2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Jul 1, 2011 · Electrical, Lights · 22,889 miles · CT

Steering clunks on turns. Dealer replaced intermediate steering shaft under warranty per tsb. Problem resurfaced on 09/29/2006 at 44,045 miles. Dealer repaired under extended warranty . Problem showed up again on 06/17/2007 at 54, 451 miles. Dealer wanted $280 for the job. Have not repaired. The problem is now worse at 84,618 miles. Problem # 2 stop light sockets heat up and loose contact to the bulb. Dealer wants around $75 for each of the two sockets required. Problem #3 received notice from gmac stating there may be an instrument cluster problem. Don't come to the dealer unless you are experiencing the problem. Gm extended the warranty to 7 years or 70,000 miles. Naturally, my gauges failed at 79,000 and 7 years and 10 months. Dealer wants over $400 for parts alone. Updated 07/05/11 *bf updated 02/03/12

Filed Feb 2, 2009 · Brakes, Steering · 97,535 miles · OH

I am writing in regards to my anti lock baking system (ABS) and my steering column. I was nearly involved in an auto accident on dry pavement when my ABS system engaged and then dis-engaged at a speed of less than 10 MPH. When steering to the right to avoid the accident, my steering column had a strange vibration/loud humming noise. My antilock brakes engaged while I was slowing to swerve to miss the oncoming vehicle and then my ABS stopped working and my ABS warning light along with my parking brake (p) warning light came on. Now, since that day (2 days ago), my steering column still makes noises when I turn to the right and my ABS system continues to engage at slow speeds when stopping even on dry pavement. I have been told by a gm dealership that the two issues that I am experiencing are not on a recall list but are common problems with my vehicle. They further advised that since my vehicle is no longer under warranty, I would have to pay for these malfunctions. I was told by an independent mechanic that the above issues are safety issues and gm is aware of the problems. With the above being said, I feel that my issues with the ABS system and the steering column are safety issues and gm should be addressing these issues before someone is seriously injured or killed. I need to get these issues corrected on my vehicle, however, I do not feel that I should be liable for these repairs when gm is aware of the issues and nothing has been done to remedy the problem.

Filed Feb 2, 2009 · Brakes, Steering · 97,535 miles · OH

I am writing in regards to my anti lock baking system (ABS) and my steering column. I was nearly involved in an auto accident on dry pavement when my ABS system engaged and then dis-engaged at a speed of less than 10 MPH. When steering to the right to avoid the accident, my steering column had a strange vibration/loud humming noise. My antilock brakes engaged while I was slowing to swerve to miss the oncoming vehicle and then my ABS stopped working and my ABS warning light along with my parking brake (p) warning light came on. Now, since that day (2 days ago), my steering column still makes noises when I turn to the right and my ABS system continues to engage at slow speeds when stopping even on dry pavement. I have been told by a gm dealership that the two issues that I am experiencing are not on a recall list but are common problems with my vehicle. They further advised that since my vehicle is no longer under warranty, I would have to pay for these malfunctions. I was told by an independent mechanic that the above issues are safety issues and gm is aware of the problems. With the above being said, I feel that my issues with the ABS system and the steering column are safety issues and gm should be addressing these issues before someone is seriously injured or killed. I need to get these issues corrected on my vehicle, however, I do not feel that I should be liable for these repairs when gm is aware of the issues and nothing has been done to remedy the problem.

Filed Oct 18, 2008 · Steering · 40,000 miles · NY

Intermediate steering shaft clunking while driving. This has been replaced before and the clunking stopped for a while, but it needs to be replaced again.

Filed Sep 9, 2008 · Steering · MS

Steering continues to knock.

Filed Sep 20, 2007 · Steering · 48,000 miles · AZ

Steering column-I have been driving my 2003 z71 for about 15 months and there is a terrible clunk from the steering shaft. I went to the dealer and was told this is a common defect on the 2003 z71 silverado. The mechanic stated there isn't much that can be done to fix the problem other then regrease the shaft; which will only quite the clunk for a short period of time. With so many complaints for this failure this should be replaced completely by the manufacturer at no cost to the owner of the vehicle. Gm/chevrolet needs to make this a recall item and fix their mistake rather then charge the customer for this repair.

Filed Aug 28, 2007 · Steering · 51,907 miles · PA

Tl- the consumer stated steering began feeling loose and making noise on rough roads. The consumer stated dealer replaced the intermediate steering shaft at the consumer's cost. The consumer stated the part had to be replaced yet again at 82,867 miles on a good faith gesture by the dealer. Updated 09/18/07

Filed Mar 26, 2007 · Steering, Suspension · 53,000 miles · NJ

Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado with 53,000 miles. The contact stated that while driving the steering column made a clunking noise. The failure occurred at any speed, but happened more while driving on rough roads. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, who lubricated the vehicle, but the failure continued. The failure had been observed three times. The noise had not effected the maneuverability of the vehicle. The current and failure mileage were both 53,000.*ak the intermediate steering shaft was replaced. Update *4/23/07

Filed Jan 22, 2007 · Steering · GA

Steering column - the column makes a knocking noise. I can also feel the knocking within the steering wheel. The bushing was replaced while still under warranty. Now this same problem has come up again. It went away for 6 months or so and has been back every since.

Filed Jan 22, 2007 · Steering · 15,000 miles · TX

I have been driving my 2003 silverado for four years now and have had the following problem: with 53000 miles at 10,000 miles: started dealing with intermediate steering shaft clunk. Somewhat relieved to find out that the front end isn't falling apart; dismayed to hear that I may be obliged to pay and pay to have this chronically-defective part serviced over and over again. Lubing the part is now going to fix a design problem. Now gm will not cover the lubing because it is not under any warranty. The steering shaft has a design problem that is why gm has sent out bulletins and redesigned shafts for replacements, so why is this part not on recall??? To many bulletins on one part for it not to be defective. Thanks you for your time and I wait on your response.

Filed Nov 9, 2006 · Steering · 15,000 miles · OH

Intermediate steering shaft noise caused by wear or bad part design by g.m. In my opinion I think this wear could lead to a steering failure which is not g.m.'s opinion.

Filed Aug 10, 2006 · Steering · 27,314 miles · CO

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, upon attempting a left turn there was a clunking noise from the steering wheel and steering shaft pitman area. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who replaced the intermediate steering shaft kit. After the repair, the steering noise ceased without further incident.