Driveshaft problems of the 2000 GMC Yukon

Making 3-point turn on dirt road, power steering failed. Upon inspection at repair shop, found that shaft on power steering pump had fractured. Required replacement of power steering pump. This corresponds to NHTSA campaign id number 05v005000 and NHTSA action number ea04012, although GMC has told me that my VIN is not included. It should be.

I pulled a boat with the vehicle (2000 GMC Yukon xl 2500) about 275 miles to a lake and put it in the water. Took the boat out of the water and started backing it into a space when I heard a strange "pop". Then realized that all power assisted braking and steering was gone. Had to leave the boat where it was, and was happy the problem didn't occur while on the highway with my family. Tested the vehicle to make sure I could steer and stop it under careful circumstances, then drove it directly, slowly, and carefully to the dealer about 50 miles. My own investigation found a recall id number 05v005000: "hydraulic pump driveshaft that can fracture, resulting in immediate loss of hydraulic power steering assist. On certain vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, the same condition can result in loss of power assist for braking after the reserve pressure is depleted. " the dealer confirmed this was exactly the problem with my vehicle, but the recall did not cover my VIN - 3gkgc26u6yg192810. Seemed strange to me that 98000+ other vehicles of the same type from the same year are covered, but mine wasn't. Now I see that there are at least two other complaints here with the same circumstances as mine. I think the recall needs to be widened. Though I got no initial help from the dealership, I called the GMC recall 800 number and they directed me back to the dealers general manager and said I should have him speak to the gm representative about compensation in my case. I did that, and at least they did cover the cost of the part (about $500), but not the labor of $193 to replace the pump. I asked to keep the old pump and was told that I could, but was not given the pump or an explanation when the vehicle was picked up. The receipt from the dealer seems to indicate a "core return" under parts, so I guess I would have had to pay to keep the old part and not return it. Since the repair, the power steering and braking have worked properly, even in towing.

Purchased vehicle used from mei auto brokers 407 834 6244 on 11/06/01 took vehicle to courtesy GMC 407 767 2070 on 11/08/01 spoke with dave junkins ext 1236 . Dave told me that the driveshaft was unbalanced and that caused the shaking at speeds greater than 45 mph. He also stated that it was a manufacturing error and that it was like that(unbalanced w/ shaking ) since manufactured I am deeply concerned that this driveshaft shaking and vibrating since new has caused damage to either the transmission or differential and subsequent failure is imminent. To this date 11/20/01 I am still awaiting word from dave at courtesy on when a new part will arrive and repairs will be preformed.