Truck makes a clicking sound when turning at very slow speeds or when stopped and turning the wheel.
Chevrolet Silverado steering noise problems
67 of the 8,746 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Silverado describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 2003 model year.
- owner complaints
- 67
- worst model year
- 2003
- typical mileage
- 41,619
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Harsh shifting 21Knocking 7Grinding brakes 7ABS 4Power steering loss 3Headlights 2Water leak 1Steering lock-up 1
What owners say
Ignition switch and key came out of steering column while driving. When I pulled off road and parked, the ignition switch internals and key came off in my hand. Not able to shut engine off. Called onstar, they could not shut off engine. Truck was flatbedded to dealer while still running. Risk of steering wheel locking causing loss of control. Steering wheel makes clattering noise not connected to wheels at times. Instruments dimming and flashing when turning wheel at times
Since I purchased this vehicle is has had a vibration from 5-20, 40-50, and 68-78. It has been in the service department 4 times for this problem alone with no resolution. General motors understands their is an issue with this model truck but does not have a solution. The vibration is felt in the seat, the gas pedal, the steering wheel and the rest of the truck. Tires were indexed, rotated, and balanced, along with the drive line specifications inspected and were found within normal limits even thought vibration persists. Other issues I have had were the exhaust squeaking noises when transferring from v8/v4 mode, in which the entire exhaust system was replaced, water leaking from the sunroof and windshield, frame coating peeling off causing the frame to rust, the seat frame shifting, moving and clicking when turning the vehicle, hd radio loses signal intermittently, radio and HVAC knobs were not lit, headlights were misaligned from the factory, and 4 other recalls such as, overheated exhaust components, unwanted transfer case shift to neutral, peek in odometer display incorrect, and transmission oil cooler connections possibly being bad. This vehicle currently has 6500 miles and has been in the service department a total of 30 days so far.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated at any speed the steering wheel made a loud popping, vibration and clicking noise while driving the vehicle. The failure occurred while driving in reverse or when the contact made a left or right turn. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was going to be repaired by an authorized dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that there was a knocking coming from the steering column. The noise would become louder when attempting a turn in either direction. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the sector shaft was failing and needed to be replaced. The failure and the current mileages were 125,000. Updated 8/31/12 *cn the consumer stated the failure was recurring. Updated 09/11/2012
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 gmc sierra 2500. While driving approximately 75 MPH, the contact heard a popping sound while turning the steering wheel and an abnormal grinding sound while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front driver side hub was replaced. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Upper steering column intermediate shaft clunking noise when turning or on bumpy road, have to replace this part at my cost. Gm knows about this common defect but there is no recall on this part even though they manufactured 2 replacement shafts to fix this problem. I don't know why there is no recall. Seems a steering issue is important.
Popping noise from steering,when turning on irregular surfaces which can also be felt in steering wheel,leading driver to believe that there is a defect in the front suspension or steering. Contact w/dealer service manager indicated that this is a common issue on full size gm trucks for several years,resulting from a poorly designed"intermediate steering shaft",which apparently needs to be replaced every few thousand miles to forestall this problem. Research shows that this issue is well known to owners of such vehicles and gm as there have been tsbs(patch-up)issued multiple timesthese bulletins seem to indicate basically to grease the part,thereby temporarily quieting it for a time with no permanent resolution,until owner is "off-warranty"snf willing to shell out the out of pocket costs for correct repair. My vehicle(2006) was purchased new with a standard 3 yr/36000mi warranty which expired 3/09 datewise,however the vehicle only has 11000 highway miles on it and has never been used off-road or abused. Apparently gm has,as of 01/07 a redesigned replacement part(per gm tsb)but,is at owners cost(parts/labor) if your 3yr/36000 or 2007-on 5/50 warranty has passed its date/mileage time. I find it quite irritating that although gm and aftermarket suppliers have been aware of this problem for nearly 2 decades they knowingly continued to utilize a substandard part until 2007. Also it appears a warranty"extension"regarding this part has been issued for 2007+models up to 70kmi,however dealer denies knowledge. Gm customer service says to have problem"diagnosed"(at my expense),and if problem exists,dealer can make repairs(at my expense).maybe if I(disabled) had $300-400 spare cash laying around I could afford their game but cannot.
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.
2004 chevrolet silverado...the steering column makes a horrible clunking noise. We have had it replaced several times under warranty but now there's no warranty and these parts and labor are too expensive to fix. The dealer says and I know from owning another 2003 chevrolet suburban than this is a major problem with these year model trucks and suvs. We shouldn't have to pay for something they can obviously see is wrong! Sometimes it feels like the steering is not acting right because of it and I feel unsafe driving in these conditions. Please help!!!!
Related recalls
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering assist motor kit, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14743.
Recall number 14V719000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado vehicles manufactured May 23, 2013, through March 25, 2014, 2014 GMC Sierra vehicles manufactured May 25, 2013, through March 31, 2014, and 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured January 29, 2014, through March 27, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the tie rod threaded attachment may not be properly tightened to the steering gear rack.
- Risk
- An improperly tightened tie rod attachment may allow the tie rod to separate from the steering rack, resulting in a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- GM notified all owners, and dealers will inspect the inner tie rods to make sure that they are correctly tightened, replacing the steering gear, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 14, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14204. NOTE: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired. Owners should contact GM to have their vehicles towed to the dealership.
Recall number 14V246000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling certain model year 2011cadillac escalade, escalade esv; chevrolet silverado hd, silverado ld, suburban, tahoe; and gmc sierra hd, sierra ld, yukon, and yukon xl vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.
- Risk
- This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Gm dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 13, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 11V339000 · Recall details
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.
- Risk
- If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727, or hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.
Recall number 05V455000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box: shaft sector
- What is wrong
- On certain trucks, the bolt that attaches the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear may not meet specification. The bolt may fracture resulting in the loss of steering.
- Risk
- If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could occur without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft bolt free of charge. The recall began on january 24, 2005. Owners may contact gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 and chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438.
Recall number 05V018000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: extended cab 4-wheel drive pickup trucks. Some of these vehicles have a lower than specified torque on all three of the steering gear to frame attachment bolts. The bolts can loosen over time allowing the steering gear to move. This loosening can result in some unresponsive steering feel and some noise to the driver.
- Risk
- If this condition is ignored, the steering gear to frame can wear and/or fatigue the attaching bolts to the point of breakage or the bolts backing out. If all the bolts break or back out, the steering gear would separate from the frame resulting in a loss of steering control.
- Remedy
- Dealers will retorque the steering gear to frame bolts to proper specifications.
Recall number 98V242000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Silverado steering noise
Which Chevrolet Silverado years have clunking or noise when steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2003 (17 complaints), 2002 (11 complaints) and 1999 (10 complaints).
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