? Steering box lash

[zmanrc]

How do you adjust the lash in the steering box.
My '01 silverado has a small clicking sound almost like a small "thunk, thunk, thunk" when you turn the wheel at low speeds. Been doing it for 5 years and is just annoying. I've never been able to figure it out. But lately it seems to be a bit worse.
Doesn't sound or feel like a suspension issue. I've checked the ball joints and tie rods. Now I notice a small power steering leak coming right out the top of the steering box from the adjustment nut.
I want to adjust the lash in the box and see if that makes a differance.
Is the adjustment from the big nut or the small hex key on the stud? Or do I have to hold one while turning the other? I have tried both and at this point nothing wants to move.
Thanks!

[TSTONE]

doesnt need any adjustment - you need a new intermediate shaft

Document ID# 1893252
2001 Chevrolet Chevy K Silverado - 4WD

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.

1. 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. <LI type=1>Slide the shaft towards the dash in order to disengage the shaft from the steering gear coupling shaft. <LI type=1>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&#183;m (35 lb ft).
   Install the lower bolt and nut. Tighten
   Tighten the bolt to 50 N&#183;m (37 lb ft).
2. 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&#183;m (15 lb ft).
   
   14.3. Reposition the carpet into place.

Parts Information

Part Number
Description
19153614
Shaft - Upper Intermediate Steering

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time
E7700
Shaft, Steering Intermediate - Upper -- Replace
Use Published Labor Operation Time


GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION

&#169; Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

[zmanrc]

Thank you Todd.
I don't suppose there was a recall on this?

Now that I read this I recall that right after I bought the truck new, I thought I felt something in the steering. Took it in and they said something about a lubrication point on the steering shaft. It was probably a year or more later I began to notice the clunk. I know it was out of warrenty by then.
Is there an immediate danger here??? Could it come apart?
Or is it just annoying as hell?
Thanks again.

[WMCC Gary]

Damn Todd Beat me too it.

Had the same issue on my 99 and 02.

[zmanrc]

Damn Todd Beat me too it.

Had the same issue on my 99 and 02.

Did you do anything about it? Do it yourself or to the dealer?
Looking at the write up Todd has, it doesn't look like that big a deal to do.

[csmith4153]

I had that same thing on my 03. They replaced that shaft while it was on warrenty. Now it's back, but I have no warrenty. Also seem like the power steering is going out. When its warm I can hardly turm the wheel.

[TSTONE]

nope no recall - its what we call a nuscence noise - there have been about 8 incarnations of this bulletin - a few of which were to lube it

[TSTONE]

oh yeah - itll never turn dangerous - just get uglier sounding

[zmanrc]

oh yeah - itll never turn dangerous - just get uglier sounding

Thanks, that make's me feel a little better as the wife drives it when the weather is really bad out.

[WMCC Gary]

Did you do anything about it? Do it yourself or to the dealer?
Looking at the write up Todd has, it doesn't look like that big a deal to do.

Dealer Fixed it under warranty on both trucks.

[zmanrc]

a few of which were to lube it

WOW ... A little grease works wonders. Globbed some grease on the u-joints and shot some white grease down the collar ...... problem fixed

At least for now .... but this is just my DD so I don't mind slapping a little grease on there once in a while. Can't believe this has been bugging me for 5 years.
Got to love the internet and MiFBody
Thanks Todd!!!!!!!

[TSTONE]

your welcome - just take my picture at csf and we'll call it even

[zmanrc]

your welcome - just take my picture at csf and we'll call it even

LOL no problem, look me up

[TSTONE]