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'Click' in steering wheel--98 Lumina LS 3.1L


PsychoCid

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For the past 1-2 weeks, I've noticed a 'click' in the steering wheel motion.

 

It happens only when I make a right turn, as the steering wheel is returning to its center position.

 

The feeling gets significantly stronger some times--I'm thinking that the faster I'm going, the stronger it feels. If I go very very slow, I do not usually feel the click (slow both in around a corner and in returning the steering wheel to its upright position). I am unable to recreate the occurance while the car is sitting still. I can turn the wheel back and forth and it never 'clicks.'

 

Any idea on what this could be? The car was already taken in for the recall for the problem of power steering dies during left turns. My car never actually had that problem, but they did whatever the recall mandated.

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I know the 00-02 Impalas had a similar problem, and they had a recall on the Intermediate Steering Shaft (the piece that connnects the column to the rack-and-pinion gear.)

 

I'm gonna say first have all of your inner and outer tie rod ends checked and/or replaced, then have the ISS checked. If you're still having the noise after that, then I'd suspect the bearings inside the column are shot (which isn't really that likely, especially on an 8 year old car, but you never know.)

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I asked the same question on the mymonte.com forums and got a pretty quick response.

 

Malaclypse offered the following:

"Would you also call this "click" a pop? There is a common problem with W-body cars (GP, Lumina, Monte Carlo, etc) involving the steering shaft binding during turns causing a pop that can sometimes be felt in the wheel.

 

There are two things that can be done: The steering shaft can be replaced with a dealer part or your stock part can be lubricated with a dealer available kit.

 

Personally, I've had the same problem with my '98 Monte 3100 since 55k miles. I've known about the solution and simply haven't fixed the steering shaft because it won't damage any other components and is only an annoyance.

 

Hope this helps you out."

 

I'm fairly certain that's my issue. Glad it's nothing to worry about, however much of an annoyance in may be. ;)

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Off topic, but are you a fan of Sid Eudy or something?

 

sychosid.jpg

 

^^^That's who I think of when I hear "Sycho Sid" :lol: .

 

 

Anyways, which shaft is that dude refering to? The one inside the column, or the intermediate shaft?

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  • 2 months later...

I realize this is an older thread, please don't kill me for reviving it.

 

The issue with the Intermediate Steering Shaft has not been a recall issue as of yet (even though it has caused MANY accidents and some deaths), but it may be reaching recall status soon. The issue is where the ISS leaks it's lubrication and well dry runs aren't good for anything. There are a couple fixes to this:

1: Replace the ISS with another from the dealer. About 400 bucks.

2: Have GM lubricate the shaft for you. About 100 bucks.

3: Buy a can of white lithium spray grease and inject it into your ISS yourself. About 5 bucks.

 

GM had released a new replacement shaft that supposedly curbed the problem for good, but it is now unobtainable for reasons unknown.

The list for the affected vehicles follows:

2001-2004 Buick Regal

2000-2004 Cadillac Seville

1997-2004 Chevrolet Cavalier

2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo

2001-2002 Oldsmobile Aurora

1998-2003 Oldsmobile Intrigue

2000-2005 Pontiac Bonneville, Sunfire

1998-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

 

I wouldn't doubt that some of the Gen1.5 W's had this issue as well. Leaving this issue unattended can cause serious issues. There have been documented instances where the shaft failed entirely, causing complete loss of steering. I know some Impala guys have had their shaft replaced, only to find out when the dealership took the old one out, it came out in pieces.

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2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala

:cry: Boo for me! I thought it was resolved by the 04 model year :shrug: . I haven't had any issues with my 04 yet, though (and it's at just over 44k on the clock.)
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kevin if you have a problem with it is should still be covered by a TSB, if not just bitch about it enuf and they should cover it... i think the difference was in 2004 maybe 2005 they started using the regreasable shaft, that for some stupid reasin they didnt use in the first place... the TSB covered the initial replacement of the old one to the new one... or something to that effect... i have had mine replaced and then regreased since i bought my car... it was covered both times no question asked

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It was supposed to be resolved by 2002. Then by 2004. I know a couple '05s have had the issue; haven't heard anything about the '06 just yet.

But it seems whether you have shaft A or shaft B, the problem still exists. I bought my '01 Imp LS with 66K on it. The shaft was popping and all that good stuff; NAIOA.com has an excellent writeup on how to lube the shaft yourself. I did the home-lube, and almost 30K later I'm still not seeing any resurfacing pops.

 

But I've got some friends at dealerships around the nation, and they are saying that they can not get any new 'shaft B' units (the ones that supposedly fixed the issue). GM has pulled all units from the shelves, which leads me to wonder if there may actually be a recall soon.

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Ron,

 

That's the thread. I don't think anyone has been able to take pics of broken shafts, as dealers generally throw them right out. But I can ask around and see what I come up with!

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