Guest bucknutt Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 This ones got me stumped. I have a 2000 z71, and I have a 'creaking' in my steering wheel/column/ somewhere I can't identify.. but only when I turn left. It's nothing that sounds too serious, just pretty annoying. I first noticed it a month or so ago on a sharp turn (turning around to look at a yote in a field, cranked the wheel hard left and heard/felt it). It happens most of the time, but sometimes not... this morning, for example, it didn't do it. You can hear it if the radio is down, but for the most part it just seems/feels as though my steering wheel has arthritis. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please Have you contacted a Gm dealership to see if there are any recalls or people that have complained about the same problem? If you feel its in the column that would rule out the C/V joints or what we call in the automotive world halfshafts. If it was one of those you would hear it and possibly feel one of those going bad. Have you looked at all the joints going down to the steering box, maybe something is rubbing on it. Have a buddy turn the wheel back and forth and see if you can hear it under the dash and maybe pinpoint the problem area. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please Have you checked yoru power steering pump/fluid? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohiobuckhunter Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please it can't be the cv joint It's a truck which means rear wheel drive . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please [ QUOTE ] it can't be the cv joint It's a truck which means rear wheel drive . [/ QUOTE ] Oh yes it can, chevy trucks do have cv joints on 4wd trucks on the front end. CV joints going bad will pop and jump. Would hope for your sake it is something else. Would start with the steering system checks first though as it might be something simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please Is it a squeak noise? Or can you feel a clunk in the steering wheel when you turn? If it's a sqeak/creak sound it's probably just your SIR (airbag) coil, this is normal and nothing to be concerned about. If you can physically feel a small clunk in the steering wheel your intermediate steering shaft has to be lubed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
htephil Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please [ QUOTE ] Is it a squeak noise? Or can you feel a clunk in the steering wheel when you turn? If it's a sqeak/creak sound it's probably just your SIR (airbag) coil, this is normal and nothing to be concerned about. If you can physically feel a small clunk in the steering wheel your intermediate steering shaft has to be lubed. [/ QUOTE ] It's a known problem with the intermediate steering shaft under the hood. GM's fix is to remove it and lube the shaft, then re-install it. It'll come back eventually and is more of a pain than a problem. Best scenario is to contact GM and ask for a new one (shaft, not truck ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Is it a squeak noise? Or can you feel a clunk in the steering wheel when you turn? If it's a sqeak/creak sound it's probably just your SIR (airbag) coil, this is normal and nothing to be concerned about. If you can physically feel a small clunk in the steering wheel your intermediate steering shaft has to be lubed. [/ QUOTE ] It's a known problem with the intermediate steering shaft under the hood. GM's fix is to remove it and lube the shaft, then re-install it. It'll come back eventually and is more of a pain than a problem. Best scenario is to contact GM and ask for a new one (shaft, not truck ) [/ QUOTE ] Actually if it's done right, it'll last a long time. There's nothing wrong with the shaft, the reason why they do this is because the shaft is on a downward angle, and the grease eventually works its way down off the splines. We add more grease and put a plug in the end of the shaft, and collapse and retract the shaft several times to get the grease back up where it's supposed to be. I haven't had one come back on me and I bet you I've done 100 of the things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bucknutt Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please here's the problem- i'm a college athlete (no job until summer) and recently engaged (there goes the money i do have). are any of these things that it COULD be an immediate threat or something that's gonna get worse over say a couple of months, until i can get some money to have it checked out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please If it's the clunking you're hearing that's defiently the problem. Nothing to worry about, it won't fall apart on you or anything. The clunking may get worse and more annoying, that's about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bucknutt Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please yeah shaun it's sort of a clunking.. but a real light clunking, more like a vibration right now. i can also feel a creaping in my steering wheel, again like the arthritis, just under normal driving stuff too.. especially during starts and stops. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted February 7, 2007 Report Share Posted February 7, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please If it creaks when you turn the wheel left all the way while you are parked and still. Tie rod ends and pitman arm need inspection. The are probably rubbing something or wore out. Might be ball joints if you only hear it when you're moving but I doubt it on your truck. If it was a Dodge I would definately check the ball joints. Dodge truck ball joints are prone to early failure. Never replace Dodge balljoints with factory original parts. Been there done that. Nuff said. If the steering linkage is clear and unobstructed. And the tie rod ends and pitman arm looks good. It might be a bad wheel bearing. That's definitely not cool. If you jack up the front end and feel play in a wheel bearing. Replace it NOW! That's not a repair that can wait. A complete front wheel bearing failure is extremely DANGEROUS. Wheel bearings can go bad and you not feel play in them. As they wear out more. You will. The important thing is when you do find that play that's a job that requires IMMEDIATE attention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please [ QUOTE ] it can't be the cv joint It's a truck which means rear wheel drive . [/ QUOTE ] I work with halfshafts, c/v joints, all day long and 4 wheel drive trucks have them and I would be surprised if it was one going bad, They usually last a long time. If you get a chance crawl under a 4 wheel drive truck and you will see them going from the transfer case out to the wheels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailkiller Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please [ QUOTE ] Have you checked yoru power steering pump/fluid? [/ QUOTE ] did ya check the power steering fluid.. or at least check to see if it is leaking!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please [ QUOTE ] yeah shaun it's sort of a clunking.. but a real light clunking, more like a vibration right now. i can also feel a creaping in my steering wheel, again like the arthritis, just under normal driving stuff too.. especially during starts and stops. [/ QUOTE ] Yep, I'm about 99% sure it's the intermediate shaft. If I could actually road test it I'd be able to guarantee it, and if I wasn't 2000 miles away I'd fix it for ya for free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please Have had chevy trucks before that would feel a pulsing type feel in the wheel when cut too hard in one direction. Problem was nothign more than low power sterring fluid. That was why I asked abotu the fluid. [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] it can't be the cv joint It's a truck which means rear wheel drive . [/ QUOTE ] I work with halfshafts, c/v joints, all day long and 4 wheel drive trucks have them and I would be surprised if it was one going bad, They usually last a long time. [/ QUOTE ] Yes, normally they do, unless the boot gets torn. Which can happen with off roading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please [ QUOTE ] Have had chevy trucks before that would feel a pulsing type feel in the wheel when cut too hard in one direction. Problem was nothign more than low power sterring fluid. That was why I asked abotu the fluid. [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] it can't be the cv joint It's a truck which means rear wheel drive . [/ QUOTE ] I work with halfshafts, c/v joints, all day long and 4 wheel drive trucks have them and I would be surprised if it was one going bad, They usually last a long time. [/ QUOTE ] Yes, normally they do, unless the boot gets torn. Which can happen with off roading. [/ QUOTE ] Yeah if there's a slight pulse feeling it's more than likely the P/S fluid, forgot to mention that. I have replaced a few power steering pumps on those trucks too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirage Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please Subject: Clunking Noise Under Hood and Can Be Felt in Steering Wheel and/or Steering Column (Replace Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft (I-Shaft) Assembly) #00-02-35-003M - (01/31/2007) Models: 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade Models 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado Models (Classic) 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe Models 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 1999-2007 GMC Sierra Models (Classic) 2000-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL Models 2003-2006 HUMMER H2 Attention: This Service Bulletin DOES NOT include Mid-Size Utilities such as Buick Rainier, Chevrolet TrailBlazer Models, GMC Envoy Models or Oldsmobile Bravada. Refer to Service Bulletin 02-02-35-006A or newer for Mid-Size Utilities. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This bulletin is being revised to update the repair procedure with a permanent fix. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 00-02-35-003L (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. Diagnostic Tips Use the information below to help diagnose the source of the noise. • Frame Snap and/or Popping Type Noise -- A frame snap or popping type noise can be duplicated on rough or smooth road surfaces with steering wheel input to the left or the right. This type of noise can be HEARD and is typically louder with the windows rolled down. For additional information, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-61-002F or newer -- Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Front Crossmember, Change Fastener Orientation). • Intermediate Shaft Clunk -- Intermediate shaft clunk is heard and FELT in the steering wheel and/or steering column area, typically while driving on rough road surfaces with steering wheel input. Correction DO THIS DON'T DO THIS Replace the I-Shaft with P/N 19153614. Do NOT lubricate or exercise the I-Shaft. Important: • I-shaft P/N 19153614 has been designed to replace previous designed dampened and non-dampened I-shafts. The physical difference in the yoke size will accommodate all vehicles listed in this bulletin. • Due to the design of the new I-shaft, it is not possible to lubricate/grease the I-shaft. Replace the steering column upper intermediate shaft with an improved design shaft that will eliminate the clunk noise using the procedure listed below. Set the front wheels in the straight ahead position. Notice: On the 2002 and later model year vehicles, the steering column LOCK was removed from the steering column. It is critical that the J 42640 - Steering column Anti-Rotation Pin is used when servicing steering columns on 2002 and later model year vehicles. Failure to use the J 42640 may result in damage to the SIR coil. Set the steering wheel in the LOCK position on 2001 and prior model year vehicles. For 2002 and later vehicles, install the J 42640 in the steering column lower access hole. From under the hood, remove the lower bolt that connects the upper intermediate shaft to the steering gear coupling shaft. Slide the shaft towards the dash in order to disengage the shaft from the steering gear coupling shaft. For vehicles equipped with adjustable foot pedals, perform the following steps: 6.1. Reposition the carpet away from the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor. 6.2. Remove the two nuts retaining the accelerator pedal to the bulkhead. 6.3. Reposition the accelerator pedal out of the way so the intermediate shaft can be removed. From inside the vehicle, remove the upper bolt from the upper intermediate steering shaft (1) to the steering column connection. Remove the upper intermediate steering shaft assembly. 8.1. From inside the vehicle, slide the shaft down and off the steering column. 8.2. From inside the vehicle, slide the upper intermediate shaft through the dash boot seal and remove the shaft from the vehicle. Replace the upper intermediate shaft. Install the upper intermediate steering shaft through the dash boot seal and slide the lower end into the steering gear coupling shaft. Raise the upper end of the intermediate steering shaft and install into the steering column shaft. Install the upper bolt and nut. Tighten Tighten the bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft). Install the lower bolt and nut. Tighten Tighten the bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft). For vehicles equipped with adjustable foot pedals, perform the following steps: 14.1. Reposition the accelerator pedals into position on the bulkhead. 14.2. Install the two retaining nuts. Tighten Tighten the nuts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft). 14.3. Reposition the carpet into place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mirage Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please hows that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bucknutt Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please thanks alot guys, i just had the tie rod ends replaced this summer so i'm doubting it's that. ps is good, wheel bearings aren't great but 'nothin to worry about yet' i've been told. i'll run all these suggestions by my buddies that are a little more mechanically inclined than myself. i usually just lurk around these rooms a couple times a day, not a real active member. i appreciate gettin so many responses. i dont care what anybody says, yall are a pretty good bunch of guys. and shaun, if you think it can wait another year or so, maybe i'll just take a road trip up that way, you can work on the truck and i'll wander around your neck of the woods with my bow for a couple of hours.. i'm gettin my truck fixed, sounds like a good excuse to go to canada to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted February 8, 2007 Report Share Posted February 8, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please [ QUOTE ] thanks alot guys, i just had the tie rod ends replaced this summer so i'm doubting it's that. ps is good, wheel bearings aren't great but 'nothin to worry about yet' i've been told. i'll run all these suggestions by my buddies that are a little more mechanically inclined than myself. i usually just lurk around these rooms a couple times a day, not a real active member. i appreciate gettin so many responses. i dont care what anybody says, yall are a pretty good bunch of guys. and shaun, if you think it can wait another year or so, maybe i'll just take a road trip up that way, you can work on the truck and i'll wander around your neck of the woods with my bow for a couple of hours.. i'm gettin my truck fixed, sounds like a good excuse to go to canada to me! [/ QUOTE ] Come up anytime! You're more than welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LETMGROW Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please [ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] it can't be the cv joint It's a truck which means rear wheel drive . [/ QUOTE ] I work with halfshafts, c/v joints, all day long and 4 wheel drive trucks have them and I would be surprised if it was one going bad, They usually last a long time. If you get a chance crawl under a 4 wheel drive truck and you will see them going from the transfer case out to the wheels. [/ QUOTE ] Don't you mean from the differential out to the wheels? By the way. I have to agree with the intermediate shaft being the culprit. I wouldn't wait too long. It lacks lubrication now. That could lead to wear and eventual failure. The grease kit is a fairly cheap fix! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohiobuckhunter Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please yeah but i didn't think the cv joint would break if he wasn't in 4 wheel drive and he never said he had 4 wheel drive so i was thinking it was in the steering column. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohiobuckhunter Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please my 4 wheel drive doesn't have cv joints that I know of just u joints I just had to replace them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksdeerhunter03 Posted February 9, 2007 Report Share Posted February 9, 2007 Re: Mechanics, a little help please Hey Micah, why dont you have your goat molesting roomate fix it, he is going to do my brakes, pads, tranny and cooling system next week while I am in Vegas. Good game last night by the way, they still arent getting the ball to you like they should though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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