Noise/Clunk From Steering Column (Replace Upper Intermediate Shaft)

Some customers may comment on a clunk noise or loose feeling from the steering wheel/column that may be more noticeable while turning. This condition does not have an effect on the vehicle's performance.

This clunk noise or loose feeling from the steering wheel/column may be caused by excessive play in the intermediate shaft.

Follow the service procedure below for the replacement of the upper steering column intermediate shaft:

Caution: When performing service on or near the SIR components or the SIR wiring, the SIR system must be disabled. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zones. Failure to observe the correct procedure could cause deployment of the SIR components, personal injury, or unnecessary SIR system repairs.

Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in SIR. Refer to SI Document ID #826045.
2. Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
4. Remove the key from the ignition switch.
5. Insert J 42640 into the steering column access hole in order to lock the steering column. This will maintain the correct orientation.
6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information. Refer to SI Document ID #813128.
7. Remove the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft bolt.
8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Remove the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console. Refer to SI Document ID #787590.
10. Remove the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement . Refer to SI Document ID #887143.
11. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.

Important: Stabilize the studs in order to remove the nuts securing the steering column to the instrument panel.

12. Support the steering column.
13. Remove the steering column mounting nuts.
14. Remove the steering column.
15. Remove the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column retaining bolt.
16. Remove the upper intermediate shaft from the steering column.
17. Replace the upper intermediate shaft, P/N 25749288, to the steering column.
18. Install the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column retaining bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the upper intermediate shaft to the steering column retaining bolt to 48 N·m (35 lb ft).

19. Install the steering column.
20. Install the steering column mounting nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the steering column mounting nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

21. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
22. Install the steering column trim covers. Refer to Steering Column Trim Covers Replacement. Refer to SI Document ID #887143.
23. Install the knee bolster. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console. Refer to SI Document ID #787590.
24. Raise the vehicle.
25. Install the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft.
26. Install the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft retaining bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the upper intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft retaining bolt to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

27. Lower the vehicle.
28. Unlock the steering column by removing J 42640 from the steering column lower trim cover access hole.
29. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling Zone 3 in SIR. Refer to SI Document ID #826045.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: