EI06035 - Power Steering Clunk/Bump While Making Turns at Slow Speeds, Column, Intermediate Shaft, Intermittent (Align I-Shaft to Steering Column)

This bulletin is being revised to remove Step 11 from the procedure. It is no longer necessary to contact TAC with your results. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 06-02-35-009D (Section 02 -- Steering).

Important:  If the customer did not bring their vehicle in for this issue, DO NOT proceed with this bulletin.

Some customers may comment on a power steering clunk type noise or a rubbing feel/noise when making left or right turns at slow speeds. This condition is most noticeable during parking lot maneuvers. This condition may be worse in cold ambient temperatures.

DO NOT REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT OR STEERING GEAR.

GM Engineering is attempting to determine the root cause of this condition. GM has a need to obtain information before any repairs are made. If the customer's concern can be duplicated, perform the following steps:

1. Remove the pinch bolt between the I-shaft and steering gear stub shaft.
2. Loosen the four (4) steering column attachment bolts.
3. Remove the steering column/I-shaft assembly from the vehicle (refer to diagram).




Important: It is critical for the repair to be performed with the steering column and I-shaft removed from the vehicle.

4. With the steering column/I-shaft ON A BENCH, pull down the boot to expose the cardon joint. Remove the nut from the bolt that fastens the cardon joint to the steering shaft (refer to illustration #1).



5. Flip the bolt around 180° to have the paddle rest on the shaft not the cardon joint yoke.

Important: To ensure proper alignment, two people may be required to perform Step 6.

6. While holding the joint in place, tighten the bolt while maintaining alignment.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

7. Reinstall the steering column/I-shaft assembly.
8. Tighten the four (4) steering column attachment bolts.

Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

9. Tighten the pinch bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

10. Verify that the customer's concern has been corrected.

Important: The labor operation listed in this bulletin includes the time necessary to perform a front end alignment and test drive the vehicle.