Good idea. I'll look up that old thread. I only have a little clunking, but it is best to be prepared and knowledgable.

Question I have is wondering if the shaft is in danger of sheering/breaking, or is it simply a nuscience issue?

Hi Kevo, from what I've heard (and read) the loosness is actually in the "slip-joint" portion of the intermediate shaft. That Impala HQ website that shows illustrations within the technical bulletin, kind of shows and explains the procedure of working that slip joint back and forth so as to sort of "pump" it full of grease. And that makes sense, which is why the "light weight" grease just doesn't last very long. It also stands to reason that some people are getting by without actually replacing, because the real thick grease will not be so likely to squish out, and if their original part is not very loose, then apparently just the thicker grease is all they need.

I do have a new part on order for mine, but my chevy dealership (pontiac dealer wouldn't give me any price break at all, so screw them) was at least honest enough to let me know that their system shows a "nation wide backorder, with no estimated delivery dates." It has been their experience that sometimes the new shaft will arrive in a week or so, and other times takes several weeks.

I'm anxious to get mine apart to see just how loose it is. I can tell you for sure, according to the feel on the steering wheel, you'd swear that the whole front end was about to fall out of it!!

It is my opinion that there is probably no safety risk at all. -just crappy, clunky, thumpy feeling looseness.

I got a new intermediate shaft put in my '02 SE. It was clunky when I bought the car...thanks to BC I knew this was a minor problem....and it was still under GM warranty. The dealer ordered it on a Friday and the following Tuesday called me and told me it was in. It is like driving a different car now...no noise and no clunky feeling in the steering wheel. I didnt realize how bad it was until I drove it after it was replaced and it didnt feel like the whole front end was going to collapse or something.

Deb

At least it'* good to know it isn't dangerous. Mine isn't nearly as bad as some here are saying. Just a little bit of grind/popping when turning while going fairly slow. I guess I've been one of the more fortunate ones.

I'm still under extended warranty for a few more years. I'll probably wait for a while and see if it gets any worse. Is it a bear to do the greasing myself?


PS. Thanks for the explanation!

jusf found out last night that this part has gone through two changes from the original, and #10367811 is in fact the latest. (-possibly the splined section is now made tighter?)
I'm betting you still need to replace the light weight grease with the heaviest stuff you can find.


Anyway, rather than keep updating on two topics, I'm going to stop replying on this one, and just update my post "New Steering Shaft Part Number."