EI08116 - Noise/Looseness in Steering Column (Engineering Information)
| Subject: | EI08116 -- Noise/Looseness in Steering Column (Engineering Information) |
| Models: | 2008 Chevrolet Equinox |
| 2008 Pontiac Torrent |
| Attention: | Proceed with this bulletin ONLY if the customer has commented about this concern AND the EI number is listed in GMVIS. If the customer has not commented about this condition or the EI does not show in GMVIS, disregard the bulletin and proceed with diagnostics found in published Service Information (SI). THIS IS NOT A RECALL- refer to Service Bulletin #04-00-89-053B for more detail on the use of Engineering Information bulletins. |
Condition
Some customers may comment on noise coming from the steering column or a loose steering column.
Cause
GM Engineering is attempting to determine the root cause of concerns for noisy/loose steering columns. A high percentage of steering columns returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) show no trouble found. Engineering has a need to obtain technical information first-hand from the dealer technician during diagnosis and PRIOR to repair. As a result, this information will be used by engineering to help root-cause the customer’s concern and develop/validate a field fix.
Correction
Prior to attempting any diagnosis or repairs, verify that the vehicle has the upgraded software for the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) - calibration part number 25883852 or later.
Follow the Strategy Based Diagnostic information below. If diagnosis leads you to replacing the steering column or any parts of it, Contact GM Engineer Ron Paterson at 519-521-9980.
If the steering column is loose, perform the following diagnostics:
Step | Action | Yes | No | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Refer to SI for Steering Wheel & Column Description & Operation | ||||
2 | Verify that the steering column is loose. Is the steering column loose? | Go to Step 3 | System OK- Continue to diagnose and repair according to SI | ||||
3 | Inspect the steering column mounting features for the following conditions.
Are the steering column mounting features loose/sheared? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 | ||||
4 | Inspect the upper and/or lower bearings for looseness. Are any of the bearings worn or loose? | Contact GM Engineer Ron Paterson at 519-521-9980 | -- | ||||
5 |
Important: If the steering column mounting feature is damaged or sheared, the steering column will need to be replaced. Tighten or replace the steering column mounting fastener to specifications. Does the steering column need replacement? | Contact GM Engineer Ron Paterson at 519-521-9980 | Go to Step 6 | ||||
6 | Operate the steering column in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK-Continue to diagnose and repair per SI | Go to Step 3 |
If the Steering Column is noisy, perform the following diagnostics:
Step | Action | Yes | No | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you review the Steering Wheel and Column Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Refer to SI for Steering Wheel & Column Description & Operation | ||||
2 | Verify that noise is present in the steering column during operation. Is noise present in the steering column during operation? | Go to Step 3 | System OK-Continue to diagnose and repair according to SI | ||||
3 | Inspect the steering column mounting features for the following conditions:
Are the steering column mounting features loose/sheared? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 4 | ||||
4 |
Important: The steering column upper and/or lower bearings are not serviceable, the steering column will need to be replaced. Are the steering column upper and/or lower bearing noisy?
| Contact GM Engineer Ron Paterson at 519-521-9980 | Go to Step 5 | ||||
5 | Inspect the SIR/SRS coil for noise. Is the SIR/SRS coil noisy? | Contact GM Engineer Ron Paterson at 519-521-9980 | Go to Step 6 | ||||
6 | Inspect the lock plate retaining ring for correct installation. Is the lock plate retaining ring installed incorrectly? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 7 | ||||
7 | Inspect the tilt joint for lubrication, if equipped. Is the tilt joint lubricated? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 13 | ||||
8 | Is the noise coming from the electric power motor? | Contact GM Engineer Ron Paterson at 519-521-9980 | Go to Step 9 | ||||
9 |
Important: This is best evaluated while driving the vehicle, turning the steering and applying the brake pedal. Inspect the steering column intermediate shaft for noise. Is the steering column intermediate shaft noisy? | Contact GM Engineer Ron Paterson at 519-521-9980 | |||||
10 |
Important: If the steering column mounting feature is damaged or sheared, the steering column will need to be replaced. Tighten or replace the steering column mounting fastener to specifications. Refer to SI for tightening specifications. Does the Steering Column need replacement? | Contact GM Engineer Ron Paterson at 519-521-9980 | -- | ||||
11 | Install the lock plate retaining ring correctly. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 14 | -- | ||||
12 |
Important: If the steering column upper and/or lower bearings are not serviceable, the steering column will need to be replaced. Does the steering column need replacement | Contact GM Engineer Ron Paterson at 519-521-9980 | -- | ||||
13 | Lubricate the tilt joint. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 14 | -- | ||||
14 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Important: If the diagnosis leads you to replace the Steering Column or any parts of it, call GM Engineer Ron Paterson at 519-521-9980. If you do not hear from Ron within two hours, continue to repair the vehicle. GM Engineers may want to visit with your dealership prior to attempting any repairs.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under Engineering direction, use:
Labor Operation | Description | Labor Time |
|---|---|---|
E9471* | Engineering Information Steering Column-Loose | 1.0 hr |
E9473* | Engineering Information Steering Column- Noisy | 1.3 hrs |
*This labor operation number is for bulletin use only. This number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide. | ||
