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View Full Version : Upper intermediate steering shaft--again!



DickWells
07-23-2009, 03:35
You won't remember, but back in March, I wrote about changing to an E-Bay available shaft that I bought for, (I think) around 79 bucks? Waaal, I just replaced it with the original, cuzz it was far more loose than the original ever got in the first 96 K miles. I just went back through the E-Bay offerings, and can't for sure find the seller. The lack of an invoice and old age conspire against me on that one. I wanted to shoot off a note, suggesting some mods that would allow this unit to stay tight. I have to admit that, being all steel, this replacement part has the potential of being stronger, just has the potential of loosening up more, as well.
I think I'm going to put some spring loaded balls into the outer shaft to ride on both sides of the machined flats of the inner shaft, to keep the thing from rattling. I think three per side should do the trick, and if I use caution with the TIG, I shouldn't weaken the tubing. The only place where room might be an issue, is the fire-wall rubber, and if I do it right, I can put the springs and cap screws in after I get the assembly through the fire-wall.
Anyone tried any thing like this to get rid of that pesky rattle?
Dick Wells:)

OC_DMAX
07-23-2009, 16:46
GM supposedly has a new intermediate steering shaft out that fixes the problem (if so, it only took'em 8 years to figure it out).

Was the one you got on E-bay the new GM replacement or something else?

cowboywildbill
07-29-2009, 17:38
The new shaft just comes with ear plugs! "Ha Ha"

DickWells
07-31-2009, 07:26
If memory serves me, the add for the new one did state that it was the factory replacement, but can't be 100% sure. Yup, the ear plugs are the best buy, for sure.

DieselDavy
07-31-2009, 08:51
Mine was replaced under warranty at fairly low mileage. At less than 60Kmi total on the truck, it needs replaced again! GM engineers that worked on this system should be shot!

Quack_Addict
08-06-2009, 07:58
GM engineers that worked on this system should be shot!

Lol - I have met the guy.

There is a new steering I-shaft out - it is an overmolded design. I have an extra at home; will see if I can find a part number on it.

My `06 is on it's 3'rd (or is it the 4'th!) steering I-shaft and the truck only has a tad over 40k miles on it right now. I have about 18-20k miles on the most recent shaft (updated design) and have not had any issues since.