Steering Click?

Hello all,

I Have a 2004 Z71 with almost 60,000 miles on it. Recently when the truck is started, and running down the road, there is a click or clunk in the steering when turning. It is not heavy enough to throw the truck off, but it is not light enough not to notice. During a drivway test I noticed that when running, I will feel a light click in the steering wheel when I turn it about a 1/4 turn to the left. It is consistent with this motion. Does anyone have any similar experience with this problem? Any ideas for a possible solution? TIA

Yeah... Had the same problem in my 03 tahoe... it was a problem they know about in the steering column... it was still under warranty, not sure what the solution was though... I'll go through the old ppwk and check.

Im sure the steering colum is out of warranty at this point, but if its a recall maybe they would take a look at it. Any help from the paper work would be great! Thanks

I believe there is a recall for the intermediate steering shaft on the newer models. Lots of problems with those doing what you described in your first post. I think they tried lubing them at first but I believe now they just replace it.

TSB #00-02-35-003E - (Jul 20, 2004)

Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt In Steering Wheel (Replace Upper 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

with Recirculating Ball-Type Steering

This bulletin is being revised to include the replacement of the intermediate shaft . Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-003D (Section 02 -- Steering).


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.


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

That is great info, thanks. I wonder if it applies to my 2004 too? Thanks again

That is the infamous steering clunk, more noticible when turning left or going over bumps in the road. GM has known about this problem since the early 2000 models. They used to remove the steering shaft and use a regrease kit on the steering knuckle. The steering shaft was reinstall to a tune of $149.00 more or less. There was never a recall that I knew of. I always felt cheated because GM knew of this problem and I felt it warranty a recall or than a technical bulletin. They are now using a updated steering shaft. Anyway, my suggestion is to talk to your GM service advisor and express your disapointment. They are well aware of the problem, the problem as been a thorn in GM side. HE/she even though its out of warranty, though fairly new. They may relace it for free or do it at a reduce rate as they did my 2001 Hoe. The service advisors are normal working stiffs and they usually understand. So be nice to them, thats the key...

Had the shaft replaced the on my 03 z71 by a dealer for nothing. Told the dealer about what I suspected to be wrong and they never even questioned my diagnosis, just changed it out. Search this forum and you should find a thread about this very problem. Good luck.

I had the same problem with my 2003 Silverado at 8500 miles but changed under warranty I hear it is common talk to a dealership.