Just came from my dealer, again.. I went to see if I needed that safety recall for the fuel pressure regulator completed. Unfortunately "the computers are down".. Anyhow, I told him I was getting the noise/popping in the steering intermediate shaft. He says we could just lube the joint, but wouldn't last long (already knew that from this board).

He has heard that they will be redesigning the shaft and will have an updated version come out later this year. He also said all the shafts being installed now (if you can get one) are essentially the same shaft with the same problem. Don't know if he was blowing me off or if there is some truth to all of this. Has anyone heard of an updated shaft?

Patrick

The story I've heard was the first fix was a lube "kit" and that the second fix is actually all new parts in an all new configuration. I need to get mine done....again (lube kit already done, popping back.)

Does anyone from Pontiac really pay attention to what we say in here about the quality inconsistenices...

I had mine replaced today (03 SE -16,000 miles!). A contributing factor is the lousy roads here but I'm also easy on the machinery.

Steering feels much smoother now. I don't know if it is a revised part. The part number appears to be 10367811 (from invoice).

On the repair order the technician noted excessive clearance on the old shaft of 3mm.

I hope it'* a revised one because next one will be out of warranty! I'll feel shafted!!

I am thinking that since you got it done under warranty it is documented as a "known issue" and you can actually go in after the warranty is up and still get it repaired again. I was always told to report stuff before the warranty is up, whether any work is done or not, so that it'* a known issue. If this is not the correct fix, it sounds like it will start doing it again before your warranty is up.

Wish I knew if they put in a revised part or just replaced the same ol' part with the revised "Magic Grease"..

Mine is a '03 also with 22K miles.

Service Manager said that most of the inventory on shafts went to fixing the full size pickups.

August 2004

Steering Clunk Noise

Owners of some 2000-04 Pontiac Bonnevilles may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle during a turning maneuver. This condition may also be felt through the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary and the wheel is rotated from steering stop to steering stop. This clunk noise will be noticed during low speed acceleration or deceleration, typically in light turns of the steering wheel. A new intermediate steering shaft part number 10367811 is available through GMSPO.

Thanks Mr. BadTA00, now I can rest easy knowing I have an revised and improved Intermediate shaft!!

I got my new shaft today also. They covered my 2000 under warranty because I had been in for the first fix (lube) while under warranty. Also still have low mileage of 40,000 on the car.
I really like this car but the quality is embarrissing. At 40,000 miles here are the problems so far:
1. built with one wrong door interior panel, no controls for memory functions
2. spoiler/trunk leak
3.intermeidate steering shaft (twice) all these covered under warranty
NOT COVERED
radio light out
window regulator replacement
broken seat heater

Its hard to imagine this thing living to 100,000 miles

I had a new shaft put on mine back last March, but I don't think it was a revised shaft, just a new original design. I am starting to get some 'graininess' (very technical term) in my steering feel at slow speeds... Starting all over again. Oh well, guess that'* what I've got an extended warranty for.

All of those are minor problems. How would you like to own a Chrysler/Dodge and have the transmission fail on you at 40,000miles?

I agree those are definately all major problems. However, do remember that Chrysler is not the only company with tranny problems. I know of numerous STOCK GTP'* that had trannies replaced under warranty. The 4T65E-HD is not as bad as the Chrysler trannies no doubt, but lets face it its not the best one out there.

Shawn

Not to get too far off topic, but look at what the 4T65E-HD is dealing with... Some L67'* come from the factory with over 300ftlbs of torque just based on how they are setup. That'* A LOT of torque. If you drive them hard, then you can expect problems. The Chrysler trannies die just because.

Just for reference, what was the old part number for the intermediate shaft?