I would not count on the dealer doing it for free, but you could always ask. The worst that could happen is that they say no.

One way to see if it has been replaced/repaired, is to look up under the dash and see if there is tape wrapped around where they slit the boots. If you are handy at all, it'* something you can do yourself.

The first time I noticed a problem was at approx. 30,000 miles on my 2000 SSEi. Dealer greased the shaft and I was on my way. At approx. 35,000 miles it came back again. This time dealer replaced the shaft under warranty. Now, at 68,000 miles it'* back. I've found that by jacking-up the front end so the wheels hang free for a few hours, will eliminate the problem for up to several weeks. If I were to attempt to grease the shaft myself, is this performed from inside or outside the car?

Two Questions

I have had it in my 2000 for at least a couple of years, how bad does it get?

Can you move the boot down and spray a lubicant into the shaft coupling?

Bob - sorry that I didn't see yours earlier. I often look past the stickies.

The shaft has to be removed from the car in order to lube the shaft. There are a couple of posts (probably a couple of years old) on how to remove it and then others to grease it.

dhaag - The shaft can not be lubed while still installed on the car. I've had luck getting motor oil into the top u-joint which has been the problem with the cars I've seen...not the shaft.

For both of you - Need more - let me know. You may want to start a new thread so people see it.

wow, i guess theres about a 95% chance that the noise is a intermediate shaft, tahnks alot, good info.

Well in typical GM fashion, they never fixed the problem. I have a 2005 SLE and still have the same steering problem my 2002 had, except after the dealer did the lube on th '02 it would at least last for quite a long time. The '05 only seems to last a few months. I have had the car for 18 months and have had it in 2-3 times already.

Probably because they continue to lube the shaft, rather than the upper u-joint.

I've read this topic a few times and have the problem on my 2003 SE. I plan to replace the shaft myself when the weather gets a little warmer. I was able to get the 'improved' shaft pn 26068295 thru my brother in another state at cost. Some appends indicate it not a problem with greasing it, it indicated it was more a problem with the knuckle/universal joint.
Should I:

1. Use some other German made "Kluber" grease and regrease it as well?
2. Anyone has installed the 26068295 part number with any long term success?

fwiw, here is a link to a 'greasing' of a GM shaft:

http://www.colinkraft.com/shaft.php

I am aware of only one member who had the new shaft installed, and there has not been a report back regarding how well it has worked. Lubing the new one with some other grease certainly won't hurt anything. Whether that will help its longevity, or whether it will be the new design that helps, only time will tell. The new design has a different type of top joint that hopefully will be the long term solution.

Since I put the 255/50 tires on, I have noticed the "clunk" a little more often. After reading this thread I am convinced it is the Int shaft. Apparently it is NOT confined to 97-02 cars (mine is an '03 w/48k) Where can I find the instructions for removal ? Thanks in advance.