2003 Chevrolet Silverado: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Oct 24, 2007 · Steering · 65,000 miles · NY

There hasn't been an accident or any injury (yet) but steering related issues concern me and I don't know what could happen if left too long. The steering column makes thumping and chattering noises. This will be the third time it needs to be repaired, first at 35k, gm replaced under warranty, second at 51k, the dealer just removed some steering shaft and greased it, now it's doing it again at 65k. I haven't had it fixed yet, I don't drive it everyday, but I'm willing to bet the dealer will want to replace it this time.

Filed Sep 13, 2006 · Steering · VA

In september 2003, I purchased a2003 chevrolet silverado z71. On february 6, 2005, I had to have a "lube pack" replaced on the steering column. Everytime I turned the steering wheel, a loud noise was heard. On september 26, 2005, I had to have the "lube pack" replaced again, for the same reason. I took the vehicle in to the dealer again several months ago and I complained about the same noise. He told me, after checking it, that it would be best if I waited a little longer, because gm would only replace the "lub pack" one more time at their cost. After searching for similar problems on the web site, I see I am not the only person having this problem; many other purchasers of gm trucks are having the problem and it has been occurring since 1999. I was under the impression that part of nhts's job was to investigate and see that corrective action was taken so that the safety of drivers and passengers was insured. It also appears that no one, especially nhts, knows whether this steering problem constitutes a dangerous condition. I realize that a recall of vehicles to fix the problem would be most expensive for gm, which is having financial problems at this time, but gm is responsible for doing nothing about a problem that could be a serious one, even if just one life is lost because of it.

Filed Jul 25, 2006 · Steering · 28,000 miles · NJ

Dt*: the contact stated, at various speeds, the steering column made a clunking sound. The vehicle has been to the dealership three times for this problem. During each visit, the steering column has been lubed. The noise returns every time.

Filed Apr 28, 2006 · Steering · 47,000 miles · AL

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, there was a loud, popping noise within the steering column. The vehicle was seen by a dealer who lubricated the steering column. Afterwards, the problem persisted and the steering column was replaced. Although the popping noise resumed, the dealer determined the new steering column needed additional lubrication. The manufacturer was alerted of the problem.

Filed Mar 29, 2006 · Steering · 15,000 miles · PA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving in normal conditions, the steering makes a rattle noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for inspection, but the problem can not be duplicated or resolved.

Filed Dec 15, 2005 · Steering · 78,000 miles · TN

Dt: the contact stated the steering column was loose and he heard a popping noise coming from the steering column. On june 29, 2004 the steering shaft was replaced under warranty. There was 35,000 miles on the vehicle . At 78,000 miles the problem recurred. Also, the steering was difficult to maneuver; especially at higher speeds, and when there were indentations in the pavement. The dealership agreed that the problem is with the steering shaft occurred again. The vehicle has not been repaired.

Filed Oct 3, 2005 · Steering · 41,619 miles · IL

Dt: 2003 chevrolet silverado. The consumer stated the steering was popping. This would occur when vehicle would hit a little bump or turn the steering wheel to the right or left. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer at 20,000 miles, and they replaced the steering shaft on june 21, 2004. The vehicle started doing it again about two weeks ago at approximately 41,000 miles. The consumer wads going to call and make an appointment to take it in again. *ak updated 12/7/2005.

Filed Sep 7, 2005 · Steering · 46,300 miles · OH

Looseness in front end steering. Clunking and wobble in front end felt through steering wheel. Repeat occurrence. First time require removal and replacement of steering intermediate shaft replacement pn 88963611. First occurrence happened at 28162 miles, second occurrence happened at approx 46,000 miles. Probable design flaw.

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Steering · 35,000 miles · WA

Along with at least a dozen other complaints filed with the federal safety agency I also have concerns with the intermediate steering shaft sectoron my 2003 chevrolet silverado 2500 hd making a rattling , clicking noise espically when turning. What is the criteria to get gm to announce a recall? I feel this should be addressed before more serious consequences occur. So far I have made an appointment with the dealer and was told they would look at it and possibly replace the sector or place a lubrication kit in it.in reading other complaints it doesn't sound like this resolves the problem. My vehicle is out of warranty but this has been ongoing before the warranty expiration. I would be happyto allow and encourage you to forward this to gm for action.

Filed Mar 30, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 32,000 miles · AR

When braking at any speed brake pedal would go to the floor, and there would be extended stopping distance. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak ABS displayed brake system failure. The consumer stated that the brakes failed on inclines. The consumer stated that there was an electrical short. The odometer failed and added extra mileage. The tires started separating after 300 miles. The radio became hot and shorted out. The air conditioner shorted out. The consumer stated that the new vehicle checklist was not filled out nor reviewed with him. The consumer stated that the engine knocks. The consumers fingers were burned by the radio after it got hot. The consumer stated that he heard a growling noise in the power steering. The consumer heard a buzzing noise in the transmission. The consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle coming down a hill. The right headlight went out and turned black. The headlight was replaced with the wrong high beam light. The cd player will not take the cd. The speedometer will only go to 20 MPH at times.

Filed Jan 13, 2005 · Steering · 19,500 miles · OH

When you turn the steering wheel, you can hear a noise and there is a vibration in the steering column. The consumer took the vehicle in to the dealer, and the lower steering coupling was defective. It is on back order.

Filed Dec 1, 2004 · Electrical, Steering · 600 miles · FL

Computer goes haywire by lighting all kind of imformation and sounding the buzzer.( computer stops acting out after one turn vehicle off and star engine again). Steering wheels has a knock which is getting worse as time goes on. Passenger window malfunction, does not operate. ( up or down).