Intermediate Steering Shaft??
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4
Intermediate Steering Shaft??
I have a 2002 SLS with 60000 miles on the odometer. I bought it at 48000 miles and noticed a subtle "chunking" noise under certain irregular road conditions. Two mechanics inspected the car and found nothing loose or worn. I did some searching on the net and tumbled to the ISS (Intermediate Steering Shaft) being the potential source. My mechanic removed it and applied the GM kit that simply installs a heavier grease inside. Inspection showed no apparent wear. The grease seemed to help a little bit but the noise never went away completely. 10000 miles later it seems to be getting worse. The car handles perfectly, tracks dead straight on the interstate, completely quiet on severe bumps. The noise is only there on roads with minor bumps nad irregularities .... under some conditions it sounds and feels like the front end is falling off. The chunk doesn't really seem to telegraph through the steering wheel which puzzles me if it's the ISS. Any surefire way to determine if it really is the ISS without simply replacing it? If it is the ISS is there an improved assembly that can be used? Any other ideas where the noise could be coming from? I have a slight warp in the front rotor(s) which will sometimes get the noise going which seemingly point to the ISS. Also, the dealer replaced the engine and cradle under warranty (failed injector and a cracked intake plenum plus a damaged cradle) about 1500 miles ago. Nothing in the "chunking" changed as a result of changing the engine.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 507
RE: Intermediate Steering Shaft??
GM TSB#06-02-35-010 - (05/09/2006)
Models: 2001-2004 Cadillac Seville -- with RPO JL4
2001-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora
2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville
Attention: This bulletin ONLY applies to the above listed vehicles. All other cars with a similar condition should refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-02-32-001G.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Cause
This condition may be caused by inadequate lubrication of the steering intermediate shaft which results in a "slip stick" condition possibly resulting in the clunk noise.
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.
Engineering Investigation shows that numerous steering gears have been misdiagnosed and replaced. The investigations shows that if the technician incorrectly diagnoses the steering gear as the cause of the noise and/or clunk during replacement of the steering gear, the technician may stroke and/or cycle the I-shaft, distributing the original grease in the I-shaft. This distribution of the original I-shaft grease temporarily may eliminate the I-shaft clunk so that the technician believes the noise and/or clunk is corrected with the steering gear replacement and returns the vehicle to the customer. After the customer drives the vehicles for several miles and dissipates the original grease, the noise may return.
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.
Correction
Important: The replacement steering intermediate shaft is physically different in appearance than the original. However, the vehicle's ride performance will not be affected.
Replace the original concentric style steering shaft with P/N 26068295, a Double "D" design. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in SI.
2001-2003 Oldsmobile Aurora
2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville
Attention: This bulletin ONLY applies to the above listed vehicles. All other cars with a similar condition should refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-02-32-001G.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Cause
This condition may be caused by inadequate lubrication of the steering intermediate shaft which results in a "slip stick" condition possibly resulting in the clunk noise.
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.
Engineering Investigation shows that numerous steering gears have been misdiagnosed and replaced. The investigations shows that if the technician incorrectly diagnoses the steering gear as the cause of the noise and/or clunk during replacement of the steering gear, the technician may stroke and/or cycle the I-shaft, distributing the original grease in the I-shaft. This distribution of the original I-shaft grease temporarily may eliminate the I-shaft clunk so that the technician believes the noise and/or clunk is corrected with the steering gear replacement and returns the vehicle to the customer. After the customer drives the vehicles for several miles and dissipates the original grease, the noise may return.
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.
Correction
Important: The replacement steering intermediate shaft is physically different in appearance than the original. However, the vehicle's ride performance will not be affected.
Replace the original concentric style steering shaft with P/N 26068295, a Double "D" design. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in SI.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5
RE: Intermediate Steering Shaft??
the suspension system is one responsible for any vibrations that the vehicle may encounter. As the name suggests, the sway bar compensates for the sway or roll of the vehicle during sharps turns. My uncle was looking for a cadillac escalade sway bar replacement. perhaps you may need an aftermarket sway bar that is fitted for your auto.
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