NEBSSEI

I hear you. Nice car, but seriously flaky build quality.

Hate to buy the extended warranty. My opinion, if you need the extended, the car isn't worth keeping.. I love the looks, the rarity of the car, the gas mileage, and the performance of the 3800. I bought this car with 22K and I have a list to fix on it!

We need to start a new thread for everyone to write who has had 1 problem or less with their 2000+.. Some of us would like to hear some positive stories.....LOL..

Pat

With the minor engine mods and my new Perellie tires...this thing rocks. The powertrain is very good.
Its the body, build quality and cheap parts that I have trouble with. GM put CHEAP window regulators, seat heats, etc into the car. Obviously went with the very cheapest vendor.
I bought my SSEI brand new and window sticker was $35+ (which was high end in 2000) I expected quality.
For instance radio light burned out....dealer solution ...buy a new radio $250.
Almost every problem that I've had is documented on this forum with other owners having similar problems. Atleast the good thing is I have a source to minimize costs and know what to expect to fail next. Thanks to all for sharing.

:? That "new revised" steering shaft is NO different than the original shaft I greased mine once and it didn't last, then I got the "revised" shaft and could not tell ANY difference by looking at them except for the part number. I put it in and in less than 1000 miles the clunk and pop was starting again. I took my first shaftwhich I saved, lubed it with a very thick grease instead of the GM grease and put that one back in. Now with about 1000 miles again it is still fine I just hit 20,000 miles on the car in total and I went through all these problems with the steering shaft. I almost have to lube the shaft at every oil change it seems :?

Can anyone else confirm this? I am going to my dealer on Monday and demanding that they replace the shaft with the new part. But if it'* the same as the old one, what'* the point? Maybe it'* time for that GTO...

EasyE

Sounds like, from reading all the threads on this, that the grease is more at fault than the shaft. May want to discuss this with the Service Manager.

In my opinion buy the grease kit that the dealer sells but instead of the grease they supply, get a H.D. type grease. The thicker the better. Use that grease with the install kit from the dealer and grease the shaft that is in your car already. That is what I found to be the best so far!

Well, she'* in the shop right now. They finally believed me that the problem was the shaft. I may have to wake up early to ask them what grease they're using. I hate dealerships. I could get my shaft lubed for much cheaper downtown

Hi Fellows:
Its all in the grease. Use axel wheel bearing grease on all the joints as well as the actual shaft. Clean the joints with wd-40 before applying the new grease. Did mine once and still no problems after 25,000 additonal miles. Dealer had done mine once with their injected lithium and it did not work the first time around. Now at 65,000 miles on the 02 Bonneville and works fine. For procedure on how to do look about 4 pages back under "Intermediate shaft recall" topic which should give you enough info to go by in doing it yourself. Of course wait for those sunny warm days again.
Good Luck
Jim

How hard is it to grease this shaft?

I am considering the puirchase of a used 2002 or 2003 Bonneville
very soon and I would like to know I need to look out for...?
I understrand that there will be problems and I will be working
on it myself to correct the problems, but it sure would
be nice to have I list of what I can expect to be fixing upon
a purchase of a Bonneville.

Thanks,

Pete

that would just suck if we have to grease the shaft on our cars, so far on my 03 i havent had the problem, it has 20k on it maybe thats why who knows, but if i have this problem i know for sure i wont be greasing my steering shaft