2003 Chevy Silverado. I think I remember several years ago there was a recall to have the middle of the steering column rebuilt, and I took mine in. Recently there has been a clunking noise from “up there” that might be the column. Seems to be behind the dash or on the other side of the firewall directly in front of the driver. Can someone explain to me what the original problem was, and could this be a repeat, and can I fix it myself.
“Put your creed in your deed.” Emerson
“When asked if you can do something, tell’em “Why certainly I can”, then get busy and find a way to do it.” T. Roosevelt
Replies
Pretty common. The lower half of the steering shaft -between the firewall and steering box-is telescopic, and normally packed with grease so the inner and outer parts don't rattle against each other.
Apparently, the grease breaks down(perhaps engine heat) and must be replaced. Of course, there's no grease fitting so you have to inject/force grease up and around the inner shaft.
I left dealerships work in 1999, so I haven't performed this particular recall or repair myself, but I'm familiar with it.
EDIT: Precautionary note: This is defintely a DIY job if you want to, but... make sure you use locktite blue or red on the pinch bolts, and before you disconnect either end of the shaft, wrap a rubber band or bungie around the steering wheel to keep it from free-spinning. Under the steering wheel is the SIR(airbag) clockspring, and it can only rotate so far each direction before it breaks. Usually this is about 1/2 turn past where the steering system stops anyway, but: If the steering wheel decides to turn upside down after you remove the shaft, and when you right it (to reconnect the shaft) you continue in the same direction, the steering wheel and clockspring will be 360 deg past center. The next time you turn full-lock in that direction...pop. SIR light comes on, clockspring is torn up.
I usually just loop a rubber band around the wheel rim and the turn signal stalk/shifter. You need a little bit of play to disengage/re-engage the splines, so just leaving the steering wheel locked is not an option.
Edited 1/11/2009 4:03 pm by deadman1
Edited 1/11/2009 4:04 pm by deadman1
edit: I never reply to the right person ... doh!
Edited 1/11/2009 10:48 pm ET by Righty_Tighty
Yep, that's the one. Unfortunately, it still doesn't eliminate it for good.
I was happy to see the quip GM put in about using their steering lock pin and the SIR coil. Unfortunately, you end up needing to wiggle the column back and forth during the service, and the pin holds it fast. I'll stick to the rubber band.
Intermediate shaft replacement:
http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=65339&st=0&p=477811&#entry477811
GM was replacing these free even out of warranty and even though there has been no recall (several revisions of TSBs though).
Worth a call to your dealer.