G6 - Intermediate shaft in steering column - making noise

[aand]

hi there - when I turn the wheel on my G6 sedan I get a clunking noise. the dealer says it's the intermediate shaft and this plus the steering gear box (?) needs replacing to do it properly. This is going to be quite expensive. From what I've read, this issue is not a safety concern just an annoyance.
would you do the work if it was you? Would you have the gear box (I think that's what he said) replaced too?

thanks!

 

[melsg5]

either try this yourself or find a local shop willing to try it

HOW TO lube Intermediate steering shaft that is not painted, if painted this will not work
Method 1
remove the plastic close out panel under the drivers side of the instrument panel. it is held on with 2 7mm bolts

then there is a clip for the hood release cable on the panel. you just have to squeeze in the 2 tabs and it comes right out.

from there you have access to the i shaft

IMPORTANT: if after seeing the shaft you notice that it has been painted DO NOT LUBRICATE. That "painted shaft" does not tolerate lube and lubricating will only make the problem worse

the first way to lube it it to remove the pinch both from the top of the shaft(11mm) then pull it off the steering column
DO NOT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE SHAFT DISCONECTED DAMAGE TO THE AIR BAG COIL COULD RESULT. slight movement is ok but do not spin the wheel with the shaft disconnected fully extend it and place lube(GM part number 26098237) on the lowest part of the shaft where the 2 haves meet.

after applying the lube you need to "exercise" the shaft in and out a few times. you can then reinstall the shaft to the column and reinstall the closeout panel.
the second way does not require the shaft to be disconnected from the column. all you have to do is after removing the closeout panel spray lube in between the 2 shafts.after spraying turn the wheel 180 degrees and spray some more on the other side of the shaft as well. use GM Superlube(p/n12346241) but white lithium grease would have the same effect. this method is not as effective as the first method but it does work

 

[G-821192]

what does "remove the pinch" mean ??

 

[melsg5]

what does "remove the pinch" mean ??

It's part of a typo, says "pinch both" should say "pinch BOLT".