Clunk/Rattle Noise from Lower Steering Column Area When Traveling Over Road Bumps (Replace Lower Steering Shaft Bearing Assembly)

Some customers may comment on a clunking or rattling noise from the lower steering column area that may be heard in the passenger compartment as the vehicle travels over bumps in the road.

This condition may be due to clearance between the steering shaft and the inner race of the lower steering column shaft bearing.

Replace the existing lower steering column shaft bearing with P/N 26100500 and install a new retainer/no back washer, P/N 07847029. Refer to the procedures in this bulletin and the Steering Column Replacement procedures in the Service Manual.

Tools Required

J 42640 Steering Column Anti-Rotation Pin

Caution: Refer to SIR Caution in Cautions and Notices of the Service Manual.

1. If applicable, adjust the telescopic steering column to the maximum rearward position.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure in the Engine Electrical sub-section of the Service Manual.
3. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in the SIR sub-section of the Service Manual.
4. Remove the closeout/IP insulator panel and knee bolster trim panel. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in the Instrument Panel, Gages and Console sub-section of the Service Manual.
5. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, then back to the left slightly.
6. Install the J 42640 into the lower steering column trim cover access hole in order to lock the steering column.
7. Disconnect the steering column electrical connectors.
8. If disconnecting the steering column from the intermediate shaft from inside the vehicle, remove the intermediate shaft upper pinch bolt and nut.
9. If disconnecting the steering column from the intermediate shaft from underneath the vehicle, follow these steps:

9.1.	Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting and Jacking in the General Information subsection of the Service Manual.

9.2.	Remove the intermediate shaft lower pinch bolt and nut.

9.3.	Lower the vehicle.

10. Remove the steering column lower mounting nuts.
11. Remove the steering column upper mounting nuts.
12. Remove the steering column from the vehicle and place the column on a flat surface.
13. If necessary, disconnect the intermediate shaft by removing the upper pinch bolt and nut.



14. Remove the steering shaft seal (1) and the steering shaft lower bearing retainer (2) together as one unit.
15. Remove the steering wheel position sensor assembly (3) by inserting a flat bladed tool between the sensor assembly and the steering shaft lower bearing (5) and pry gently.
16. On power tilt and telescoping steering columns:

16.1.

Remove the retainer (4).

16.2.

If a wave washer was installed, remove and discard the washer.

17. On manual tilt steering columns:

17.1.

Remove the retainer (4).

17.2.

Remove the lower bearing spring and seat.

18. Remove the steering column jacket hole plug (6).
19. Remove the steering shaft lower bearing assembly (5).

1. Install a new steering shaft lower bearing assembly (5), P/N 26100500.
2. Install the steering column jacket hole plug (6).
3. Pull the steering column shaft out until the chamfer on the shaft bottoms out against the bearing assembly.

Important: On manual tilt steering columns, installation of the new retainer/no back washer, lower bearing spring and seat is NOT required.

4. On power tilt and telescoping steering columns ONLY, install a new retainer/no back washer (4), P/N 07847029, with the rounded side to the bearing assembly.
5. Install the steering wheel position sensor assembly (3).
6. Install the steering shaft seal (1) and the steering shaft lower bearing retainer (2) together as one unit.
7. If the steering column was disconnected from underneath the vehicle, connect the intermediate shaft to the steering column. Install the upper pinch bolt and nut.

Tighten
Tighten the intermediate steering shaft upper pinch bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

8. Install the steering column to the vehicle.
9. Install the steering column lower mounting nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the steering column lower mounting nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

10. Install the steering column upper mounting nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the steering column upper mounting nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

11. Connect the steering column electrical connectors.
12. If the steering column was disconnected from inside the vehicle, connect the intermediate shaft to the steering column. Install the upper pinch bolt and nut.

Tighten
Tighten the intermediate steering shaft upper pinch bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

13. If the steering column was disconnected from underneath the vehicle, follow these steps:

13.1.

Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to the Vehicle Lifting and Jacking in the General Information subsection of the Service Manual.

13.2.

Connect the intermediate shaft to the steering column. Install the lower pinch bolt and nut.

Tighten
Tighten the intermediate steering shaft lower pinch bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

13.3.

Lower the vehicle.

14. Install the closeout/IP insulator panel and knee bolster trim panel. Refer to Knee Bolster Replacement in the Instrument Panel, Gages and Console sub-section of the Service Manual.
15. Remove the J 42640 from the lower steering column trim cover access hole.
16. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in the SIR sub-section of the Service Manual.
17. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnect/Connect Procedure in the Engine Electrical sub-section of the Service Manual.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: