Clunk Felt/Noise Heard from Steering Column, Steering Gear and/or Front of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver Intermediate Shaft as Appropriate)

This bulletin is being revised to provide a temporary service procedure for greasing the new design I-shafts on Regal, Impala, Monte Carlo, Intrigue and Grand Prix vehicles ONLY. The greasing/lubing procedure should be followed until new service parts are available. This bulletin will be reissued when parts are available on a model by model basis. For Allure and LaCrosse, continue to replace the intermediate shaft as necessary.

We understand the confusion this change may cause, but this is the best alternative at this time. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-02-32-001J (Section 02 -- Steering).

Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle while driving during a turning maneuver. This condition may also be felt through the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary and the wheel is rotated from steering stop to steering stop. Some vehicles may only exhibit the noise once for every 360° of wheel rotation. On all other vehicles, this clunk noise will be noticed during low speed acceleration or deceleration, typically in light turns of the steering wheel or when applying/releasing the brakes.

This condition may be caused by a "slip stick" condition resulting in the clunk noise or feel through the steering wheel.

Important: This condition is commonly misdiagnosed as originating in the steering gear and has resulted in the replacement of numerous steering gears without correcting the concern.

Attempt to duplicate the customer's concern and isolate the I-shaft by following the procedure below:

1. Locate a large area (parking lot) where the vehicle can be turned in a tight circle.
2. Turn the steering wheel to the right and/or left all the way to the steering lock, then off the steering lock a 1/4 turn.
3. Drive the vehicle approximately 5 km/h (3 mph) in a circle, preferably over rough pavement or seams on the road surface.
4. If a clunk is felt in the steering wheel, the MOST likely cause is the I-shaft -- not the steering gear. Continue with the correction.
5. Drive the vehicle straight ahead at idle speed while applying and releasing the brake pedal. Listen/feel the steering wheel for the clunk-/noise condition.

2005-2007 Buick Allure (Canada Only), LaCrosse

Replace the existing intermediate shaft using the service procedure found in Service Information.

2000-2007 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo

2004-2007 Pontiac Grand Prix

2001-2004 Buick Regal

1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue

Vehicles Equipped with the Old-Designed (greased) I-Shafts

For vehicles equipped with the old designed I-shafts which are already greased, remove the I-shaft from the vehicle. Exercise/stroke the intermediate shaft to redistribute the existing grease on the shaft.

Vehicles Equipped with the New Designed (non-greased) I-Shafts

If the vehicle is equipped with a non-greased intermediate shaft, remove the intermediate steering shaft from the vehicle. Lubricate the shaft using the steering column shaft lubrication kit, P/N 26098237, using the following procedure:

1. Remove the steering intermediate shaft from the vehicle. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in the appropriate Service Manual.



2. Fully extend the intermediate shaft to its maximum length by pulling on each end of the shaft.



3. Apply the grease supplied in the Steering Column Shaft Lubrication Kit in the aluminum end of the yoke opening. Direct the syringe tip as deep as possible into the yoke and dispense the full content of the syringe.



4. Install the rubber stop plug from the Steering Column Shaft Lubrication kit into the yoke opening.



5. Secure the rubber plug by swinging the upper yoke 90 degrees. One ear of the yoke should press the rubber plug in.




Important: Make sure the intermediate shaft is being pressed over the ears of the solid shaft.

6. Use a hard surface to ease the collapse of the intermediate shaft. It is best to use a pumping action when collapsing the shaft. Collapse the shaft as far as possible.
7. Remove the rubber stopper plug from the yoke end of the shaft.



8. Slowly extend the intermediate shaft apart.



9. Inspect the intermediate shaft for a minimum of 5 mm (0.2 in) (a) of grease on the shaft splines.
10. Repeat Steps 4-9 if less than 5 mm (0.2 in) of grease is on the shaft splines.

Important: Before installing the intermediate shaft in the vehicle, make sure to stroke and extend the intermediate shaft at least 15 TIMES to completely lubricate the internal surface of the slip joint.

11. Reinstall the intermediate shaft into the vehicle. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in the appropriate Service Manual.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: