LaCrosse V6-3.6L (2007)
Steering Shaft: All Technical Service Bulletins
Steering - Steering Column Clunking When Turning
TECHNICAL
Bulletin No.: 01-02-32-001P
Date: November 25, 2009
Subject: Clunk Felt/Noise Heard From Steering Column, Steering Gear and/or Front Of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver and/or Steering Wheel
Rotation (Replace Intermediate Shaft As Directed)
Models:
2001-2004 Buick Regal
2005-2008 Buick Allure (Canada Only), LaCrosse
2000-2008 Chevrolet Impala
2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
2004-2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2008 Buick LaCrosse/Allure. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-02-32-001O (Section 02 - Steering).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle while driving during a turning maneuver. This condition may
also be felt through the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary and the wheel is rotated from steering stop to steering stop. Some vehicles may only
exhibit the noise once for every 360° of wheel rotation. On all other vehicles, this clunk noise will be noticed during low speed acceleration or
deceleration, typically in light turns of the steering wheel or when applying/releasing the brakes.
Cause
This condition may be caused by a "slip stick" condition of the steering intermediate shaft resulting in the clunk noise or feel through the steering wheel.
Diagnostic Tip
Important
This condition is commonly misdiagnosed as originating in the steering gear and has resulted in the replacement of numerous steering gears
without correcting the concern.
Attempt to duplicate the customer's concern and isolate the I-shaft by following the procedure below:
1. Locate a large area (parking lot) where the vehicle can be turned in a tight circle.
2. Turn the steering wheel to the right and/or left all the way to the steering lock, then off the steering lock a 1/4 turn.
3. Drive the vehicle approximately 5 km/h (3 mph) in a circle, preferably over rough pavement or seams on the road surface.
4. Drive the vehicle straight ahead at idle speed while applying and releasing the brake pedal. Listen/feel the steering wheel for the clunk/noise
condition.
5. If a clunk is felt in the steering wheel, the MOST likely cause is the I-shaft - not the steering gear. Continue with the correction.
