2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Jun 3, 2020 · Brakes, Steering · 142,000 miles · CA

I started to notice my brakes and steering components are very unsafe, my steering wheel has to much play, something inside the steering makes a loud clunking noise when I hit a bump, the brakes don?t operate correctly, the truck shakes and makes the steering very difficult to control when applying the brakes due to the shaking and vibration. I was told it might be leaking hydraulic fluid. But to sum it all up today on 06-02-2020, I realized the truck is only getting worse and getting harder to steer and the brakes cause the steering to make it even harder to drive with all the shaking and pulling to the side and also I noticed the brake pedal will be really hard at times and then really light at times.

Filed Mar 2, 2010 · Steering · 48,000 miles · CA

I have a 2004 chevrolet silverado with steering noise problem. From reading many forums and advice from many mechanics they say this is a huge issue with chevy trucks but they wont provide a fix. When driving my steering wheel makes loud noises heard from inside and outside the truck. I believe it is a steering shaft issue. It is just a matter of time that the shaft itself gives out and causes a major accident. Chevrolet should do something about this problem since it is widely shown that this is an issue. My family doesn't want to be in the truck because they feel it is unsafe. Any help with this would be great as I truly believe that if not fixed overtime it will cause fatal steering problems. Thanks.

Filed Feb 24, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 75,000 miles · CT

2004 chevrolet silverado extended cab, poor braking. Replaced brakes and rotors and still have poor braking. Have to bear down on pedal to stop. Speedometer reading goes up and down on it's own. Had a speed sensor replaced but didn't correct the problem had the dealership replace steering coupling in steering column because of clunking in the steering. The clunking, loose feeling has started again.

Filed Dec 27, 2009 · Steering · OH

2004 chevrolet silverado steering arm knocking loud.

Filed Nov 26, 2009 · Steering · 60,000 miles · NY

At 30,000 miles the steering started clunking real bad. I took it to the dealer and they knew just what the problem was. They packed the steering with grease and it was fine for about 20,000 more miles. The clunking returned but I ignored it because the dealer said it wasn't a problem. I continued to drive the truck and the steering started shimmying and shaking. So I took it to the dealer and now they said the steering shaft was worn out. I have two friends with 2004 silverado's with the same problem.

Filed Jul 3, 2009 · Steering · 14,200 miles · PA

Steering shaft noise and vibration on 2004 chevy silverado there is a clunking and vibration in the steering when turning at lower speeds. All front end components were verified to be in good condition with no play. Clunking is believed to be coming from the steering column. Steering feels as though it may fail, resulting in significant safety issue.

Filed Apr 29, 2009 · Steering · 20,000 miles · CA

Purchased truck brand new. After 20,000 miles the intermediate steering shaft "knocks" . Was fixed under warranty by dealer. 40,000 miles problem comes back. Pay dealer 250.00 to diagnose and repair. 65,000 miles problem has returned. Must pay dealer again to get fixed, even though they say the problem is "normal" .

Filed Apr 25, 2009 · Steering · CA

Bad clunk in steering shaft, when turning or over bumps at slower speeds. Feel clunk and vibration in steering wheel, column and firewall. Feels like its going to come apart. I feel gm should have a recall. I have herd this complaint all over internet, and gm will not fix under warranty if it exceeds 36000 miles. I just bought this truck used.

Filed Apr 18, 2009 · Steering · TN

Rattling and popping noise in the steering shaft especially worse when turning.

Filed Mar 26, 2009 · Steering · 48,000 miles · PA

2004 chevy silverado: steering column began clunking sound around 48,000 miles upon inspection determined pitman shaft bearing loose/worn continues to get worse now 52,000 miles on vehicle. Upon researching problem on internet found many vehicles with the same issue no repair ye,t shaft/bearing will need replaced soon.

Filed Mar 3, 2009 · Steering · 20,000 miles · AL

Popping noise in steering when truck rolls over bump. Had repaired under warranty 7000 miles ago. Same problem now, warranty has expired. I think the repair that was done was only to repack the intermediate steering shaft with grease. Dealer refuses to make repairs now that warranty has expired. 27,300 actual miles on 2004 silverado 1/2 ton ex. Cab.

Filed Dec 21, 2008 · Steering · NY

After purchasing a 2004 chevrolet silverado z71 in november 2004, my 1st complaints were in november 2004 for a rear clunking. After several trips to the dealer the driveshaft was replaced, along with recalled tailgate support cables, rear bumper (rust), spare tire guide retainer, license plate lamp lens, and transfer covers, and, except for my time, all were covered under warranty. In february 2005 I complained of a grinding noise in 4 wd. 4wd transfer case fluid was drained & refilled. In june 2005 I complained that the 4wd switch went into neutral; 4wd software was replaced. In august 2005 I complained of clicking in steering wheel, burned out light bulb, and clunk in driveline; steering shaft was lubricated, bulb was replaced, and driveline splenes lubricated. Driveline splenes again lubricated in september 2005. Transfer case fluid changed. Complained that 4wd high inoperable when I couldn't pull my boat out of a lake, but dealer found no problem. In january 2006, both outside heated mirror glass assemblies and left side heated mirror assembly were replaced; the ignition lock cylinder was lubricated due to key getting stuck; 4wd transfer case fluid drained & refilled; transmission column shifter assembly replaced. In may 2006, flasher module assembly was replaced due to flashers going on when signaling; tow haul mode switch assembly was replaced due to indicator staying on. Purchased a 24-month warranty. In october 2006, the blower motor resistor assembly was replaced as fan only worked on setting 5 (I was charged $40.26 for a resistor). Remotes were programmed for lights to flash with keyless. In march 2008, left front hub assembly was replaced due to a grinding noise; due to clunking noise, both inner tie rods were replaced; steering wheel noise was still there. In april 2008, heater control head assembly replaced. The steering wheel still clunks and vibrates when turning. I feel it is a serious safety issue.