Steering wheel noise

[bikernut]

I know this is a problem with the new GM truck vehicles (2001-?) but what can be done to get rid of the noise and bump from the steering wheel. I heard that GM has about 35 fixes out that doesn't cure it, can any of you tell me what you have done to get rid of this problem. My truck is a 2005 Duramax equipped Dually 3500 crew cab 4X4. thanks

[Gray Ghost]

Most mechanics say the intermediate shaft bushings need to be replaced on the steering column.

[bikernut]

yes I would think that if it was a high mileage vehicle but my truck has only 24,000 miles and really isn't a daily driver. thanks

[Gray Ghost]

According to Cliff in our conversation yesterday, the intermediate shaft was bad from the factory and the noise can start at anytime. Easy way to tell....have someone wiggle it hard while you are in the drivers seat.

[bwood]

The intermediate shaft issues don't necessarily have anything to do with miles as it does time. One of the GM fixes is to remove it and grease it with a grease service kit. It usually only lasts about a year. The shaft becomes dry (grease dries up) and it does not slip as it is suppost to. Dorman has a replacement shaft that is suppost to remedy the issue.

https://www.dormanproducts.com/cgi-b...gory_list=:0:0

https://www.dormanproducts.com/docum...structions.pdf

Some guys also talk about drilling/tapping a grease zerk into the shaft to allow periodic greasing. From what I understand, it only takes about a 1/2 a pump with a standard grease gun to last about as long as the GM grease kit.

[deyomatic]

I also believe it's something that happened from the factory. I have this on my work truck...WELL out of warranty, and VERY annoying. I was worried about the one on my personal truck so I asked about it ('05 Sierra). The tech asked how many miles were on the truck, I told him about 40,000 and he said,
"If it hasn't happened, yet, it won't- you got one of the good ones."

If you have so few miles you might call up and see if they'll replace it under warranty. Might be worth a shot.

[BossHogg69]

Originally Posted by bikernut

yes I would think that if it was a high mileage vehicle but my truck has only 24,000 miles and really isn't a daily driver. thanks

I had the same issue in my 'o5 Crewcab 1500, I had it replaced at like 18,000-20,000 miles, while under warranty. It had done it since I bought the truck and I finally took it in for warranty work after the passenger side window motor went bad and the cd player stopped working. I just thought it was something the newer trucks did (my other was a '92 chevy c1500), and was informed about the bad intermediate shaft deal by the dealership, if they hadn't fixed it then, I probably wouldn't have known better.

[DirtyLarry]

The final fix is to replace the upper intermediate shaft with part number 19153614. One can be purchased for a little over $50 at a GM dealer. I have put one of these on all 3 of my GMT800’s with great success. No more greasing, etc.

[bikernut]

thanks

[bikernut]

thanks for the info

[Gray Ghost]

There's a thread about this on another board and the Dorman part is the bomb they say. All who have replaced the shaft have raved about it.

[bikernut]

do you have the link to the other thread? thanks

[Gray Ghost]

You bet...

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/inde...howtopic=94142

[bikernut]

thanks, very interesting

[DirtyLarry]

You know someone at GM-Trucks.com link above made a great comment about the plastic piece at the bottom of the column coming loose (Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Adapter) that I completely forgot about. That piece is pretty common to pop out and often misdiagnosed as another upper intermediate shaft issue, as you will feel and hear clunking when hitting bumps, turning, etc.

In fact, when I went to install the new upper intermediate shaft in my POS well used 2005 HD I found that bearing adapter hanging out as well. I happen to have an extra Delphi steering column laying around (training prop) so I popped in a new Steering Shaft Lower Bearing Adapter from the new column while I was at it. A few days later it popped out again! This time I wrapped it with electrical tape to tighten the fitment and used a big hose clamp to hold it in. So far so good. That guy on GM-Trucks.com pretty much did the same thing.

Here is an exploded view of the entire column.