I have been getting some low speed noise from the steering on my 2000, kind of like a grabbing. I thought it was the aftermarket urethane sway bar bushings so I took everything apart this weekend and made sure they were lubed up with teflon. However, I still have the noise.
I'm assuming it is the intermediate shaft but since I'm well out of warranty, just wondering if anyone has paid to have this repaired and about how much was it? Any other ideas?

Not sure how much it will cost. But I had it lubed twice and then had a
new one installed and still had the same problem. Not sure if it'* worth it
to pay to have it repaired and after it still happens. I think this maybe
one of those things that GM has just disregraded as a serious problem.

Mark I just bought a 2001 SSEI with 30k on it.I'm getting a popping feel in the wheel while turning left/right.I'm taking it to my local Pontiac dealer on thursday and i'll let you know what they find.I only have a month of warranty left

racerx, welcome to the club add your car and trim to your sig and include your location in profile.

I had a front wheel bearing go just after 30k on mine then the other about 40k later, I noticed it first when turning the steering wheel and feeling a soft clunk.

RacerX... welcome from another relative newbie... I am in the SAME situation as you (2000 SSEi, 30.5K) with the popping... let'* see what we all can learn

I had mine "lubed" a couple of months ago, the problem has not re-occured and it was covered under my extended warranty. $50 out of pocket for me...

anyone know - is there a relevant TSB that I can refer my service dept folks to, regarding the "lubing" procedure? this isn't the "moan/shudder" issue that'* currently another active topic here

-sg

There is but im not sure what it is off the top of my head. I had mine done a few months ago under extended warranty. I'll try to find the TSB

Here is the only one I could find...

Here'* some GM inside info for you 2000 - 01 Bonneville owners out there.
Hot Tip #5:
Subject: Intermittent Squawk or Groan Noise from Steering System >>> 09/13/02
Vehicles Affected: 2000-01 Bonnevilles
Summary: Replace Steering Gear & High Pressure Hose Assembly.
This is a situation where the owner may comment that the steering system emits a load squawk noise at times when the steering is turned at low speeds. The likely cause for this issue is an internal steering gear resonance. To correct this condition, replace the components outlined in this hot tip. Note that these parts are for vehicles with specific options. Care must be taken to get the right parts for the application. This information only applies to cars with Magna-steer "E" that was installed in some models in the 2000 model year.
The steering gear for the 2001 Bonneville SSEi is now available and can be used to correct a squawk concern on a 2000 or a 2001 Pontiac SSEi. Use steering gear P/N 26099978. Steering gear will be substituted with an updated gear.
These parts went into production at the following VIN break points: H Body gear 1G2HZ541224100674.

I had the intermediate shaft re-lubed on my 2000 Bonne as well since it began wigging out. Working perfect now.

As a note though, the new "re-designed" shaft is nothing really new other than some minor stuff. The new ones are supposed to come with some new type of grease from GM, but they failed to remember to actually pack the shafts with it so the techs need to take out the old grease anyway and replace with what it SHOULD have.

New shaft = $800 + install

Re-pack existing Shaft with "new" grease = $50 (Out of warrantee)

IMO its worth re-packing every year instead of replacing it unless you plan on keeping your car for the next 16-20 years!