I know this is an issue that has plagued us all; and probably will continue to haunt many people over the next couple of years and be more prevalent once warranties being to lapse.

Several weeks ago, I was reading and became aware of the new 'Double-D' intermediate shaft so I priced it and proceeded to purchase while I was doing to some other TLC and maintenance items to the car. I replaced it myself on a Saturday and once again the car drove as it was when it was brand new (8 years ago this month actually!)

Prior to obtaining the part and deciding to take on the task myself, I called Pontiac CAC and even though this would be lucky shaft #4 over this car'* lifetime they said due to the age of the car they would not be able to offer assitance. After I replaced the part and had the bad one, I called back and asked to reopen the case (which you can do within 60 days) and at that point she told me to take the removed part to my nearest Pontiac dealer and have them inspect it. Yes I was aggravated with all this riff raff and hoop jumping but I did it. I carried it to a Pontiac dealership about 4 miles from my office and the service manager was very nice and said 'I don't know why they are giving you a hard time with this -- they KNOW there is a problem'.

The rep spoke with the service manager week before last and then sent it for final approval for reimbursement. Last Monday, i recieved a call that they would be covering the part and I was requested to mail in the invoice where I purchased it ($88.33 is what I paid) and copy of my title showing ownership and a short explanation of what we had discussed and the case number.

She is suppose to let me know this Thursday that the documents had been recieved and the check will be processed -- Yes all i all it consumed an hour or so of my time but it was worth it for GM to come through when they realize its simply not right to have to replace parts 3-4 times when they have been revised over and over.