Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING
SB-10-02-33-00106/01/201010036545Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/oldsmobile and hummer: information on pitman arm shaft seal service kit. do not replace entire steering gear for pitman seal leak. technicians have been replacing entire steering gears due to not being able to03/28/2011
050211800202/01/200510017450Diagnostic trouble code c0455, service rear wheel steering, system jumps from 4-wheel steer to 2-wheel steer. *tt11/08/2005
0310200503/10/200510014845Steering gear whistle noise on turns. *eh05/10/2005
050211800101/01/200510013457Quadrasteer intermittent service 4-wheel steer message. *tt04/19/2005
04023200108/01/2007040232001C10012694Release of steering gear stub shaft bearing kit for service. *tt updated 08-15-07. *kb updated 10/09/07. *nj03/10/2005
30573057D10011757Service 4 wheel steer message with diagnostic trouble code c0455. *eh01/31/2005
000235003E08/01/2004000235003F10011223Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel. this bulletin replaces previous bulletin 00-02-35-003e. *tt01/11/2005
305701/01/200410009658Intermittent concern of the service 4 wheel steer message being displayed on the dic. *tt10/14/2004
1125200211/25/200210008610Vehicle will not start caused by the steering wheel position sensor. *tt08/10/2004
0163401/01/200410007231Intermediate steering shaft service kit. service vme. *tt06/04/2004
0189701/01/200410006428Lack of steering assist or shudder during parking lot type maneuvers. *mr05/03/2004
0173601/01/200410006353Service 4 wheel steer message with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c0455. sit bulletin 1459978. *tt04/29/2004
00537C01/01/200400537B10005488Quadrasteer parts restriction. available parts. service vme. sit bulletin 1403216. *tt03/01/2004
0156701/01/200410005407Quadrasteer service update. sit bulletin 1411394. *tt02/25/2004
000235003C04/01/2004000235003D10004716Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel. *tt01/02/2004
000235003B01/01/2003000235003A10000950Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in the steering wheel. *tt04/04/2003
STEERING - COLUMN
000235003N04/01/200810025148Clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel and/or steering column (replace upper intermediate steering shaft [i-shaft] assembly). *pe07/14/2008
STEERING - ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
0186301/01/200410006616Lack of steering assist when stopped or during parking lot type maneuvers. *mr05/07/2004
STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT PITMAN
SB-10-02-33-00106/01/201010036545Buick/cadillac/chevrolet/gmc/oldsmobile and hummer: information on pitman arm shaft seal service kit. do not replace entire steering gear for pitman seal leak. technicians have been replacing entire steering gears due to not being able to03/28/2011
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID
00823A01/01/200410007973Power steering fluid leaking at hydraulic brake booster. *tt07/19/2004
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP
05023200807/01/2007050232008B10022671Gear box power steering pump, p/s performance concerns. *nj09/19/2007
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
33863386C10013533Lack of steering assist or shudder during parking lot type maneuvers. *tt04/21/2005
STEERING - LINKAGES - ARM - IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
34993499A10014899Steering idler arm inspection procedure. *tt05/11/2005
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
030234001A10/01/200303023400110004766Inner tie rod released for service. *tt01/06/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
01/07/2011800002
 First incident was a brake line bursting in my driveway. i had it repaired at my local garage. at that time he told me that all of the brake lines were in bad shape. second incident, while i was driving up the road at approx 55 mph with my 19' boat in tow i realized i had no steering or brakes. i was able to coast to a stop and pull the vehicle off the road to a safe location. the failure was attributed to a rotted line to the power steering cooler. lastly, i am not able to get a safety inspection sticker because my brake lines in such bad condition. estimated cost to repair $800-$1500 dollars. i will add that the truck looks like new, spends most of it's time in the garage and is used primarily to go to the local dump, plow my driveway only and occasionally tow my boat to the lake! mileage reflects this.dates may not be totally accurate but the best of my recollection. *tr
01/07/201180000
 First incident was a brake line bursting in my driveway. i had it reapired at my local garage. at that time he told me that all of the brake lines were in bad shape. second incident, while i was driving up the road at approx 55 mph with my 19' boat in tow i realized i had no steering or brakes. i was able to coast to a stop and pull the vehicle off the road to a safe location. the failure was attributed to a rotted line to the power steering cooler. lastly, i am not able to get a safety inspection sticker because my brake lines in such bad condition. estimated cost to repair $800-$1500 dollars. i will add that the truck looks like new, spends most of it's time in the garage and is used primaarily to go to the local dump, plow my driveway only and occasionally tow my boat to the lake! mileage reflects this.dates may not be totally accurate but the best of my recollection.
01/17/201275000
 Bought the truck recently from vince whibbs gmc pensacola fl. had some front end work done but also there is a loose steering shaft that is a common defect with this year and model truck. while cornering the truck at low speeds and going over bumps there is a loose feeling felt in the steering.
03/31/2010
 I have 2 gm products, a 1996 chevy impalla & a 2003 gmc truck. both have the same problem. at various times and without notice the power steering will lock up and won't turn for a brief time. after a few seconds it will go back to normal. also if you are standing still and try to turn to the left the wheel is very hard to turn or won't turn at all. fortunately this has not caused an accident or injury, but i could see a situation where under the wright conditions this could be life threatening.
05/17/200649108107/01/2003
 Dt*: the contact stated while traveling at various speeds, the steering wheel felt loose. the problem was more obvious while turning or driving at lower speeds. this also caused the front end to make a clunking noise. the dealership replaced the intermediate steering shaft once and lubed the component three times. the problem returns after 10,000 miles.
05/01/2006208/31/2002
 2003 sierra steering mechanism makes a noise. *ts the consumer was told when the part in the steering was replaced under warranty, someone placed it on too tight and now the part was out of shape. the mechanic also stated that the part would have to be lubricated often because there were no grease fittings on it. *jb updated. 07/21/06. *jb
04/29/2005210/01/2003
 Dt: the contact stated the rear passenger brake was out of control. the vehicle was taken to the dealership , and they determined there was a problem with the rear tires. there have been no repairs made to the vehicle. *ak updated 1/4/2006 - the steering intermediate shaft was knocking and had to be replaced. *nm
11/28/200551000401/01/2003
 Transmission: been fixed 3 times and finally replaced a/c: repaired once front end-steering: repaired 3 times and still not fixed. *jb
10/25/200542671301/22/2003
 I bought the 2003 sierra new in 2003. after a short period of time a clunking occurred when going around gradual curves and over small bumps. when it got worse i brought it into the dealer and they said the steering shaft was low on lubricant. they filled it up no charge under warranty and the steering felt like new again. not too long afterwards, the same problem happened, gradually at first then worsening. i brought it back to the dealer and they were going to replace the part this time instead of refilling it. that was covered under warranty and the steering felt good again. now its october 25, 2005 and i am going to have to bring it in again for the same part problem. this time i am over the 36,000 mile warranty and have to pay for it. at this rate i will have to do this every year. *jb
01/20/200531500312/23/2004
 Continued problems with intermediate shaft. clunking noise and steering wheel pulse presents a driving hazard. gm needs to fix the problem as the current tsb only provides a temporary remedy. *jb
01/25/200507/03/2003
 I have experienced significant vibration when i steer my 2003 gmc sierra pick up truck. the vibration is distracting and i was worried that there may be a serious problem so i took it into the gmc dealer to be looked at. they told me that it was a problem with the intermediate steering shaft and that it is not a safety issue. however, i feel that any problems with the intermediate steering shaft is a safety concern because if it was to fail while i was driving the results could be catastrophic. the vibration also creates unnecessary distraction, which is also a safety concern. the dealer and gmc customer service have informed me that there are 200,000 intermediate steering shafts on back order - so there is obviously a widespread problem. they told me it could be 3 months before i could get this replaced. my truck is only 1 1/2 years old with 52,000 miles. there currently is no recall. i have filed a complaint with gmc (service request # 1-304994219), but i do not think there response was adequate. they basically told me that i would have to wait until the shafts were ready and that they are currently not performing this work under a recall. there lack of concern was troubling and i do not want to trust my families safety to a customer service agent, which has been directed on what to say. i have not had an accident or incident resulting from this problem yet, but i do not feel comfortable driving the vehicle in this condition. *nm
01/12/200518063111/16/2002
 When turning in either direction a rattling noise was produced from the steering wheel. the dealer replaced the steering shaft which had malfunctioned. please provide additional information. *jb *tc
10/19/2003410/19/2003
 Steering problems on my 2003 gmc sierra 1500hd. it makes a clunk sound when turning. it has been to the shop 4 times. the last time they installed an re-engineered steering column, but problems still persists. *ak
21000411/01/1200
 When the abs brakes were pressed hard the steering locked and made it difficult to control the steering wheel. the consumer contacted the manufacturer, and informed consumer that it was the characteristic of vehicle. the dealership mechanic will not repair vehicle based on information from manufacturer. *ak the anti-lock brakes experienced extended stopping distance and caused the vehicle minor damage as the consumer attempted to avoid an accident. the dealer suggested that there was no problem. the edges of the seat were worn. *sc
1
 While driving driver can feel knocking in the steering wheel. dealer had to replace a part in the lower steering unit, but did not inform the consumer of the parts name. *ak
STEERING - COLUMN
01/21/200825000402/07/2005
 The steering column makes a popping sound as if something is loose in it. the problem was supposedly fixed while the vehicle was under warranty. after warranty ran out the problem came back. i was then charged $60 to get the steering column greased. this worked temporarily as before. *tr
01/16/200710100210/08/2003
 On 08/10/04 rattle or clunk can be felt in steering. gmc service department verified concern and lubed the steering shaft. on 09/09/04 clunk in steering column came back. gmc service department replace intermediate steering shaft, reference to bulletin 00-02-35-003f. this is a safety concern when so many vehicles are involved. *nm
12/15/200419010111/08/2002
 My 2003 gmc sierra 1500 has a clunking sound, coming from the steering column, when i turn the steering wheel while the vehicle is moving. also, my front brakes have a rubbing sound and the peddle gets spongy when i activate the brakes at a low speed. *nm
12/01/20022
 Consumer complained about a couple of problems. one was transmission. while driving at various speeds gear slipped. when vehicle was taken to dealer for service mechanic determined that the cause was low oil. the other was for the steering column. when driving at various speeds vehicle knocked and squeaked intermittently. steering column had to be replaced once before for same problem. *ak
04/15/200411000203/15/2003
 The steering column experienced a cracking noise while driving 1-25 mph, and while making turns. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who repacked the steering column with grease. after 22,000 miles the problem recurred. vehicle was taken back to the dealer. the dealer informed consumer that the steering shaft was too short, and they needed to order a new shaft. consumer was waiting for the part.*ak......consumer claimed that if this short shaft is working up and down, connected to steering box, then to tie rods, means everything is moving. consumer wa sconcerned that this was a safety issue. *ak
04/24/2003009/22/2002
 I got a new 2003 gmc sierra 1500 the front bumper start to show rust in under 4000 miles then i got oil change the mechanic call me and told me that my brake are solid rust both front ones the frame is rusting all over the place at 10000 the steering column knuckle near the steering box is solid rust and he says it is very dangerous to have that rusted so bad i have sent 4 emails to gmc about it and go to marina gmc in san leandro where i got it from they told me that all of them are rusting and they not going to do any thing about it. *nlm
STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
08/25/20059000411/01/2003
 Dt: the contact owns a 2003 gmc sierra 2500 hd/diesel. the contact complained about a steering problem.. the steering vibrated when making lower speed turns. this happened when moving or sitting still. it has been fixed approximately 4 times, and it recurred after about 3,000 miles. at 10,000 miles when applying the brakes the steering locked. also, when applying the brakes the contact lost the brake pedal, it got soft and spongy. they did not pulsate. also, this affected the steering, the vibration in the steering, and the brakes, which were separate issues. the dealer could not duplicate the problem. he said there was a service bulletin concerning this issue, but the contact's vehicle vin was not included. *ak
STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR
06/08/200504/04/2004
 When turning the steering wheel completely to the left it will lock in this position and continue in a circle.
01/10/200522000107/07/2003
 At about 20,000 miles i started hearing a slight knocking noise in the steering while slightly turning to the right, and while hitting minor bumps in the road. now at about 22,500 miles it continues to get worse. being a former mechanic i checked it out and found the upper steering shaft u-joint, by the firewall, to be the cause. i called the dealer and talked to the parts deparment. the parts guy said it is a common problem and you have to replace the complete shaft and u-joints. there are about 400,000 on back order. it will take months to get it in. the service manager said there is no recall on the problem at this time. why not nhts, with this many needing to be replaced.*ak
04/15/200411000203/15/2003
 The steering column experienced a cracking noise while driving 1-25 mph, and while making turns. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who repacked the steering column with grease. after 22,000 miles the problem recurred. vehicle was taken back to the dealer. the dealer informed consumer that the steering shaft was too short, and they needed to order a new shaft. consumer was waiting for the part.*ak......consumer claimed that if this short shaft is working up and down, connected to steering box, then to tie rods, means everything is moving. consumer wa sconcerned that this was a safety issue. *ak
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - POWER STEERING FLUID
03/03/20051
 2003 sierra pickup truck, lost steering and brakes. *bf the power steering and hydraulic fluid was replaced. *jb
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
09/18/2003150003/28/2003
 2003 gmc sierra crewcab 4x4 long bed 8.0lt. (1) i have a problem with the power steering system that when i am at idle, stopped or sitting with my foot off the breaks i can hardly turn the wheel. only when i move the vehicle some can i then turn the wheel and still it can be difficult. (2) the dealer has replaced the hydroboost system in an effort to remedy the problem. i have brought it back to the dealer twice for the same problem and both times when i picked it up it still had the same problem sitting right there in the dealership. (3) this problem i believe is in the power steering pump not having sufficient flow to handle the friction the tires create at stopped or slow movement. maybe a higher flow upgrade pump is in order here but the dealership told me not to bring it back anymore for this as there is a remedy coming out soon. i have been waiting for a year now with the problem getting worse and no recall being issued. *nm
STEERING - LINKAGES
11/15/200312000303/29/2003
 I own (2) 2003 gmc trucks and they both started this clunking noise in the steering. i have taken both of them back to the dealer to repair under warranty. the first time they just re-lubed the intermediate shaft in the steering. this worked for awhile, but the noise soon returned. i took them back again and this time they replaced the shaft. again, the clunking noise has returned and it is getting louder. i am in the process of taking the trucks back in to have them look at them again. however, my warranties are about to expire. if this occurs out of warranty and it is not repaired again i feel that my steering is in jeopardy. the longer it goes the louder it gets. something is causing this shaft to wear out. *jb
03/02/200425000508/01/2003
 Steering assembly knocks, clunks, rattles, can feel in the steering wheel and can hear audibly, especially at speeds under 30mph. feels dangerous.*ak