Hiss/Rush Noise From Steering (STRG) Column Area (Replace Lower Intermediate Shaft)

This bulletin is being revised to correct the Labor Operation Number. The original bulletin incorrectly states to use Labor Operation E7770. The correct Labor Operation is E7700. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-02-35-006 (Section 02 -- Steering).

Some customers may comment on a low volume hiss and/or rush noise heard from the steering column area. The noise may change when the steering wheel is rotated in either direction. The noise may be noticeable with the engine ON, vehicle in PARK , HVAC and Radio OFF.

The lower steering column intermediate shaft may be internally grounding out, creating a noise path.

To determine if the lower intermediate shaft is allowing noise to travel from the power steering hydraulic system into the vehicle passenger compartment, follow the steps below.

1. Confirm the customer's concern.

Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly.

2. Turn the steering wheel so that the front wheels are pointing straight ahead.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the lock position and remove the key.



4. Lock the steering column through the access hole in the lower steering column trim cover using the J 42640.
5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information (SI Document ID# 744862).



6. Disconnect the upper intermediate shaft boot from the lower intermediate shaft boot to gain access to the upper intermediate shaft to lower intermediate pinch bolt.
7. Remove the lower intermediate shaft to upper intermediate shaft pinch bolt.
8. Disconnect the lower intermediate shaft from the upper intermediate shaft.
9. Lower the vehicle
10. Attempt to duplicate the customer's concern again.

•	If the noise is still present with the intermediate shaft disconnected, DO NOT replace the intermediate shaft. Refer to Noise in Steering Column (SI Document ID# 824769) or the appropriate SI information.

•	If the noise is not present, continue with the next step.

11. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information (SI Document ID# 744862).



12. Disconnect the lower intermediate shaft boot from the power steering gear and remove the intermediate shaft boot from the vehicle.




Important: Note the relationship of the intermediate shaft to the power steering gear and the intermediate shaft to the steering column in order to ensure proper installation.

13. Remove the lower intermediate shaft to the power steering gear input shaft pinch bolt.
14. Disconnect the lower intermediate shaft from the power steering gear.
15. Remove the lower intermediate shaft from the vehicle.
16. Replace the lower intermediate shaft, P/N 15155707. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement-Installation-Lower (SI Document ID# 745952).

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: