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GMC Sierra: Problems & Solutions
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Comments
For paintdude Post 130 & tanks Post 147 and others that might be interested.
This is the sequence of events which corrected my steering problems and may be the cure for others. Chevrolet & GMC are basically the same so I will post this in both forums.
BROUGHT IN TO GMC DEALERSHIP TO CORRECT AN OBVIOUS FRONT END MISALIGNMENT AT 7200 MILES.
Was informed that the original factory specs were wrong, two new tires were installed & new alignment specs were adjusted. The service Mgr. suggested a replacement of the intermediate steering shaft because after about 8000 miles or so, many developed a clunking sound.
A NEW INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED.
At that time the service Mgr. suggested a replacement of the steering box because of slight pulling to the right.
A NEW STEERING BOX WAS INSTALLED.
Now for the first time there was an obvious excessive free play in the steering wheel and no improvement to other problems. This free play caused the need to constantly correct left to right to stay on the road. This was an especially dangerous problem on windy days.
I BLED THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM BY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK TO LOCK ABOUT 6 TIMES. (This should have completely eliminated air from the system.)
That cured about 80% of the free play. I then took the truck back to have the dealership eliminate the rest of the free play. I suspected a defective steering box. After about 8 trips back to the dealer with this problem, the service Mgr. suggested I contact GM (number in the owners manual) to get a GM service Tech. involved. I did get immediate response from GM by phone. A service tech. came to evaluate and to do what ever he could to correct the problem.
THE SERVICE TECH. CENTERED THE SECTOR SHAFT AND READJUSTED TO CENTER THE STEERING WHEEL.
The thinking was that this would cure the pulling to either side. It did not eliminate the excessive free play. So I still had a problem. From that point I had no response from the dealer about my problem for over 3 weeks.
The next step accidentally cured the free play problem. I had to turn a loaded trailer around in a very narrow driveway. This took a lot of steering wheel turning.
I HAD TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK TO LOCK ABOUT 30 OR MORE TIMES. THIS ELIMINATED THE AIR FROM THE SYSTEM AND CORRECTED THE FREE PLAY PROBLEM. The steering now operates the way it should and there is also no pulling in either direction.
Sorry for the long post!
Ed
Drives like a Caddy now. If you want more details on what I had done it is best to phone me 1-705-942-5744 for I rarely go here on my computer and just by chance saw people were having the same problem I was having.
Bob
tom
So looks like I will be making my third round of arbitration hearings
(sorry had to say it)
I am now having a problem where the lite will go out that shows you are in 2 HI (or whatever) and moments later the message center shows a warning "Service 4 Wheel Drive". If I stop the vehicle and restart the condition is reset (which makes me think it is electrical)... I have also seen examples where I had to "tap" the 2 HI button to get the lite to comeback on and stay on. If I can get this lie to stay on then the message center never records the failure. Once the error has been displayed in the message center it can only be reset by turning off the key and re-starting. Once this happens I cannot switch to 4 wheel drive or get any mode to stay lit.
I drive 18 miles to work and rarely does the light come on... but on longer trips it comes on frequently.
I stopped by the dealer and they stated that there would not be an error stored in the computer and it would probably cost quite a bit to trouble shoot... any ides?
The vehicle doesn't have any problems or make any noises but I am concerned I will damage the vehicle.
Thanks in advance for any ideas!
Dealer found nothing wrong. The only thing unique about that day was that it was slushy out (late winter in NY)
I posted a question about it in one of these forums but no one had much to say about it. Seems to be a pretty rare problem.
Blair
'99 GMC Sierra Ext. Cab 4x
Wind Noise from Body Side Quarter Window (Replace Body Side Quarter Window Assembly)
1999-2000 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Extended Cab Pickup Models (Silverado and Sierra)
Built Prior to February 1, 2000
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2000 model year, remove service procedures, and change the part numbers. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 99-08-48-001 (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).
Condition
Some customers may comment on wind noise coming from either of the body side quarter windows while driving with the quarter windows closed. The wind noise may be more noticeable at speeds over 56 km/h (35 mph).
Cause
An insufficient seal of the window frame to the body or an improper window latch length may cause this condition.
Correction
A new body side quarter window kit is available to correct this condition. This window kit includes the window frame and glass, three frame centering screws that reinforce the sealing of the window frame to the body, and an instruction sheet. The window frame also features a reinforcement latch tab to improve latch efforts and function.
Replace the applicable body side quarter window on affected vehicles. Use the appropriate part number listed below.
Refer to the applicable Service Manual for quarter window removal and additional installation procedures. Also refer to the instruction sheet provided with the window kit for installation information.
Parts Information
Part Number Description
88935198 Window Kit, Body Side - LH (except RPO AJ1)
88935199 Window Kit, Body Side RH (except RPO AJ1)
88935200 Window Kit, Body Side LH (w/RPO AJ1)
88935201 Window Kit, Body Side RH (w/RPO AJ1)
Parts are expected to be available from GMSPO on 9-18-00.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation Description Labor Time
C0546 *Hinge, Quarter Glass Swing Out - Replace (Right) (3 and 4 Door Models) 0.5 hr
C0547 *Hinge, Quarter Glass Swing Out - Replace (Left) (3 Door Models) 0.8 hr
C0547 *Hinge, Quarter Glass Swing Out - Replace (Left) (4 Door Models) 0.5 hr
Policy: S Add 0.3 hr if the vehicle is delivered to and from the repair location. *NOTE: Also referred to as frame.
© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
BTW...I can't understand why I never saw anything about GM coming out with the 1500HD. I almost bought a Ford "Screw" but wanted the LS1. I would have waited if I had only known. Nothing in Motor Trend, nothing in Sport Truck. When I first saw it mentioned I figured it was a typo. Finally I came to Edmunds, checked GM and there it was.
stopped by dealership after work and had the get parts ordered.
dansa2
My truck's VIN didn't qualify either. However, District rep made exception and told dealer to go ahead and do the TSB anyway cause the only other option was to pursue buyback as I wasn't about to drive the truck with no vibration.
Good luck.
It happens all of the time and at all speeds. When I say that it sounds like something is loose in the front end that is the best I can equate the noise. When I go over bumps it sounds like something (like a shock) is "swinging" loose at one end and hitting a stop, much like a pendulum. I have had great luck with this truck up to this point. I had read about the vibration problems with the Silverados and Sierras and found that same problems with most of the trucks I test drove. I found this truck and it didn't have the vibration and hasn't had any problems with the tires to this point even though they are the Generals. However, this problem is only around with I go over bumps. If I yank the wheel one way or the other at low speeds (5 - 10 mph) it will occasionally do it also. I know it sounds weird, and I use to work on my own cars, but that is what it sounds like. I have had it in the shop once because a ball joint went out and my buddy thinks that they may not have put the spring back in the proper position. It was at 6,000 miles. I have had this almost a year and, as you can tell, I don't drive it much since I have a company vehicle that I drive to and from work. Any thoughts?
Thanks
Thanks
Steering, Upper Intermediate Shaft - Clunking Noise
File In Section: 02 - Steering
Bulletin No.: 00-02-35-003
Date: June, 2000
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Clunking Noise Under the Hood and can be felt in the Steering Wheel (Replace the Upper Intermediate Steering Shaft Assembly)
Models:
1999-2000 Chevrolet and GMC C2/K1/K2 Pickup Models (Silverado and Sierra) 2000 Chevrolet and GMC C/K Utility Models
(Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Yukon XL) With Recirculating Ball-Type Steering
Condition
Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from under the hood that also can be felt in the steering wheel. These conditions may be more noticeable when turning at low speeds on rough road surfaces.
Correction
Parts Information
Parts are expected to be available 6-16-00 from GMSPO.
A new upper intermediate steering shaft assembly has been developed to correct these conditions. Replace the upper intermediate steering shaft assembly on affected vehicles with the new upper intermediate steering shaft assembly P/N 26085548. Use the following service procedure and part number listed.
1. Set the front wheels in the straight-ahead position.
2. Set the steering wheel in the LOCK position.
3. From inside the vehicle, remove the upper bolt from the upper intermediate steering shaft (1) to the steering column connection.
4. From under the hood, remove the lower bolt that connects the upper intermediate shaft to the steering gear coupling shaft.
5. Remove the upper intermediate steering shaft assembly.
^ From inside the vehicle, slide the shaft down and off the steering column shaft.
^ From under the hood, slide the shaft towards the dash in order to disengage the shaft from the steering gear coupling shaft.
^ From inside the vehicle, slide the upper intermediate shaft through the dash boot seal and remove the shaft.
6. Install the upper intermediate steering shaft through the dash boot seal and slide the lower end into the steering gear coupling shaft.
7. Raise the upper end of the intermediate steering shaft and install into the steering column shaft.
8. Install the upper bolt and nut.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 47 N.m (35 lb ft).
9. Install the lower bolt and nut.
Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.
I am about to purchase a new truck ( the old 78 Ford is really rusted ) and have some concern about these problems posted on the boards. I really like the GMC drivetrain and interior opposed to the Ford. Like most of you know , a little research goes a long way in avoiding buying inherit design problems in a $20K + vehicle .Thanks
back as a option . It was removed on the 1500 due to leakage and breakage from undercarriage frame flexing from the new designed frame.thanks
Jim
cowboyjohn
john