Service VME - Steering Popping Noise on Slow Speed Parking Lot Maneuvers or Over Bumps - chatter clunk intermediate power shaft

When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

This is a product VME going out to all Pontiac dealers on the product VME system. This is regarding 2003 Pontiac Bonnevilles. Some owners may comment of a clunking or popping noise in the steering on low mileage 2003 Bonnevilles. This is a reminder that on low mileage vehicles, the steering gears should not be replaced for this clunking or popping type noise. The steering intermediate shaft is the most probably source of the clunking or popping noise on these low mileage vehicles. Beginning with the start of production in 2003 there was a concern it could contribute to the clunking or popping noise. Vehicles produced on or after November 6, 2002 were built with an intermediate shaft that was no longer susceptible to the clunking or popping noise. All intermediate shafts currently in SPO stock are of the latest design and also not susceptible to the clucking or popping concern.

Please follow this diagnosis 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. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance. This diagnostic approach was developed for the vehicle with the VIN you entered and should not be automatically be used for other vehicles with similar symptoms.