it'* an epidemic. I just bought a 00' Bonny SSEI and it does the same thing when turning. Annoying but not the end of the world: without reading this whole thread, can I just lube it for now with the 30W motor oil and drive it? In other words, it won't do any peripheral damage to anything else if I don't replace it and only lube it, correct? This was a clean, one owner car but I'm quite sure this is the original I.*.

Got to be grease not oil, or it wont last but a day or two. Heavier the better. Like wheel bearing grease. GM lubes them and sends them down the road unless you scream. So I dont think it damages the shaft immediately.

So...you say not to use the 30W motor oil GPX? Archon and another poster said it worked, but you have a point with regard to longevity: I would certainly think that motor oil would make it disappear for a little while, but wouldn't hold a candle to wheel bearing grease. What'* the verdict before I go ahead and do this gents?

Absolutely not oil. I've had one in my hands fresh out of a box. It'* grease. needs to get smeared all over the knuckle on top.

The use of oil is for a quick fix without removing the shaft if the top joint is the problem. You can get at that without removing the shaft. It may, or may not, temporarily solve the problem.

If you are going to remove the shaft, try to get as much grease into that U-joint as you can. Having taken one apart, it is sealed pretty well and can be tough to get much in there. Grease is preferred, but sometimes you have to go with whatever you can to solve the problem.

I understand Archon: I'll get it done ASAP: thanks to you and GXP venom......

I just bought the latest and greatest new shaft for my 2002 SSEi and installed it today (GM part #26068295). Looks a lot different from the old one and was a challenge to install. The dealership parts dept guy swore this one would fix the problem for good. Retails for $155.00 but I talked him down to $125.00. Guess time will tell.

The new shaft uses a double D design, instead of the splined shaft like the old one. Some have been disappointed that the new design starts to make noise after a time. FWIW for future reference, and others, GM parts direct has the new shaft for $92.04 (their shipping charges can be high), and Rockauto has a Dorman replacement part for $83.79.

I found this one on ebay. It is a different part number, but it says superceded. Would this one work?

eBay Motors: NEW Intermediate Steering Shaft 26068295 26114923 (item 120363849692 end time Feb-13-09 19:44:31 PST)

Yes, thats the original. And from what we have been hearing, so called improvements to this shaft have not made a difference. So if I didnt have a warranty, I would use cost as the main factor.