The Car Care Clinic with the Dr John

2000 Chevy Silverado - Bumping through steering wheel on Right turn

Mike in Bradford

Question

I own a 2000 Chevy Silverado with a bumping which I can feel in the steering wheel only when I turn right. This is the second time it's happened. The first time my dealer performed a lube of the steering shaft as per a TSB and it solved the problem temporarily, but now it's back. What's causing the bump? Is there more to it than a lube job?

Answer

The problem you’re describing Mike has been around for a while on GM, Chevy, Cadillac and Hummer H2 trucks. The intermediate shaft between the steering column and box seems to be clunking and is most notable when turning at low speeds and on rough roads.

GM has been removing the intermediate shaft and packing it with grease. Some of our customers have found this to be the fix and some others (including you) have found it to be only a temporary fix. I would suggest going back to the dealer to have the problem addressed once again. At this time I’m not aware of replacement parts to correct this problem, but if enough customers keep complaining GM will likely have to step up to the plate will a real fix.

Good Luck!
Dr. John