Tow Vehicle Steering Shaft Replacement

[flyfisherman]

Back somewhere when the '02 GMC Sierra was new I complained of a front end noise which turned out to be a special steering I shaft that plays an important part for the steering column to collapse in the event of a serve collision. Seems they applied a special grease to it and said to let them know if there was any futher problems in the future. Well, the noise went away and I forgot about it.

Obviously during the winter months when driving around all the windows are closed. But now that spring is sprung, I like driving with the truck windows open; a carry-over from the days of my mis-spent youth when there was NO A/C in vehicles, certainly like there is today! Anyway, I hear some squeaks coming from the front end of the truck and since it's about time for another oil change, I make a trip over to see MrGoodWrench (the dealer where I bought the truck new and who does most of the servicing). I'd forgot about the steering shaft episode and just thought a general lube job was in order.

Come to find out there's a GM replacement bulletin for that steering I-shaft. It's not a re-call but as I understand if there's a problem, the squeaking "wheel" gets the grease.  Bottom line, they installed the new shaft at no cost. Another good reason for finding a good dealer who's looking out for their customers!

Thought maybe I'd post a heads-up here should someone have an interest.


Fly

[brainpause]

Good luck that it fixes it. This is a long and involved topic on GM truck boards, not too far from the Coleman ABS topics on camping boards. I also have a GM truck, and hope mine doesn't do it. This is about the 3rd fix for the intermediate steering shaft. Hope it does it.

Larry

[mkcom1]

Hi
  I have a 99 sierra with the same problem and after much research and because I fix most of my stuff myself I installed a grease plug in the outer shaft.  I guess what happens even if you use silicone grease is that after awhile the grease drys out and then the shaft vibrates.  So every spring and fall I give the shaft a shot and have not had the problem again.  If it was a mercedes it would have come with a better seal and a grease plug.  my 2 cents  Ken