Question about intermediate shaft

[BestBonnieYet]

I have a 2003 SSEi. I have serviced the intermediate shaft once and replaced it twice in 120k miles. Now it sounds like something is wrong again. I don't feel or hear a clunk when I turn the wheel back and forth. I hear a loud rattle coming from the steering column when I hit a bump or drive on a brick road. Does anyone know if this is another symptom of a bad intermediate shaft or is it something else in the steering column. All I know is that it annoys me to no end.

[Archon]

You may be having problem similar to what Carl was experiencing. This is his fix for it.

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=19218

[carl]

These steering columns are designed to collapse during impact collision, but it apears for whatever reason over time (perhaps road impacts) the rod collapses very slight and creates excessive play (and/or the steering rod bearing assembly becomes loosened).

The correct way to fix this is to remove the steering column and tap out the steering rod length to GM specifications or replace it (and the bearing ass'y if worn--which is $250 part at a dealer). If you do not have thr time or the inclination for this project you can try the quick fix that Archon linked above.

I have not heard a sound since I did this mod. and I tested every road that caused the noise before. One thing to note is; I used a Monroe bump stop which is very beefy, if you use it you cannot replace the rubber sleeve (the one you cut open to get to the ISS). If that bothers you just get a smaller bump stop from your local part store. The idea of this mod. is just to slide the bump stop as high and tight on the rod as possible (which will put it against the bearing). So in effect it will buffer the play in the steering rod when it attempts to move. Just make sure you clamp a piece of rubber hose behind it to keep it as high and tight as possible. The whole mod cost me about $3.50 for the tie wraps and clamp. I had an old bump stop and rubber hose.

[BestBonnieYet]

Thanks for the info and pics Carl. My steering column rattles quite a bit over very minor bumps or slightly coarse pavement. I have a new ISS ready to be installed but I have no confidence that this will totally solve the problem. My previous 96 Bonnie never ever had any ISS issues. What did GM leave out of the newer design? Dave.

[carl]

No prob, it should take care of it. I'm not sure what is different, but the current column is literally a solid metal rod pressed into the length of steering shaft which attaches to the ISS. Not the most sophisticted attempt by GM, but likely the least expensive.