Clunk Felt/Noise Heard From Steering Column, Steering Gear and/or Front of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver and/or Steering Wheel Rotation (Replace Intermediate Shaft As Directed)
| Subject: | Clunk Felt/Noise Heard From Steering Column, Steering Gear and/or Front Of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver and/or Steering Wheel Rotation (Replace Intermediate Shaft As Directed) |
| Models: | 2001-2004 Buick Regal |
| 2005-2007 Buick Allure (Canada Only), LaCrosse |
| 2000-2008 Chevrolet Impala |
| 2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo |
| 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue |
| 2004-2007 Pontiac Grand Prix |
This bulletin is being revised to provide new I-shaft part numbers for servicing Allure and LaCrosse vehicles built PRIOR to January 1, 2006. A Corrective Action Summary has been added to this bulletin for quick reference. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-02-32-001N (Section 02 -- Steering).
Model Year | Vehicle Line | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
2001-2004 | Buick Regal | Replace using P/N 19179922 |
2005-2006 | Buick Allure/LaCrosse (built PRIOR to January 1, 2006) | Replace using P/N 25829292 |
2006-2007 | Buick Allure/LaCrosse (built AFTER to January 1, 2006) | Replace using P/N 25828562 |
2000-2005 | Chevrolet Impala | Replace using P/N 19179923 |
2006-2008 | Chevrolet Impala | Replace using P/N 25913681 |
2000-2005 | Chevrolet Monte Carlo | Replace using P/N 19179922 |
2006-2007 | Chevrolet Monte Carlo | Replace using P/N 25913680 |
1998-2002 | Oldsmobile Intrigue | Replace using P/N 19179922 |
2004-2008 | Pontiac Grand Prix | Replace using P/N 25913680 |
Condition
Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle while driving during a turning maneuver. This condition may also be felt through the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary and the wheel is rotated from steering stop to steering stop. Some vehicles may only exhibit the noise once for every 360° of wheel rotation. On all other vehicles, this clunk noise will be noticed during low speed acceleration or deceleration, typically in light turns of the steering wheel or when applying/releasing the brakes.
Cause
This condition may be caused by a "slip stick" condition resulting in the clunk noise or feel through the steering wheel.
Diagnostic Tip
Important: This condition is commonly misdiagnosed as originating in the steering gear and has resulted in the replacement of numerous steering gears without correcting the concern.
Attempt to duplicate the customer's concern and isolate the I-shaft by following the procedure below:
- Locate a large area (parking lot) where the vehicle can be turned in a tight circle.
- Turn the steering wheel to the right and/or left all the way to the steering lock, then off the steering lock a 1/4 turn.
- Drive the vehicle approximately 5 km/h (3 mph) in a circle, preferably over rough pavement or seams on the road surface.
- If a clunk is felt in the steering wheel, the MOST likely cause is the I-shaft -- not the steering gear. Continue with the correction.
- Drive the vehicle straight ahead at idle speed while applying and releasing the brake pedal. Listen/feel the steering wheel for the clunk-/noise condition.
Correction
DO THIS | DON'T DO THIS |
|---|---|
Replace the intermediate shaft | DO NOT lube the intermediate shaft. |
Replace the existing intermediate shaft using the service procedure found in Service Information.
Parts Information
Part Number | Description |
|---|---|
19179922 | Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling '01-'04 Buick Regal '00-'05 Chev Monte Carlo '98-'02 Olds Intrigue |
19179923 | Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling '00-'05 Chev Impala |
25913680 | Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling '06-'07 Chev Monte Carlo '04-'08 Pont Grand Prix |
25913681 | Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling '06-'08 Chev Impala |
25829292 | Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling '05-'06 Buick Allure and LaCrosse vehicles built PRIOR to January 1, 2006 |
25828562 | Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling ’06-'07 Buick Allure and LaCrosse vehicles built AFTER January 1, 2006 |
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation | Description | Labor Time |
|---|---|---|
E7700 | Shaft, Steering Intermediate - R&R | Use Published Labor Operation Time |
