i had a leaking trunk last year 3 month after i bought the car, i had all common problem available for this car.

I checked my order for the intermediate shaft, and found that it was purchased 10/20/04 so it lasted just under a year. I thought that I'd see about lubing up the old shaft, and then putting that in while I worked on the replacement that I put in last year. With the old one, it was not the shaft that was causing the problem, but the top u-joint. No amount of lube, oil, etc. made it any better, so I just put it back in the box.

I bought the replacement at gmpartsdirect, so I'm hoping that I can get a local dealer to honor the warranty on the part, as they recommend at their web page. It is supposed to be guaranteed for a year. I do hope that everyone elses last longer than that!

CAN WE MAKE THIS A STICKY!!!!!!!!

Hey great video, I have had the same sound and thanks to this site I have concluded that it must be coming from the INT Shaft. I have tried everything to find the problem. As winter is around the corner I am going to have to change it.

My question is can the average backyard mechanic change this item. If so has anyone ran into any problems while changing it.
Thanks

scotishguy88

It can be done elsewhere than a GM dealer.(GM sold the 227$ can + install @80$/hour)
You can get it for less elsewhere.

You can also lube it. But it will come again after some time.

Goodluck. edit: and welcome on the club.

Heres an other info about the intermediate shaft, bring by Boott...





GM

Clunking noise during turning maneuvers. Owners of some 1997-2002 GM compact, midsize and fullsize cars (complete list below) may complain of a clunking noise during low-speed turning maneuvers. The problem can also manifest itself as a binding condition when the steering wheel is turned lock-to-lock with the car stationary. GM says that a sticking or binding intermediate steering shaft is the most likely cause of the trouble, and that lubing the shaft with grease from a special kit (Part No. 26098237) should eliminate the headaches.

To install the grease, begin by removing the intermediate shaft from the vehicle. Now extend the shaft fully by pulling both ends apart. Using the syringe included in the kit, dispense all of the grease into the aluminum end of the yoke opening. Next, install the rubber stop plug from the kit into the opening, then secure it by swinging the upper yoke 90° until one of its ears fully compresses the plug.

Continue the procedure by positioning the intermediate shaft onto a workbench. Using hand pressure, stroke the shaft a little at a time until it collapses as much as possible. Remove the stop plug from the yoke opening. Now slowly extend the intermediate shaft and examine the shaft splines. The splines should be coated with grease for a minimum of .200 in. If they're not, reinstall the stop plug and repeat the stroking operation. To complete the fix, collapse and extend the intermediate shaft at least 15 times to fully distribute the grease onto the internal surfaces of the slip joint, then reinstall the shaft back into the car.

The following vehicles are affected by the problem and will benefit from the lube job:

1997-2002 Chevy Cavaliers

1998-2002 Olds Intrigues

2000-02 Cadillac Sevilles, Chevy Impalas & Monte Carlos and Pontiac Bonnevilles & Sunfires

Ok, don't want to hijack the thread, but I just found out that my driver'* side half shaft is flingin' a little grease.... how bad is that?

Ok, don't want to hijack the thread, but I just found out that my driver'* side half shaft is flingin' a little grease.... how bad is that? I mean, obviously it'* going to need to be addressed, but could I do it, or would someone else have to? Expensive? etc....

Just had my Bonnie in for this problem on friday..Not too pricy...$285.00 that was for the parts and labor...Clunk is gone..Thank you for helping me with this problem

shadow427,

I believe you are referring to your wheel constant velocity joint boot. This is a different animal than the steering half-shaft discussed in this thread.

Regarding the flinging grease though, this will not be much of a problem unless the boot has been split for a fairly long time allowing water to wash the grease off of the joint. If bad the joint will have to be replaced. If the joint is quiet when turning you are problably ok excetp boot replacement can get expensive. I suggest a mechanic familiar with front-wheel drive, foreign or domestic. The remedy is to remove the drive axle on that side, remove the boot, inspect and clean (or replace) the joint, install a new boot, button things back up and be on your way.