[jhil653]

Does any one know how to fix the Does any one know how to fix the intermediate steering shaft problem? problem?

 

[1GCHK23D]

I have one from NAPA (Part # 7-3061, NPS line code), but I haven't put it on yet. It's supposed to fix the problem.

 

[gossfam]

Do a search there are a few DIY fixes. I've replaced 3 the las one has lasted the longest.

 

[duramax driver]

yep you need the latest verson of shaft it installs easy just take out the fender well and 2 15mm bolts 1 under the dash and 1 by the motor

 

[Len Todd]

So, ... What was the problem?

 

[custom8726]

So, ... What was the problem?

Its an anoying knocking sound that GM vehicles are notorious for. A new shaft is around $100 bucks and the latest revised version has been in my truck for the last year and the noise has yet to come back. There are also a couple DIY (FREE) fixes like installing a grease Zerk in the shaft, or adding RTV between the shafts to eliminate the knocking..

 

[learfxr]

My 03 1500 had it replaced under warranty. My dads 03 Suburban needs one in a bad way, he just keeps driving it. My 07 I think could benefit from a new one.

I was told the cheap fixes rarely work. It's kind of normal WEAR item, like brake pads. Plan to change one eventually

 

[custom8726]

My 03 1500 had it replaced under warranty. My dads 03 Suburban needs one in a bad way, he just keeps driving it. My 07 I think could benefit from a new one.

I was told the cheap fixes rarely work. It's kind of normal WEAR item, like brake pads. Plan to change one eventually

No, they do work if done correctly. The intermediate shaft is basically just two pieces of square tube were one fits inside the other. ITs designed for a safety feature so the steering wheel/shaft will compress in a accident. They come factory greased, and the grease act's like a buffer keeping the two pieces of square tube from banging against each other HENCE the knocking intermediate shaft when the grease disapates. By adding a grease Zerk you can grease the shaft easily with out pulling the shaft out and disasembling it all the time. The RTV is a one time fix, it simply takes the place of the grease and does not disolve or disapate.

 

[jhil653]

I was reading a post a while back about using a hose clamp on the fitting to keep it from knocking. I couldnt find the post.

I have had the dealer relpace it 3 times already with 44k miles. Its crazy GM hasnt fix it. It has been a problem since the 99 the new body style. They keep telling my they have solved the problem but its still there.

Thanks for the feed back. I dont feel like spending another $150 to fix it but it damn enoying.

 

[wilkie]

Do you have to remove the shaft to do the RTV fix, or can you just squirt it in between the two while still on the truck?

 

[custom8726]

Do you have to remove the shaft to do the RTV fix, or can you just squirt it in between the two while still on the truck?

You have two remove the shaft disasemble it, add the RTV and put it back together and let it sit untill the RTV sets up. (Over night) preferably.

The hose clamp trick did not really work for me, it did quite it down some but you risk cracking the plastic retainer on the shaft and it will still knock.

 

[jc1843]

Warning--

TIE the steering wheel down before you remove the steering shaft. If you don't-- and the wheel is turned, it will damage the clock spring-- parts are about $250, plus labor.

 

[Sportsman]

steering rattle

I have this same problem. Could someone explain how to fix & how to remove the shaft.

 

[duramax driver]

yes that rattle will drive you nuts, however it is not a safety issue, to fix you need the latest version of shaft it installs easy just take out the left fender well and 2 15mm bolts ( the nuts are on a little piece of metal to hold it in place) I is under the dash and 1 is by the motor first tie the steering wheel still as you should not let it rotate. take out the shaft and bolt in the new one. it is about a 1 hour job.

 

[cainer70]

does the steering shaft noise sound like a ball joint going on the pass side?

 

[duramax driver]

sort of like that. the steering wheel will rattle in your hand a little like you are turning in 4 wheel drive.

 

[Len Todd]

does the steering shaft noise sound like a ball joint going on the pass side?

On the Pass[enger] Side?

 

[thirdtag]

The RTV won't cure when mixed with petroleum products. Remove the shaft and clean both parts thoroughly. For best results let RTV cure for 24 hours before driving truck.

 

[DuramaxSMOKE11]

dpes anyone know if the after market dorman shaft is the upgraded revised shaft?

 

[custom8726]

dpes anyone know if the after market dorman shaft is the upgraded revised shaft?

IDK for sure, but Depaula chevrolet right down the road from you carries the latest "Revised" version. I have been running that shaft for the last 20 months and the knock/rattle has yet to return. I believe it was just over 100 bucks from them.