Two problems related to steering gear box sector shaft have been reported for the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While steering consumer noticed a loud popping and grinding noise coming from the steering column. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that intermediate shaft needed to be replaced due to lack of dryness. But this vehicle was not on recall.
Continued knocking from steering column. Truck was taking to dealer under warranty where the claimed that the noise was from the upper intermediate shaft lack of grease. They then greased the shaft which worked long enought to take the car out of warranty. Now the knocking is back and gm now saids that the shaft they greased needs to be replaced with an updated one. All gm did was to rigged this steering shaft long enought to take it out of warranty. They now want several hundred dollars for repairs. Also the engine in this truck knocks and pings like a diesel. I have to use premium gas and the knocking and pinging is getting worse. Gm claims this noise is normal for this engine and brushed me off saying they could do nothing about it, its normal.