When I first purchased my truck 05/02, I noticed there was a severe clunking on low speed, tight turns. Thot a wheel was rubbing suspension parts. The first time, I was thinking the suspension was laying on the pavement or had a cow entangled somehow. Over the months, from the experiences of other members, came to the conclusion that it had something to do w/the steering intermediate shaft or steering box. Thot I'd wait until the dust settled/firm fix before making a move but prior to its 3rd anniversary.

Last week enroute to visit folks in Boerne TX ~ noticed the PS frame was wet behind the wheel/under the fuel filter area. Had a sinking feeling being away from home w/a service issue ~ but drove the remaining 200miles completing the journey. At first chance took it into Cavender Chevy in Boerne ~ had brief but favorable experience w/them on my last trip out. They found a leaky sensor and ordered a replacement. I casually mentioned the clunking steering issue I had while noting one of the original assy laying on the service writers counter. His response was to iterate much of what members had experienced here and offered to lube it for me and recommended having my dealer back home install a new replacement. Told him that I would be around here for awhile and sure would appreciate it if they could do it. Assumed from all the discussions here that there would be several weeks b/o on it. They auth'zd a rental Silverado EC/SB (yes, gasser) while awaiting parts ~ surprisingly, 24hrs later, the sensor was rec'vd, installed as well as the new intermediate shaft assy. Astonished would be an understatement when they called that it was ready for pickup ~ didn't really have a chance to burn miles on the rental. Had some half thots about going down to Laredo Nuevos w/it.

From some of the comments here ~ I've picked up the impression that the new shaft isn't the panecea for the clunking ~ but, for some reason (missus says placebo) the steering is significantly changed/firm, holds the road better altho I never felt necessary to complain about it before ~ but, now it is tight, no slack, like a different vehicle. Placebo/long lasting fix or not, I feel very good about the situation. 2000miles from home, not sure how the local dealer would feel/handle the situation and to have them step up to the plate in a customer service centered manner was surprising and very much appreciated. I'm guessing that they must have adj'd the steering box also. The work order indicated that the left HL was dim and found that the grnd wire had become disconnected (my Kennedy harness installation) ~ they reinstalled the screw and reconnected it. All under warranty ~ gotta say, after reading of others misfortunes/experiences this experience made my day, my month, my trip and even owning a Chevy memorable for a long time. My plan B now is established: Limp it into Boerne TX, or to Grand Rapids MI if at all possible ~

Ah, yes, La Dolce Vita