After a lot of research, seems every Chevrolet truck owner, specifically Avalanche, has this same issue. It appears to be an intermediate steering shaft problem that GM refuses to address. Contacted Huntersville NC Parks Chevrolet dealership. The technician stated that it was not a common problem. Maybe that's because they are charging $350 to repair something GM should recall. He stated if it were a steering problem it would rattle not thump. Interesting. Now we are down to defining thump and rattle. My question would be if it were a steering issue, would you purchase another GM intermediate steering shaft or would you be better off purchasing an aftermarket steering shaft? After all, if it has done it once and has been an issue then it will do it again. The tech never suggested an upgraded shaft. So I am assuming they will just install another defective steering shaft. Again, with all the many complaints how is it Chevrolet does not recall the problem? This is my second Avalanche and both had the same issue. I just ignored it on my first Avalanche.
Update from Mar 5, 2015: Just spoke to another Chevrolet dealership. He stated:
the reason why GM does not recall the steering issue is that it is not a safety issue. Someone would have to wreck and die first before they will recall these. So just get over the noise and deal with it. Otherwise the steering shaft will have to be replaced but they would have to install a new bearing to prevent it from collapsing. So now the charge would be $450 to $500. Now if I waited until someone wrecks and dies and it is determined this was the cause of the wreck, then "maybe" they would replace the old one. But they would not include the bearing since it was not an actual part. That you would have to pay extra for. And of course the person that wrecks and dies is not me. So his conclusion was that Chevrolet is telling everyone to just ignore it and turn up your radio. WOW no wonder people are buying foreign cars.
I purchased my 02' Avalanche in Nov. 2010 with only 55,500 miles, one owner. I asked for a Car Fax, instead the Jeff Wyler Dealer saleperson provided an alternative report and said it was better? Less then 45 days later I'm in the shop with a problem. I will know what the problem is exactly when they completely repair it and the noise and steering problems go away.
I HAD THE FIRST REPAIR COMPLETED UNDER THE 36 MO./36000 MILES FACTORY WARRANTY. I THEN PURCHASED THE GM "VALUE GUARD" EXTENDED WARRANTY. THIS PAST WEEK I ATTEMPTED TO HAVE THE SHAFT REPLACED UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER {BOB STLL CHEVEROLE] THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED.
I HAVE CONTACTED GM EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THEY WILL NOT DISCUSS THE PROBLEM. MY "VALUE GUARD" EXTENDED WARRANTY IS SUPPOSED TO COVER STEERING PROBLEMS.
- George B.,
San Diego, CA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
After a lot of research, seems every Chevrolet truck owner, specifically Avalanche, has this same issue. It appears to be an intermediate steering shaft problem that GM refuses to address. Contacted Huntersville NC Parks Chevrolet dealership. The technician stated that it was not a common problem. Maybe that's because they are charging $350 to repair something GM should recall. He stated if it were a steering problem it would rattle not thump. Interesting. Now we are down to defining thump and rattle. My question would be if it were a steering issue, would you purchase another GM intermediate steering shaft or would you be better off purchasing an aftermarket steering shaft? After all, if it has done it once and has been an issue then it will do it again. The tech never suggested an upgraded shaft. So I am assuming they will just install another defective steering shaft. Again, with all the many complaints how is it Chevrolet does not recall the problem? This is my second Avalanche and both had the same issue. I just ignored it on my first Avalanche.
Update from Mar 5, 2015: Just spoke to another Chevrolet dealership. He stated:
the reason why GM does not recall the steering issue is that it is not a safety issue. Someone would have to wreck and die first before they will recall these. So just get over the noise and deal with it. Otherwise the steering shaft will have to be replaced but they would have to install a new bearing to prevent it from collapsing. So now the charge would be $450 to $500. Now if I waited until someone wrecks and dies and it is determined this was the cause of the wreck, then "maybe" they would replace the old one. But they would not include the bearing since it was not an actual part. That you would have to pay extra for. And of course the person that wrecks and dies is not me. So his conclusion was that Chevrolet is telling everyone to just ignore it and turn up your radio. WOW no wonder people are buying foreign cars.
- bedrocks06, Huntersville, NC, US