Steering wheel chatter noise on 1999-2007 silverado/ sierras

[Chris092183]

I know alot of you guys are aware of this problem but for those who aren't GM had a crappy design on their intermediate steering shaft on the NBS trucks. I'm not sure when the remedied this issue mayhbe 05 so your nbs might not have the issue. Anyway GM sells a grease pack to solve the problem only it doesn't "solve" the problem for every truck. The grease pack might make the problem subside for a while ut it will come back sooner or llater. The link bbelow has a newly revised intermediate steering shaft that is sopposed to fix the issue for good:

http://www.partszoneonline.com/parts.php?srch1=19153614

[Frenchy]

My 06 does it so they didn't fix it before then.

[2boosted]

I change twice with the "revised" version. Did not last long !

Got this issue in my 2008 Diesel 2500 4wd. Last thing I did was fill it with rtv silicon. had been clam for a while, but I don't think it will be a permanent fix

[decibles]

I have repaired over 40 of these if you catch them before they have worn too much you can take them apart and clean both the inner and outer slides with solvent(this is very important) you must get rid of all the grease as it will react with the new grease. once you have cleaned them of all residue (I like to use brake cleaner as it drys quickly) you apply 100% silicone grease to both parts adding a little extra on the inside, then reinstall. I have only had a coulple that came back which was because early on I didn't see the value in removing all the original lube big mistake. I honestly believe if the two parts were clean they would most likely wouldn't make any noise however the grease is important to keep any moisture out. The sound you hear is actually caused when the shafts fail to slide easily and bind up causing the steering column shaft to bounce against the bearings, when the cab mounts absorb the little bumps etc. the shaft needs to extend and collapse easily so the spring in column can maintain the shaft seated. I hope this is at least a little helpful if nothing more than to shed some light on why the rattle is so noticeable in the the cab even thought the shaft is under the hood.

shane