I have a new shaft coming for my Duramax abd will be testing it next week. If I like it, I will be carrying it in stock for sale. There will be 2 shafts available, with or without vibration dampener. Prices will be 200.00 without dampener and 230.00 with. Stay tuned.
mike

Very nice Mike....keep us updated.

Take care and have fun testing.



LATER!

What is the reason for the vibraton damper?

According to the company it will smooth out the steering feel. Wether it does that or not I don't know. I will test see how it feels and report all my findings. Seems I have Trippins truck here for a week to do with as I wish. :muahaha: ):h

Seems I have Trippins truck here for a week to do with as I wish. :muahaha: ):h

I think there are some fuses in it he doesn't need :eek:;)

I think there are some fuses in it he doesn't need :eek:;)

Only the ones he took from you Kat. ):h :cool:

Seems like I'm going to have to leave my truck with you for a week and see what happens to it.):h

Seems like I'm going to have to leave my truck with you for a week and see what happens to it.):h

Be careful what you wish for:lol:

Seems I have Trippins truck here for a week to do with as I wish.


Like figure out how much Jello it takes to fill the cab?

The shaft is being installed now on my truck. Pictures will be posted tonight when I get home. I have not driven it yet, but I can say the stock shaft is a joke.

mike

MIke,

I hope it works...I tried lubbing mine...well did not last..I had the old one replaced 25k miles ago..it came back. I ordered a new one from Eric...I could not stand it anymore.

Lemme know if it works...I'll be at your shop the next day.

I just drove the truck and it works. I will get a better feel on the drive home. The steering was never this smooth even when new.

Ron
Stop by and drive my truck.

Do you have this in stock? Is it hard to change? I might be interested. The steering makes the truck feel like a POS. Waiting to see pics. :D

Tony
I will have these in stock. I only ordered 1 for testing on my truck. Installation should take no more than 30 minutes as there are only 2 bolts.

Here are some pictures of the unit compared to the OEM. In the first two images, the OEM shaft is on the bottom (the onle with the wimpy U-Joint).

Mike

Let us know when you have them in stock. I am sick of waiting for GM to fix the problem and they probably never will anyways.

Thanks for the help with the pictures Nick. :D

The dealer just replaced mine yesterday with the new shaft. Had to wait about a month for it to come in. I had 21,000 miles on it and it was getting annoying. It feels fine now. I'll see for how long...

The joint is definately beefier on the aftermarket ones but what really causes the clunk? I thought it was the shaft itself, not the joint. The shafts don't really look much different.

And GM couldn't come up with this from the factory why?

What I have noticed on my old shaft is that there is a plastic sleeve ( bushing) that is pretty well broken up and the pieces are coming out. You can grease it and the grease will fill the gaps for a while but for how long? This shaft has 13K on it with stock tires.:eek: I am very happy with this replacement shaft.

mike

Thanks Mike, I never knew what the real cause of the problem was with the shaft. The one the dealer put in is the 'new' shaft. Supposedly it is a re-design. We'll see. If it starts clunking again I'll look into the one you have.

I had the "new" shaft put in....and I think it is the same as the "old" shaft...it lasted about 25k and clunking is back. GM is just giving us the "shaft".

I have a new one on the way...but they will all fail.

Mike...about after say 2pm today I will swing by?

I had the "new" shaft put in....and I think it is the same as the "old" shaft...it lasted about 25k and clunking is back. GM is just giving us the "shaft".

I have a new one on the way...but they will all fail.

Mike...about after say 2pm today I will swing by?

Ron
I'll be here till 5.
mike

Mike, When you get some in let us know. I want one with the dampener. I'll pull my new one that the dealer installed and use it as a wall decoration.

This will have to be another one of those, I want it but will have to wait and see how they work on other trucks.. I have not had any issues with mine since I redid it and until it acts up again I will leave it alone, but keep us posted as to how these work and I will go from there... Thanks Mike for posting this...

Can someone describe the "clunk" we are talking about?

I've been chasing down a clunk on the front end for months. Sounds like something, well, clunks when the suspension loads/unloads. I've check the torsion nuts, shock mounts, cross member bolts, etc, and it still persists. Maybe this is what I've been hearing.

Doug

Can someone describe the "clunk" we are talking about?

I've been chasing down a clunk on the front end for months. Sounds like something, well, clunks when the suspension loads/unloads. I've check the torsion nuts, shock mounts, cross member bolts, etc, and it still persists. Maybe this is what I've been hearing.

Doug

Mine happened at low speeds hitting a bump (like going into a driveway from the street). It felt like there was something loose in the steering (clunk or rattle). Sorry it's not very descriptive but I hope it helps.

Dmax Doug,

The steering clunk is more of a "rattle" when you turn the wheel and go over an uneven surface...it sounds/feels like something is loose in your steering wheel.

What you describe...which I also have...is when you go over say drainage channel and the front suspension compresses and then releases...and you hear a "thunk".

I cannot figure that one out.

Ron,
You describe what I have been experiencing. Wasn't always there, but is now and I'm still looking for a cause. Thanks,

Doug

My torsion bars are cranked right up and I thought that was the issue but I remember having the same problem with a 2000 1/2 ton Chev and it was the steering shaft. You are all correct on describing the noise, thanks all for figuring it out.
Taras

Mike, Is the one you installed the one with the damper? Is there any kind of guarantee? If we get the clunk again with the new shaft are we SOL?

Thanks
Tony

Tony
I installed the one with the dampner on my truck. I will get info on gaurantee and post. I have ordered 2 more shafts for testing, one will go into Trippins truck and will choose another for controlled testing. ( need a real clunker). So far the new shaft is fantastic; it even took out most of the normal engine vibration ( in steering wheel) we get sitting still at an idle.
mike

mike,

i dont have the clunk sound but more of a groan when turning at low speeds. had the shaft relubed, then new one and no change. you see this much, will the new shaft repair this ?

i am going to order your tranny cooler too, same box for shipping ?

What amazes me is that this "steering shaft" clunk problem has been with the Silverado/Sierra truck line since at least 2000. I had a model year 2000 (purchased 1999) Chev 2500 truck (before HD) that had the same exact problem. My 2002 has the clunk problem. I don't like to use the word "incompetent", but sometimes I wonder about GM and the decisions that they make. If you summed up all the steering shafts they have replaced over the years it would probably fill up a dump site somewhere. Lets see, GM has financial problems,,,,,seems like common sense could fix some of the problems.

ski1

I don't think this shaft will cure your groan if the other shafts didn't help at all. I think you should have a suspension expert look your truck over.
mike

Mike,

Can I be tester #2?

Is the one pictured with or without the dampener? I cant see any part of it that would appear to dampen anything.

The one pictured has the dampner.

mike

Mike L,
What will be the going price for one of these shafts with the dampner ?
Mark

I have a 04/3500 Gm put this redesigned shaft in last week, it cured about half the problem. Has GM done any thing else under warrenty for this problem?

I'm in line for a new shaft myself. National backorder with no end in sight.

I have the new shaft with over 50,000 miles and no problems. I also had ball joints on one side that were worn out. They replace the entire a-frame not the joints now.

I have an occassional noise that sounds like it is at the steering wheel. It sounds like a dry shaft turning but lasts about a fourth of a turn. It is so seldom that I can't pin it down. I am going to get the dealer to check it out this week.

Tom Cobb

I installed the new Borgeson shaft w/vibration reducer. What a difference. No more vibrations fron the engine or the road. You can get yours @ http://www.borgeson.com/TruckProductChevy.htm
Mark

I recently had what was suposed to be the fix, installed on my truck from GM in the form of the new and improved shaft part # 89060582 - worked for about 2000 klm. Is the borgeson shaft the same thing as the GM shaft or two completely different units - I know Borgeson is a magor supplier to GM, I dont want to order the same thing from borgeson that is on my truck now because it dosent work.
Cheers

I recently had what was suposed to be the fix, installed on my truck from GM in the form of the new and improved shaft part # 89060582 - worked for about 2000 klm. Is the borgeson shaft the same thing as the GM shaft or two completely different units - I know Borgeson is a magor supplier to GM, I dont want to order the same thing from borgeson that is on my truck now because it dosent work.
Cheers

The Borgeson is a much better part than the OEM. It is not the OEM part. I don't know who makes the OEM part but the Borgeson definately looks different.

Mike L,
What will be the going price for one of these shafts with the dampner ?

Mike L,
What will be the going price for one of these shafts with the dampner ?

Check the first page again ;)

BigOl3,
Look at post #42. I put the link to the Borgeson web site there. You can order direct from Borgeson.
Mark

I have an occassional noise that sounds like it is at the steering wheel. It sounds like a dry shaft turning but lasts about a fourth of a turn. It is so seldom that I can't pin it down. I am going to get the dealer to check it out this week.

Tom Cobb

Mine does the exact same thing. I would love to know if this would fix that.....

I learn something new on this site every day. I have been chasing that clunk since I bought my truck. Felt like tie a rod end, but they were OK. Also, I have a suggestion. Mike L has helped alot of people on this site, including myself. He'll also be happy to help you with any problems you have in the future. He sells his shaft for exactly the same price. I'm sure his warranty is the same too. If you call him, he'll tell you. Why not give some business to someone who is part of this community? Just my $.02.

My '05 is on it's 3rd shaft. I've been tossing around buying one from Mike L. just to make the problem go away but I'm struggling with the concept of me having to pay $231 to fix something that GM should take care of!!

I priced out GM's stock shaft at $111.00 at my local dealer. I wish GM would step up to the plate and authorize the installation of the Borgeson shaft under warranty.

I must be deaf, the only thing I hear in the truck is the engine and maybe the radio when I turn it up, like you all Im on my third shaft and one repacked stearing box bearing, my steering test was to drive around one particular bumpy clover leaf, a right hand turn, I could feel the stearing wheel bump, knock, shudder.
Im close to 60,000 miles so I guess the next shaft is going to cost me $230us. well at least I know what to buy, THANKS

good luck

drive safe.

I just had an new (OEM) shaft put in today by GM. $190........ Just over 50,000 miles on my '02 and it's been rattling for at least 10,000 miles (or more). So far the rattle is gone but time will tell. If this one don't last I'm going with the dampner type you guys have referenced. Thanks for the info & good luck.

I have clunk when I make left hand turns only steering shaft didnt fix anything. I am still hunting the clunk.........believed to be in the suspension somewhere.

Mike,

Did you ever find out about the warranty? Second shaft is clunking time for a replacement!

Tony
I will have these in stock. I only ordered 1 for testing on my truck. Installation should take no more than 30 minutes as there are only 2 bolts.

Here are some pictures of the unit compared to the OEM. In the first two images, the OEM shaft is on the bottom (the onle with the wimpy U-Joint).

Miketoo bad the problem is the splines and not the u joint.

Not sure if any of you have looked into this, but even before I had my shaft replaced, I looked things over real close. There is a plastic bushing with a plastic bearing in it at the base of the steering column. If you grab ahold of the shaft at the u-joint and "shake it" you can make it clunk sitting still. I took mine in for the shaft replace and asked about this and the service mgr said that the shaft will fix it. Ok, whatever. On the way home it still clunked, but no where near as bad. The final fix was putting a hose clamp around the base of the column to hold the plastic bushing from wobbling which was causing my clunking. My experiences only. By the way, DO NOT rotate the steering wheel with the steering shaft unbolted. I knew better and accidently did it anyway. Censored The new wiring harness for the column is $300.

Hope this helps some of you.

Bill

Not sure if any of you have looked into this, but even before I had my shaft replaced, I looked things over real close. There is a plastic bushing with a plastic bearing in it at the base of the steering column. If you grab ahold of the shaft at the u-joint and "shake it" you can make it clunk sitting still. I took mine in for the shaft replace and asked about this and the service mgr said that the shaft will fix it. Ok, whatever. On the way home it still clunked, but no where near as bad. The final fix was putting a hose clamp around the base of the column to hold the plastic bushing from wobbling which was causing my clunking. My experiences only. By the way, DO NOT rotate the steering wheel with the steering shaft unbolted. I knew better and accidently did it anyway. Censored The new wiring harness for the column is $300.

Hope this helps some of you.

Bill


Pics would be nice!

BTW - started this thread today reference a related TSB
http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?p=749165#post749165

Mine has the "groan" sound too. Happens very sporadically - so rarely that I often forget that it does it until one day it reminds me. I'd estimate it only does it every month to two months. Once it starts it will do it for a couple days. Always at parking lot speeds with quick turns of the wheel.

Mine has the "groan" sound too. Happens very sporadically - so rarely that I often forget that it does it until one day it reminds me. I'd estimate it only does it every month to two months. Once it starts it will do it for a couple days. Always at parking lot speeds with quick turns of the wheel.

LT - I suggest you jack up your truck and check the play in your front wheel bearings - especially the drivers side. I'm willing to bet you find a worn out bearing. I did and I was getting the squeel too!!!! Check it out my man and let us know what you find.

Will do. Thanks for the tip.

My bearings checked out ok and incidentally, my steering groan came up today again. I am 99.9% sure this sound is originating in the steering column in the cab. I can hear and feel it and it seems to be pretty close to the steering wheel.

Here is the pic of the clamp I was talking about in my previous post. No comments about the old nasty looking clamp - it works. The white plastic piece is the bushing that will rock causing a sound and feel in the column.

Bill

Here is the pic of the clamp I was talking about in my previous post. No comments about the old nasty looking clamp - it works. The white plastic piece is the bushing that will rock causing a sound and feel in the column.

Bill

Bill,

Thanks for taking the time to post the pic.

Since you posted this info I have been doing some playing on my truck. I tried to put a clamp around the plastic bushing itself and that didn't help. I can see now where I went wrong. It needs to go farther up the column. I still think my clunk is coming directly from the U-joint that is shown in your pic, but I'm gonna give your method a try. The sound is driving me nuts!!

Try grabbing ahold of the u-joint and shake it back and forth. If your plastic bushing wobbles, and possibly rattles, this may help cure your problem.

Hope it works for you.

Here is the pic of the clamp I was talking about in my previous post. No comments about the old nasty looking clamp - it works. The white plastic piece is the bushing that will rock causing a sound and feel in the column.

Bill

Tried it - doesn't appear to cure my problem but will know for sure after the ride home tonight.

BTW - I had to straddle the whit bushing and the metal column tube with the clamp to prevent the bushing from moving. Just putting the clamp on the tube didn't keep the bushing from moving.

I had a 2000 1500 with 5.3 after a while I had a clunk it was more feel than sound. The 5.3 I wouldn't use as a boat anchor. That being said, My 04 HD the same feel came after 1500 miles or so to. No real sound. Is this the same thing? Could I not be hearing the clunk from to many rounds from my .44mag?

I replace my OEM steering shaft with the Borgeson, and my clunk got worse. Looked at the white plastic sleeve that Bill 3 posted a picture of, and sure enough, it was loose amd making the noise.

So my advice is to spend $1.50 and put a clamp on like Bill 3 shows, and I have now done, BEFORE you spend the $200+ on the Borgeson shaft.

The Borgeson does make the truck "feel" much different. Tighter, firmer, more "sure" feeling in the steering. But I wish I had done the $1.50 clamp first.

Well - I tried the clamp and it didn't work. When I put it on I had to position it so that the white plastic collar couldn't move anymore. I had to overlap the clamp onto the collar. Just putting the clamp around the metal tube and tightening the clamp would not stop the collar from moving as it would not tighted enough.

How did you do it??

hate to tell you guys i have been working on ferds for aprox 13 years
now and they have had that clunk in the steering shaft as far as i can remember only keep updating the shaft so its not gm only and it is coming
from the plastic bushing the slop in the 2 shafts is the noise when sliding
in and out.but ferd trumps one better and the joint binds up also and your
steering gets stiff and loose as your turning just be thankful for what you
have i love my truck would not give it up for any other brand just my 2 cents good luck guys.

slop in the 2 shafts is the noise when sliding
in and out.

But you wouldn't have the in & out motion if you were sitting still and just turning the steering wheel - would you? Mine still clunks while sitting still. During "still" time the only thing working on the shaft is the u-joint which means greasing the shaft wouldn't help either.

Am I off base?

I put the clamp right up against the white collar and tightened it down until the collar stopped moving.

dont sound like the steering shaft if your just sitting and it clunks
when your turning the wheel .if the joints are binding you would feel
the steering wheel get stiff at a certain area when turning then get
smooth then tight again.just what i see on a weekly basis. good luck