I have a clunking noise comming from front end. Only happens when going over a series of bumps as opposed to one single bump, and only when bumps are being hit by Drivers side front wheel, does not happen when passenger side wheel is hitting bumps. Have had the intermediate steering shaft lubed once and replaced twice. Noise keeps comming back. By the way, I have a 2003 Bonneville SSEi, fully loaded, every option other than engine heater. Car was purchased new 3/19/03. The last shaft that was put in was actually for a 2004 Caddy.
This is what the bulletin said to use to correct problem. It was back within 1 week. Last time I went to dealer they had just been told by GM not to replace anymore parts for this problem. According to GM they are aware of problem but have not yet figured out exactly where it is originating. They seem to feel it is a problem with the rack and how it is connected to the Sub-Frame, according to what I was told by the Dealer. As it stands now I have a drive set up with A GM engineer this Thur. 11/20/03 at which time, hopefully he will give me some insight.

Has anyone had this problem and if so have you come accross a permanent fix?[/b]

Did you find out what the problem was and if so what was the fix. I too had this problem and just got my car back from the dealership today. The service manager said i just need to be packed with grease.

Well I had it lube once and then they installed a new one and I still fell
it. I think the problem is with the rack. Would like to know what came
out of the drive with the GM engineer!

I have this problem too on my 2000 SSEi. There are two service bulletins out that address front end noise issues. One advises to replace the rubber insulators on top of the front struts. The insulators wear out, and the strut bangs against the top retainer when you go over a bump. I had this done, and it diodn't solve the problem.

Then, I found out about the scond bulletin that came out last September that addresses a clunking noise when turning the wheel. This one requires lubrication of the streering shaft. I'm scheduled to get this job done next week. I hope this will take care of my problem.

Here'* the link to the shaft tech bulletin:

http://<a href="http://www.bonnevill...ght=</a><br />

Jim

Sorry that I have not got back to this sooner. The GM rep took a ride with me, and verified that indeed there was a noise. We went back to the dealership, and he reviewed all of my service records. He made a call to detroit and spoke to the GM tech dept, and was given a list of things for the tech at the dealership to do. After each step was taken the tech had to call and report results as to the outcome.
I got an apointment set up for Jan. 1, 2004...........the dealership rented me a car and told me to keep it till they found my problem. I am lucky enogh that my Son is the one to be working on it, he has been the only one to work on it whenever it goes in for repairs.
He put the chasis ears on, took it for a ride, came back and called the tech dept. He waqs instructed to put on a new rack. Well, that did not eliminate the noise. So far I have had the shaft lubed, two intermediate shafts put in, the strut replaced, all to no avail.
Now for the good news...............it is fixed and has been noise free for almost two months now. My son started checking out every possibiity he could think of, and was able to duplicate the noise.
The noise comes from the STEERING SHAFT LOWER SUPPORT BEARING. This bearing is located in the STEERING COLUMN JACKET. The bearing is in a plastic housing at the base of the steering column. The steel ball bearings in there ride on a plastic race. Either it was a defective bearing, or the steel ball bearins wore down the race.
The lower support bearing can not be ordered seperately, You need to order the steering column jacket...........Part #26080726.........Cost $229.13 This part nuber is good on all 2001 thru 2004 Bonneviles.
The bearing can be removed form the jacket and used to replace the old bearing. If it is done that way, the steering column does not need to be removed. Which takes quite a bit longer.
All this was documented and sent directly to GM. We were told that they would be issueing a new bulletin based on this fix.
I hope this helps all that have been having the problem. If anyone would like it, I have a diagram showing steering column and all parts, and also a parts list for the same. Just let me know and I can E-mail or fax it to you.

Thanks for the report. It seems that the noise will be back if they just grease it.

Hey blocker44 your car looks Great!

Wife'* '01 Bonneville SE was making the infamous 'steering wheel grind' noise [approx 22K miles on car],.....first 'fix' was lubing the intermediate steering shaf with some kind of hi-tech 'magic' grease!,........lasted about 3 months,.......second fix was replacement of the shaft,..........so far......so good...about a year with no noise and smooth steering action,..........[the bad news is that my '00 SSEi is doing the same thing and will need to have the shaft replaced!!][btw:also had upgraded power steering hoses installed('01 SE),because of a shuddering/vibrating noise when making Low speed turns(like when moving away from a curb,or backing into a parking spot),........another factory screw-up with the smaller hoses being used :([GM is fully aware of the two problems,......and both were fixed at no charge]
Regards,
Bill