They never did recall it which is really stupid...

If you are talking about a clunking every 1/4 turn or so...yes, i am pretty sure there'* a recall!! I have to call to get my car in about this...it drives me nuts. Theres a post in this section further back if you dig about the smae thing.

Mine makes some rubbing noise under soft turning sometimes going to take it in next week for it.

Does it sound like this??????
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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.
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Or how about this?????

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Vehicle: All Technical Service Bulletins
Steering Column Pop/Noise
Group Ref.: Steering/Suspension
Bulletin No.: 333210A
Date: December, 1993
SUBJECT:
STEERING COLUMN POPPING NOISE (REPLACE UPPER BEARING INNER RACE SEAT)
MODELS:
1992-93 PASSENGER CARS EXCEPT CHEVROLET CAVALIER. GEO AND PONTIAC LEMANS
1992-93 LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS EXCEPT GEO TRACKER
Vehicles affected have TILT steering columns (round style) with the exception of the "W" series (square style).
CONDITION:
Some owners of vehicles with integral TILT steering columns may hear a pop noise when turning. The noise occurs specifically when the driver is
making normal steering turns in either direction and generally when the steering wheel is returning to center.
CAUSE:
The upper bearing inner race seat under certain conditions may cause a pop noise. The part may have a burr on the inside skirt.
CORRECTION:
To verify that the upper bearing inner race seat is the cause of the pop noise in the steering column, use the following method:
1. Engage the park brake and start the engine.
2. Point the wheels of the vehicle straight ahead.
3. While listening for a pop noise, rotate the steering wheel in either direction to the wheel stop. Slowly return the wheel back to center. If the
noise is not heard, drive the vehicle at a slow speed listening for the noise to occur.
Important:
When the steering column is warm, the pop noise will be more audible.
4. If a pop noise is heard, replace the upper bearing inner race seat with P/N 7815184. Return the steering wheel back to center with the wheels
of the vehicle pointed straight ahead. Turn the ignition lock cylinder to "LOCK" position and then begin the repair. Refer to Section 3F5A/3F5B in the Service Manual to replace the upper bearing inner race seat.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Labor Operation Number: E7310
Labor Time: 0.6 hrs.
For GMC Truck ONLY, use: T7681
Labor Time: 0.4 hrs. (With SIR add .2 hrs.)

Deathrat,

My Bonneville is out of GM'* warranty, so I deal with a non-pontiac shop for general repairs (nothing major yet: knock on wood). The shop has access to GM'* TSBs and Recall notifications, they told me that this steering issue is a "recall" when I called Pontiac to schedule an appointment they said it was a TSB and I will be responsible for the repair. Does that make sense?

Check back through the posts to the topic 'wabble in steering'posted by streetracer,...I think you'll find your answer,....my wife'* '01SE was doing the same thing(clunk/grinding in the steering wheel when turning slowly from a stopped position and various other slow/LOW speed steering maneuvers),....the first 'fix'(lubricating the steering shaft universal)worked only for a number of months,...to fix it right,a new intermediate steering shaft was installed(no charge to me,under warranty),but I think GM will fix the defect even if the car is out of warranty,because of the TSB on it.

This clunking/grinding; outside of being annoying is their any real danger likt the shaft wearing prematurely or something? In other words, I can live with the gringing feel as long as it'* not a real problem, but will get it serviced if it'* going to be an issue in the future.

Personally I think you should all start a petition and send it to Pontiac and say you'll take it to media.. I don't see why something like this ( even though warrenty has expired ) shouldn't be covered.. there'* been numerous recalls on cars that'* out fo warrenty cause of safety issues and such.. get together and give it to them..

I think at this point the problem is more of an annoyance. Its not like if you turn your wheel to far to the left the car explodes. Its cheaper for GM to just deal with the few individuals who come whining back to the dealership than to issue an all out recall until the NHTSB or some other goverment agency forces them to do it. I called my local pontiac dealership to schedule the repair on the faulty gasket (by recall) and I mentioned the steering "wonk", they told me while they were doing the recall work they would take care of the "wonk", but if I wanted to do it seperatly it would cost me money per hour...

So, play the game..GM is a big, smart, rich company...they did'nt get that way by caving to threats of petitions from internet forum users...

So wat do you suggest? I know big company (} much like any business and government ) will be quick to take your money, but won't shell it out easily.. so since if a lot of members no longer have warrenty that their all SOL ?!?!?!