Have a 2000 SE. I took the upper u-joint boot down covering the intermediate shaft and did a full lube job of the shaft without taking it out....pb, white grease, and motor oil. Didn't fix the problem, which feels like a catching of the shaft while turning the wheel and then it kinda feels like it pops and makes a light popping noise as well.

I don't think that upper u joint is working right. The noise kind of originates above the intermediate shaft, but it feels like the catching cauing the tension on the steering linkage is coming from the upper u joint on the shaft.

Do you think it would be worthwhile taking the shaft out and and freeing it up if it is bound up, and doing a complete lube job? Or is just getting the re-engineered shaft off gmdirect the better route? Or might there be something wrong from the steering wheel linkage down to the intermediate shaft? I wd-40d that to no avail, and that part doesn't feel loose anywhere either. I took the steering wheel cowling off to check as well and nothing seemed amiss.

This problem sure is annoying, makes the car feel cheap.

i just installed the new "double-d" design shaft in my car..worth every penny so far. i could tell mine was relubed before...and when i bought the car with 76K on it...was popping bad. not a noise from it now...nothing. i got mine dirt cheap i think off of ebay. $55 shipped brand new gm part. just watch that site if you can mind waiting....if not, but and swap it...be done and not worry anymore about it...just my opinion.

The choice of what to do is really up to you. Removing the shaft, and lubing it fully will likely take care of things for a year or two. The plus is that it is cheap. The minus is that the noise will likely be back. Or you can purchase the new design. The minus is that it will cost you money. Whether the new design will solve the problem in the long run - only time will tell.

I replaced with the new Double-D design for 88.33 from partszoneonline myself and steering has been as good as new..... That being shaft number 4 and my mom being original owner of the vehicle -- It took jumping through hoops but GM is reimbursing me (and they should labor as well to be honest!

What'* the part # of the new shaft?

GM# is 26068295

also,

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...r=asc&start=80

AND

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...=article&k=111

I'm a bit surprised but after a few days, that oil and penetrating oil has gone to work, and really made a difference. The lubing in the end did help some, I just had to wait a few days. I can still feel a tiny bit of hang-up, but near as bad as it was.

I'm sure I'll have to replace it sooner or later when the popping comes back and I can't stand it, but putting in a new shaft on these really doesn't seem all that hard.

Archon is right................to get it real good you should remove it. It has a shaft inside a shaft and you need to slide the new grease into it. I'm not sure oil and penetrating oil is the way to go here? I used some Lithium grease I picked up at NAPA.

I'm a little concerned you actually "feel" a pop though? I never eally felt anything, but heard a lot.