Groan Or Moan Noise And Or Slight Increase In Turning Effort When Steering Wheel Turned - keywords bind classic clunk column int intermediate ishaft noise pinion power shaft steering stick stiff turn

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Some customers may state there is a groan or moan noise when the steering wheel is turned. They may comment that after making a left or right turn the steering wheel returns to the center position without assistance more slowly than expected. They may also comment the steering wheel requires slight additional effort to turn in one or both directions.

The concern is the intermediate shaft may be installed too far down on the pinion shaft of the steering rack. The bottom housing of the intermediate shaft is contacting the upper surface of the steering rack pinion casting.

Verify proper power steering fluid level. If low, fill fluid to correct level and retest. If fluid level is at the proper level then remove the intermediate shaft bolt and raise the intermediate shaft up on the pinion shaft.

Remove original thread locker material from the bolt and apply Loctite 242 (or equivalent) to the threads of the bolt and reinstall intermediate shaft bolt. Tighten the bolt to 49 N·m (36 lb ft).

With the intermediate shaft raised so the bottom of the intermediate shaft does not touch the upper surface of the steering rack pinion casting, tighten the shaft bolt and verify concern is gone.

If groan or moan noise is still present then proceed to replacing I shaft using "Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement".

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.