I'm looking at buying an '05 GXP but when I test drove it, it made a click/thud noise when you turn the steering wheel. It clicks/thuds about 2-3 times until you hit the stop in either direction. I'm guessing there is maybe a problem with a universal joint in the column. I have heard of a problem with the intermediate steering shaft. I'm guessing this GXP has the same problem as other vehicles with intermediate steering shaft issues. Has anybody here come across this problem or has anyone heard of the fix/cause of this problem? The guy I might buy this car from said he will take it to the Pontiac dealership to have them look at it/get it fixed but I was looking to find some info before he takes it in the morning. Any information would be greatly appreciated.


*** Moved from Chat - Kevin ***

yes that would be the intermediate shaft, all Bonnevilles from 00+ are prone to that problem. IF you can bargain down the price, you can fix it for much less than the pontiac dealer is going to charge

The dealership I'm getting it from said they would have it fixed, but my concern is the fact that I'm hearing it'* a problem that never goes away. I've heard everything from a lube kit to fix the problem to a upgraded design intermediate steering shaft. What do you think?

I think you go 30,000 or so.... (seems to be the average) and re grease it or replace it. The newer design was a failed attempt to solve the problem. From what we've heard and seen, it still clunks after time. The angle of the shaft is to acute and the problem cant be overcome with redesigning the shaft, and they arent about to re-engineer the cabin and steering column length to alleviate the problem. It'* one without a pratical fix. The clunking shafts never needed to be replaced, they clunk well before the wear is going to hurt anything. They first just regreased the shaft with a thicker grease, and only started changing them out when the vendor tried too improve it. You have to look at this as routine matenance. Certainly not by choice but just the way it is.

Venom......is it something relatively simple? I'm assuming it'* not too involved, just might be difficult to get to.

Is there a zerk fitting to grease on the shaft and if so is it on the top or bottom of the shaft?

no there is not. You have to remove the shaft and then pack in the grease

When I bought my '04 GXP it did the same thing during the test drive. The salesman said they would grease it for me but I said "no deal" unless it gets replaced. My wife has had 2 Monte Carlos and they both did that, on her 1st one the greased it for her and it didnt last long at all, hence the reason for me saying I wanted it repalced. No matter what the fix, it only seems to last between 20-30 thousand miles before it happens all over.

You do not have to remove the shaft. A member wrote up a nice grease procedure I am editing it and putting in the Northstar mechanical section today.