problem. They greased it last week, the noise was back 2 days later. All is quiet now. Funny, the only thing they seemed concerned with was where I aquired a copy of their bulletin. Time to find another dealer.

Thanks

GtBoomer
2006 Serria 2500 4x4 crew cab

If the lower bearing is the problem...simply replacing it will not "FIX" the issue. It will merely postpone it again if the bearing is the same old design.
ac

If the lower bearing is the problem...simply replacing it will not "FIX" the issue. It will merely postpone it again if the bearing is the same old design.
ac


I agree. The design is the same and it appears that the lower part of the steering column has problems. Others on here have discussed putting a hose clamp around the end of the column where the bearing sits. I have done this and it removed any bit of slack I had. It is still quiet.