: the contact stated that there was clunk in the steering shaft column. The manufacturer recommended the steering shaft be greased down. There were no directions regarding the frequency of greasing the steering shaft however the procedure is expensive to get done. The contact expressed that the vehicle is out of warranty and the dealer will charge for grease the steering. Updated 7/25/2006 - when the shaft moved up and down the steering wheel also moved up and down. The dealer stated that all GM products perform this way and that there was no fix available. The shaft has been lubed twice and replaced once. The driver's seat belt stop button fell off belt.

- Saint Petersburg, FL, USA

2003 Chevrolet Silverado hd, every year since I have had this truck, I had to have the steering gear box shaft sector lubed and once replaced. Just had this done again two days ago. This is an irritating problem since when it is going bad or needs lubed, it has a clunking noise in the front end and don't know whether this is a safety factor or not. So far I have been lucky and not had to pay for the repair but have been told that if it happens over a year after last repair, I will be responsible. This is a factory defect and I don't believe anyone should have to pay to have it done. I have had other Chevy's and other makes of trucks and have never had this problem.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

The contact complained about steering failure. Anytime the vehicle stopped the steering column locked. The brakes must be released, allowing the vehicle to move forward slightly before the steering wheel will turn. The dealership replaced the following ;the gear box, gear shaft, power steering pump and a valve in the power steering. After each repair the problem remained, and it was more evident in the morning when the vehicle was first started. The dealer has been in constant contact with the manufacturer, who responded by letter to the contact telling him this was a characteristic of this vehicle, and they would do no further testing.

- Springfield, KY, USA

The contact stated the steering column was loose and he heard a popping noise coming from the steering column. On June 29, 2004 the steering shaft was replaced under warranty. There was 35,000 miles on the vehicle. At 78,000 miles the problem recurred. Also, the steering was difficult to maneuver; especially at higher speeds, and when there were indentations in the pavement. The dealership agreed that the problem is with the steering shaft occurred again. The vehicle has not been repaired.

- Gallatin, TN, USA

Contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. There is abounce and vibration in the steering column while driving under normal circumstances, but it became worse while turning the steering wheel left or right. Sometimes there was a grinding noise coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel. This happened every time the contact drove the vehicle. There was a remedy kit available from Chevrolet that iwascovered under warranty or the contact would have to cover the expense. While the vehicle was still under warranty this kit was installed in approximately a year ago, but the vehicle was experiencing the same problems again. The new recommendation from Chevrolet was to replace the intermediate steering shaft. The service dealer said the vehicle iwasout of warranty, and that there was no recall. The contact would have to cover the cost of the repair. The manufacturer stated that they were aware there was a problem, but if there was no recall and the vehicle is no longer U was nder warranty there was nothing that ccould be done, except for the contact to pay for the repairs.

- Gloucester, NJ, USA

2003 Chevrolet Silverado extended cab short wheel base 2 wheel drive truck. While driving over rough surfaces, there is noise in the steering. It was repaired under warranty on August 16, 2004. The intermediate steering shaft was replaced. Chevrolet claimed that the consumer had to pay $80 as a diagnostic fee. In addition, has to pay for the parts and $275 labor fee. The dealer agreed to wave the $80 inspection fee if they id the work. The manufacturer said that it would be up to the consumer to have this fixed, and the dealer would determine if it would be safe to drive the vehicle.

- Proctorville, OH, USA

Along with at least a dozen other complaints filed with NHTSA I also have concerns with the intermediate steering shaft sectoron my 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 hd making a rattling, clicking noise espically when turning. What is the criteria to get GM to announce a recall? I feel this should be addressed before more serious consequences occur. So far I have made an appointment with the dealer and was told they would look at it and possibly replace the sector or place a lubrication kit in it.in reading other complaints it doesn't sound like this resolves the problem. My vehicle is out of warranty but this has been ongoing before the warranty expiration. I would be happyto allow and encourage you to forward this to GM for action.

- Rochester, WA, USA

I along with 4 close friends each individually oun 2003 Chevrolet 2500hd pick up trucks. All of us have had a steering problem stemming from a steering component called the "intermediate steering shaft" all of my friends have had their shafts changed out under Chevrolet factory warranty. I was not able to have mine covered because I am outside of the warranty milage, however I did have the problem diagnosed by my local dealer and was confirmed that the intermediate shaft was bad. I do not know what this shaft does but I am terrified to drive my truck in fear of my steering shaft breaking and falling out. Chevrolet has refused to cover this part as a good faith repair so I am looking into making this a recall situation due to the number of warranty repairs they make on these trucks.

- Silver Creek, NY, USA

Audible clunking noise heard in vehicle and felt in steering wheel - started at 20,000 miles and now at 30,000 is extremely loud. Dealer vehicle purchased from says they are not replacing steering shafts - only greasing.

- Riner, VA, USA

I am complaining of the insufficent lube in the intermediate sterring shaft in a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2wd. A loud poping comes from the steering wheel as you turn. I have found many other vehicles similar to mine having the same problem and wish GM would do a recall.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

While making a right turn a loud knocking noise was heard coming from the steering column. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that steering column needed to be replaced due to a worn out shaft, and lack of steering column lubrication. Consumer informed the mechanic that the problem recurred.

- Salisbury, NC, USA