2003 Chevrolet Tahoe: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Jun 3, 2013 · Steering · 63,000 miles · NC

My 2003 tahoe z71 has always made popping noises when turning and you are able to feel it in the steering wheel also. I have researched online and it is very apparent that this is experienced by almost everyone. Today I was backing into the driveway with a trailer of mulch attached and when I cut the wheel, the steering was lost. There is fluid in the power steering reservoir and there was no leaks or fluid anywhere. I looked underneath the tahoe and there does not appear to be any broken sway-bars or steering shaft. I am not sure if it is the pump which would be strange in the manner that it gave out but reading all of the issues others have had, I can't believe that gm is not fixing the situation. Someone is going to cause a serious accident trying to turn and it is going to give out like mine (& everyone else's) did and cause a head on collision. I called gm & although there are 9 tsb #'s associated with this issue, there is still no recall or help on the resolution of the problem. I think it is time to sell the tahoe that I bought brand new btw and move on to a new ford truck as they seem to have really good trucks now. It is sad because I have loved my tahoe z71 and never thought I would get rid of it. The steering has never been right on this tahoe since day 1 and gm knows it but buries their head in the sand about it rather than do the right thing and fix the issue. Mine still looks brand new but the popping noises when turning has always irritated me & now that it gave out, I am done with it. I am thankful that mine occurred when it did and not when I was traveling down the road with 6 yards of mulch in a dump trailer and making a turn that could have killed me and someone else coming the other way. Fix your known issue gm, before someone innocent dies because of your negligence!!!

Filed Nov 5, 2007 · Steering · 51,000 miles · FL

The steering has popping and pining when turning left or right almost sounding as if the wheels are going to come off of the tie rods, suspension. You can feel it in the steering column. Hard steering.

Filed Dec 27, 2006 · Steering, Suspension · 16,000 miles · OR

Continuing problem with the steering shaft of my 2003 chevrolet tahoe. Steering shaft and front end "popping" and looseness continue even after replacement. Dealerships know about this problem and have been instructed by gm service to no longer replace the steering shaft as this "fix" is not working. They are currently unsure how to fix the problem. In the mean time owners have a vehicle that drives as if it is going to fall apart in the front end. The tahoe handles badly over rough road and cornering making it difficult to steer at times especially at hi-way speed.

Filed Dec 14, 2006 · Steering · CA

Steering column makes loud grinding noises and vibrates while turning wheel. I have taken it to be repaired/replaced 4 times in 3 years and chevrolet doesn't think this is a problem. As someone else stated, once your warranty is over you will get no help from chevy. One time they replaced my drive shaft, but the problem still exists. I'd love to see a recall as that's the only way I'll ever get the thing rectified.

Filed Aug 19, 2006 · Steering · 20,000 miles · LA

I have a 2003 chevy tahoe. The steering linkage is making a noise when you turn. The dealership told me it was a design flaw on all gm vehicles for a 5 year period. They would not replace the part at no cost because it was not a recall. I have a fear the linkage may fail.

Filed Jan 27, 2005 · Airbags, Steering · 7,862 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

The steering shaft and front suspension was replaced. The airbags did not deploy when the vehicle rolled over. *bf the vehicle was taken to the dealer twice for a popping noise and loose steering. The steering shaft was removed and lubed and the front lower crossmember was tightened. The consumer's son was driving the vehicle when he lost control . The vehicle rolled over twice, end over end the side over side one and a half times. The consumer requested to be notified of how many of these steering, braking and or other problems incurred with this make/model. *sc

Filed Dec 29, 2004 · Airbags, Steering · TX · crash · 1 injury

The steering made popping noises and the steering felt loose. The dealer replaced the steering shaft and front suspension. *nm the vehicle rolled over twice and the air bags did not deploy. *tc

Filed Nov 2, 2004 · Steering · LA

Steering column rattles/knocks.

Filed Sep 27, 2004 · Steering · 7,500 miles · NC

Popping sound in steering. Chevorlet tried to fix the problem by lubrication on two occasions, but symptoms returned *ak.

Filed Jul 29, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 10,000 miles · CA

Steering wheel feels loose. Thumping noise from stering wheel. Also loud cracking noise from front suspension when turning in driveway. Loud cracking noise from lower front windshield especially at freeway speeds.