Steering Gear Box Sector Shaft problems of the 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche

Gm has had an ongoing problem with intermediate steering shafts that loosen and rattle in their Avalanche models. This may also apply to the 1500 series pickups as well but I'm not sure since I haven't kept in tune to those owners as I have Avalanche owners. The dealer remedies the situation, based upon gm's service bulletins, by shooting the shaft full of grease to take out any play in the steering. However, this lasts anywhere from 5k - 15k miles. I have had two Avalanche's and both have had the same problem. I also know numerous other Avalanche owners who have the same issue. I don't know of any failures but I'm also not happy with gm's lack of a fix for this problem and I'm afraid an accident is more sooner to happen than a satisfactory fix from the manufacturer.

Clunking sound and clunking feel felt in steering wheel when turning it. It has happened on and off from truck new until recently when it is all the time at 58,000 miles. I went to dealership and they tested truck and new exactly what problem was. The service advisor told me that gm has known about a problem with the intermediate steering shaft since 2003 and has issued several fixes for it from greasing shaft, new types of grease, etc. And now has finally came up with a new type of shaft to replace the old one. Problem is that my vehicle is now out of warranty and I have to pay for the new shaft. It is going to cost me about $300 to fix. Since gm has known about this for so long, they should have issued a recall and fix it for free. Some people may not have the money to fix it, so may just let it go, therefore leading to a major steering issue and an accident. Gm should issue a recall immediatly and correct this manufacturing defect on vehicles it effects.