weird noise

[DDUB]

hi im pretty new to the site so far its beeen filled with tons of Q&A an great people.. i wanna start off by saying i recently picked up a 02 tahoe has 122k an everything on it seems to be solid and kept up i.e. fuilds an etc.. but im hearing this annoying noise which i "THINK" ive kinda narrowed it down to where its coming from(near the firewall).. it sounds like a steerling problem like if you where climbing over a rock an u hear klunk klunk but it makes this noise just by turning in circles or driving straight an jus gasing it back an forth... i cant understand it? its almost if the steering column is rubbing againts something near the firewall? has any1 had this or hear it? its driving me up the wall..

this weekend i jacked the suv up oh btw the factory jack this thing comes with is ah joke lol so checked the ball joints, tie rods, wheels, everything under there seems to be fine... nothing loose its just when i hope into the hoe an drive it around it makes the sound.. any tips or help would greatly make my day an be able to enjoy the ride even more...

a friend told me these things are a common problem on GM's he said its the steering column an it just needs to be lubed up?

 

["350Vortec"]

Does it do this only when turning the wheel hard left or right or when its turned even the least bit?

 

[rucr8z2]

very common- steering column intermediate shaft and gm has stopped making lube kits and are now replacing the shaft itself because the noise kept coming back- Dorman products offer a inexpensive shaft- some NAPA's carry dorman products.

 

[DDUB]

no 350 it does it every which way possible... jus normal driving an kinda jumping it like pressing the gas an letting off real fast u hear it.. making a turn u hear it just wondering if i was the only one noticing it..

rucr so uve heard it before huh.. i will have to check out napa ASAP i mean the steering shaft seems to be fine it has alil play but its suppose to have some.. is this a DIY kinda thing or too complex an need to take it somewhere.. also does the intermediate shaft located on the inside or out?

 

["350Vortec"]

Replacing the steering column is a complete PITA. On my truck i had a problem where turning hard i would hear a vibration or a rapid knock knock knock. It ended up just needing a good lube job.

 

[lowAZhoe]

intermediate steering shaft

 

[rucr8z2]

replacing the intermediate shaft is easy and is really, really common.
The noise is like a bump knock noise that sounds like its right on the side of the firewall(motor side) and will make the noise while turning or rough bumps.
comes from the slide adjustment of the column being loose.

 

[yukonjacks]

Mine made that noice till I changesd the intermediate shaft, no prob since