Anyone have any idea how long of a wait there is for a replacement steering shaft. Mine is getting noisier quite fast, really bad when I make a turn going up into a driveway. I know its under warranty but it annoy's me to hear it and not be sure nothing more than noise is going to come from it.

I know I have no idea, but I know alot of us have been waiting a long time. I was just told the other day that if I wanted to purchase the shaft they had it in stock but not in stock for warranty work. What ever that meant... Think they need to get working on this soon.. Mine is starting to anger me and making more noise everyday...

It's a common and annoying problem. Just had the gear replaced on my 04 dmax at 12k. My daughter in Michigan has been waiting 6 week for a replacement on her 02 Suburban. I just picked up a new Z71 Suburban from a local dealer for her and will take up there and drive her's back. Guess I'll have to put up with that clunky steering for a thousand miles.

Local service manager assures me there is no safety issue.

get it greased..

new shaft isnt working....

Anyone know what warrents a recall?

I had the clunk a few thousand miles back. Mine was out of warranty and the dealer didn't know when the new shafts would be available. I bought the grease kit. When I removed the shaft I found it does not need the plugs in the kit. I cleaned the shaft, packed it with Mobil 1 synthetic and reinstalled. I put in a lot more grease than what comes in the kit. Maybe that is why so many have had poor luck with them. Later! Frank

I had the clunk a few thousand miles back. Mine was out of warranty and the dealer didn't know when the new shafts would be available. I bought the grease kit. When I removed the shaft I found it does not need the plugs in the kit. I cleaned the shaft, packed it with Mobil 1 synthetic and reinstalled. I put in a lot more grease than what comes in the kit. Maybe that is why so many have had poor luck with them. Later! Frank
Whatb grease kit are you talking about?:confused:

What kit and where did you get it????

From what we are hearing at the shop the shafts are not doing any better so we are telling people to grease them. It really makes some people MAD that have been dealing with this for a while.

I got the new p/n intermediate shaft installed about 2 months ago and it made a world of difference. Way better, that rattling clunky feeling in the steering wheel is nearly gone. There's still a very slight sensation sometimes but that could be from play elsewhere in the system.

Prior to this, the dealer greased the old shaft, problem came back 1000 miles later. Figuring they hadn't done it correctly, I bought the grease kit and repeated the procedure myself, same thing happened again.

Kit is at your local dealership. Runs about 20 bucks... They tell you when you purchase it, that is might work and it might not... Just so you know what you are getting yourself into before you try to fix the issue.

Loosening the shaft at the lower end and stroking it about 10-15 times will last as long as greasing it:cool: , it's free and takes all of 60 seconds..... That said, I will post the latest TSB in a minute....

Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in the Steering Wheel (Lubricate the Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly) #00-02-35-003G - (Oct 22, 2004)

</TABLE>Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in the Steering Wheel (Lubricate the Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly)

2002-2003 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT

2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV

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

This Service Bulletin DOES NOT include Mid-Size Utilities such as Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer / TrailBlazer EXT, GMC Envoy / Envoy XL / Envoy XUV or Oldsmobile Bravada. Refer to Service Bulletin 02-02-35-006A for Mid-Size Utilities.

This bulletin is being revised to notify dealers that it is acceptable to service the intermediate shaft with Lubrication Kit P/N 26098419 until sufficient inventory of the replacement intermediate shaft part numbers become available from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-003F (Section 02 -- Steering).

<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1558063&pubid=297#ss1-1558063">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.

<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1558063&pubid=297#ss2-1558063">Correction



Important:

It is critical that when using Lubrication Kit P/N 26098419 to service the intermediate shaft that ALL the service steps below are followed completely.
Failure to follow the service procedure below will result in a repeat repair.
DO NOT attempt to lubricate the intermediate shaft with the shaft partially mounted in the vehicle.
The intermediate shaft MUST be cycled an adequate number of times obtain the proper grease displacement.


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.

<LI type=1>Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. Notice: On 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 these steering columns. Failure to use the J 42640 may result in damage to the SIR coil.

<LI type=1>Set the steering wheel in the LOCK position on 2001 and prior vehicles.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/333/333146.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=333146)
<LI type=1>Install the J 42640 in the steering column lower access hole. <LI type=1>For vehicles equipped with adjustable foot pedals, do the following steps.

Reposition the carpet away from the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor.
Remove the two nuts retaining the accelerator pedal to the bulkhead.
Reposition the accelerator pedal out of the way so that the intermediate shaft can be removed.

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http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=730294)
<LI type=1>From inside the vehicle, remove the upper bolt from the upper intermediate steering shaft (1) to the steering column connection.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/362/362505.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=362505)
<LI type=1>From under the hood, remove the lower bolt that connects the upper intermediate shaft to the steering gear coupling shaft. <LI type=1>Remove the upper intermediate steering shaft assembly.

From inside the vehicle, slide the shaft down and off the steering column shaft.
From under the hood, slide the shaft towards the dash in order to disengage the shaft from the steering gear coupling shaft.
From inside the vehicle, slide the upper intermediate shaft through the dash boot seal and remove the shaft from the vehicle.

http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/828/828477.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=828477)


Important:

Intermediate Shafts are currently on back order from GMSPO.
General Motors recommends lubricating the intermediate shaft rather than replacing at this time.


<LI type=1>Remove the spacer clip from the end of the intermediate shaft with a pair of needle nose pliers. <LI type=1>Fully extend the shaft by pulling the two shafts apart.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/828/828478.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=828478)
<LI type=1>Apply the syringe of grease supplied in the Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Lubrication Kit, P/N 26098419, into the open end of the shaft. Direct the syringe tip as deep as possible into the shaft and dispense the full content of the syringe.
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http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=828479)
<LI type=1>Insert the plug supplied in the Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Lubrication Kit into the open end of the shaft and finger tighten the wing nut.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/828/828482.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=828482)
<LI type=1>Place the plugged end of the shaft on a hard surface and apply pressure to collapse the shaft and dissipate the grease through the shaft. <LI type=1>Remove the plug from the shaft and fully extend the shaft. Important: A minimum of 13 mm (1/2 in) of grease MUST be on the shaft splines to insure proper lubrication of the shaft.



http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/828/828483.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=828483)
<LI type=1>Inspect the shaft for a minimum of 13 mm (1/2 in) of grease on the shaft splines. Important: In some cases it may be necessary to use a second Lubrication Kit P/N 26098419 to obtain the proper amount of lubrication on the shaft splines.


<LI type=1>Repeat steps 10-15 if less than 13 mm (1/2 in) of grease is on shaft splines. <LI type=1>Clean the excess grease off of the shaft splines and around the shaft opening.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/828/828486.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=828486)
<LI type=1>Carefully spread apart the spacer clip with a pair of pliers.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/828/828477.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=828477)
<LI type=1>Reinstall the spacer clip into the open end of the shaft.
http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/828/828487.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=828487)
<LI type=1>Align the spacer clip with the stakes in the shaft. <LI type=1>Reinstall the upper intermediate steering shaft through the dash boot seal and slide the lower end into the steering gear coupling shaft. <LI type=1>Raise the upper end of the intermediate steering shaft and install into the steering column shaft. <LI type=1>Install the upper bolt and nut. Tighten Tighten the bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

<LI type=1>Install the lower bolt and nut. Tighten Tighten the bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

For vehicles equipped with adjustable foot pedals, do the following steps.

Reposition the accelerator pedals into position on the bulkhead.
Install the two retaining nuts. Tighten Tighten the nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

Reposition the carpet back into place.

<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1558063&pubid=297#ss3-1558063">Parts Information

<TABLE width="100%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>Part Number

</TH><TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>Description

</TH><TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>Qty

</TH></TR><TR><TD vAlign=center align=middle>26098419

</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle>Lubrication Kit, Steering Column Intermediate Shaft

</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle>1

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Lubrication Kits are currently available from GMSPO.

Intermediate Shafts are currently on back order from GMSPO.

<A href="http://service.gm.com/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=1558063&pubid=297#ss4-1558063">Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

<TABLE width="100%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>Labor Operation

</TH><TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>Description

</TH><TH vAlign=bottom align=middle>Labor Time

</TH></TR><TR><TD vAlign=center align=middle>E7700

</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle>Shaft, Steering Intermediate - R&R (Lubrication)

</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle>0.4 hr

</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=center align=middle>Add

</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle>For vehicles equipped with adjustable foot pedals

</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle>0.2 hr

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Took truck to the dealer an had my name added to the list for the new shaft which is on backorder.There are people on the list from september that are still waiting.

Sure glad I noticed this thread. Went into the woods last weekend with my 2003 Suburban to do a little deer hunting and noticed exactly that which is described here. I thought it might have been a stick or something that got jammed in the steering. Crawled underneath to look around and there were no obstructions. Since I rarely drive the vehicle off-road, I never noticed it before. As it suggests in the service bulletin, the noise is only obvious when turning at low speed on rough surfaces. Damn, this is a great site.

Just stopped off at the dealer with the info I copied off this subject. He said he was well aware of the problem and would order the necessary parts. He also said I shouldn't be surprised as to how long it takes to get the part since the last number he heard on backorder was 25,000!

Your dealer should have read the TSB, it has been revised to LUBE the shaft, not replace it.

I do not want the shaft on my truck to be lubed. I did not pay $45K for a truck to have something bandaged till it breaks again. Censored I want it replaced.

I called my dealer today and they gave me the same BS, sure bring it in and we will get you the kit to do it. Told them no, called another dealer and I am on the list for the new shaft as soon as it comes in, in the mean time getting a shaft off a totalled 04 truck tomorrow...So we shall see...:rolleyes:

Here is what they look like when not greased properly... And the rattle comes back

http://gmdieseltech.com/steeringshaft_bad.jpg

Here is one done properly:

http://gmdieseltech.com/steeringshaft_good.jpg

Notice the grease comes out the splines? That shaft will not be a problem again. Period.

Thanks for the pics and the info, I will look into this tomorrow..

Here is what they look like when not greased properly... And the rattle comes back

http://gmdieseltech.com/steeringshaft_bad.jpg

Here is one done properly:

http://gmdieseltech.com/steeringshaft_good.jpg

Notice the grease comes out the splines? That shaft will not be a problem again. Period.
What would happen if we used white lead like we used to use on the drive shaft end going into the tranny?

Ok so I took mine apart today, found a 60CC syringe and some tubing. Cut the end out of the syringe so that it would flow better, connected the tube to it and taped it up.. Put in some bearing grease, closed off the end with a rag and screwdriver then pushed it down til grease came out, did that a few more times, then connected it back and inserted some more grease with the shaft in place and then tightened everything up. Took it for a drive and wholaa.....Fixed... Total cost I am out maybe 2 bucks... Total time about 20 mins....:D

I had the clunk a few thousand miles back. Mine was out of warranty and the dealer didn't know when the new shafts would be available. I bought the grease kit. When I removed the shaft I found it does not need the plugs in the kit. I cleaned the shaft, packed it with Mobil 1 synthetic and reinstalled. I put in a lot more grease than what comes in the kit. Maybe that is why so many have had poor luck with them. Later! Frank

How did you force the grease thru the drive shat down to the spline with out almost filling the resivor up to the bolt hole and then installing the plug and turning the shat up side down and pounding the plug on a hard surface to force the grease thru the tube and out thru the splines.Also the grease required is a special purpose grease engineered to stand a lot of pounding( this was told to me by a GM Tech.). I helped ( mostly watched ) a friend do this today so I know 100 Percent more than I did 3 days ago. Would doy own but the dealer is sup;posed call me next week about bringing the ruck i n for them to do. Saves me the cost of a grease kit that way.

I used axle bearing grease and a syringe, no need for a kit. I used a towel and pushed it tight down in the hole to cover the and keep pressure on it, then slowly pushed down the shaft till grease pushed out the bottom. Shaft had about 2" or grease on it and then I packed the reservoir with more grease and then plugged it back up. No more problems for now. Hopefully it will last for some time.

Eric (or anyone with experience), if shaft has been replaced by the dealer, and noise is still there, could there have been a problem with greasing the replacement shaft?

Would it be worth my time to try greasing it myself, like the Bone Doc did?

Irritating to take something in, and have it come back making the same noise!

Thanks all!

Hey man, what's going on? I think that the replacement shaft is still having the same issue. They are not putting enough grease on it. I would pull it and grease it. Doesn't take that long and all you need is grease, 15mm wrench, tube and something to stop the back flow of grease (ie, towel, plastic bag etc..)...

Doing fine.

If you are going to be around tomorrow after lunch, I will give you a ring to discuss. I've got some turkey injector syringes laying around; wonder if they would work.

Let me know.

Thanks!

If you want to bring it by the shop I can do it for you. Short drive if you have nothing better to do. Give me a buzz and we can discuss....

Here is what they look like when not greased properly... And the rattle comes back

http://gmdieseltech.com/steeringshaft_bad.jpg

Here is one done properly:

http://gmdieseltech.com/steeringshaft_good.jpg

Notice the grease comes out the splines? That shaft will not be a problem again. Period.Eric, I did mine per the instructions on this site that I think GMCSID put up. Removed it from the truck, forced the grease from the GM kit through until there was at least 1" grease extending beyond the splines and the rattle came back. Maybe mine's "special"? ):h

Editing to add photos

Here's what it looked like after the dealer did the grease TSB
http://www.aracnet.com/~dndj/steering1.jpg

Here's what it looked like after I got done re-doing it 1000 miles later. Rattle still came back.

http://www.aracnet.com/~dndj/steering2.jpg

Hey Max Payne,

This is what it says in the TSB.

This bulletin is being revised to notify dealers that it is acceptable to service the intermediate shaft with Lubrication Kit P/N 26098419 until sufficient inventory of the replacement intermediate shaft part numbers become available from General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO). Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-003F (Section 02 -- Steering).

It doesn't say not to order a shaft, it says it is ok to lube it until the new shaft arrives.

What did I miss?

Dick, GM is doing that to keep all the truck owners from going "postal" after dealing with this for so long.. Its a patch according to GM..

I work for a company and we are in GM/Delphi plants..The new " I " shaft is being produced as fast as they can... GM want's 1 M of them...So I think they are at the dealers now.....