Steering Column problems of the 2002 GMC Yukon

: the contact stated in November when the vehicle was taken to the dealership for routine service, the dealership noticed the rear rotors were hitting the inside of the backing plates inside the hub. Also, the rotors were rusted. The front end was also observed to be shaking. The dealership determined the shaking was normal 4x4 characteristics; however the dealership installed a lube kit that goes on the steering column underneath the hood. The shaking returned and the dealership informed the contact the lube kit was no longer a remedy for this shaking problem. There was not another remedy offered.

I am writing to talk to you about my recurring issues with my steering column in my 2002 Yukon xl. In short, it rattles. On the road, it rattles at a low thud, thud, thud sound. Turning corners, it rattles with the same sound. Initially, when I took it to berglund Chevrolet, in roanoke, va, they attempted to remedy the problem with a lube kit. When the problem surfaced again, I brought it back and the intermediate steering column was replaced. 20,000 miles later, I face the problem for the 3rd time. I drive on the road, never off road. I have owned a number of vehicles, and always hold on to them until they exceed 150,000 miles. Never have I had to replace one steering column, in any vehicle, and I obviously have never heard of a vehicle requiring more than one. I have learned from GMC that there was a first generation fix and a second-generation fix. I really don't know which generation I got, but I do know it was not a fix. After some arguing, the first repair was covered. The second was covered, as well, but only after arguing once more. It seems perfectly clear to me that this should be repaired again, at no cost to me, because I have never received a satisfactory remedy to this problem ã‚ a problem acknowledged by GMC as needing to be remedied. It is obvious that my vehicle has not got the steering column solution that works. I have safety concerns. No one should expect to replace a steering column on a vehicle every 20,000 miles. It is not a filter or fluid that needs changing at intervals, and I refuse to have this treated as if it were regular maintenance. I am worried about the safety of a unit that wears out so quickly, and am very disturbed by the complacency of GMC about subjecting me to continuous repairs, and apparently hiding behind policies rather than doing the right thing with a customer.

We are now replacing the bushing in the steering column for the second time with less than 42,000 miles. This component was replaced originally at 28,000 miles and has failed again. With this failure has caused left wheel bearing to go out. At 58,000 mile the right wheel bearing is now in need of repair, should have gotten the extended warranty, none of this is covered after 36,000 miles. Also, the rear air will either blow cold until the thermastat is change to the red setting completely. When taken in with the initial failure of the steering column, I was told that the setting worked fine but would be noted incase of later failure so it might be covered under warranty.

Purchased a new 2002 GMC Yukon xl, at about 6800 miles the steering developed a rattle, dealer under warranty regreased the steering shaft, this helped for a about a year and it started again. Dealer re-greased with what they said was a new grease that should solve the rattle problem. It has started the rattle again and only has 38000 miles. I understand there is a redesigned steering shaft that solves this rattle problem. Here is the bulletin to solve the poor shaft design, should be a recall but looks like gm is only replacing on a case by case issue waiting for your warranty to be out, at which time they charge you for the poor design steering shaft. GMC tech bulletin 00-02-35-003m (latest revision) subject: clunking noise under hood and can be felt in steering wheel and/or steering column (replace upper intermediate steering shaft (I-shaft) assembly) #00-02-35-003m - (01/31/2007) models: 2002-2006 Cadillac escalade models 1999-2007 Chevrolet silverado models (classic) 2000-2006 Chevrolet suburban, tahoe models 2002-2006 Chevrolet avalanche 1999-2007 GMC sierra models (classic) 2000-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon xl models 2003-2006 hummer h2.

On 07/14/03 at 22602 miles, we took our 2002 Yukon xl (regency edition) to suss pontiac in denver, colorado, to investigate a clunking/knocking sound coming from the suspension when turning which caused the steering wheel to vibrate. On occasion, the steering wheel had excessive play in the wheel and would hesitate when turning. Suss pontiac verified the complaint and found the "intermediate steering shaft" dry and clunking. The shaft was then lubed as per bulletin #ii-00-02-35-003b and we were told at the time that the problem should not reoccur. The problem recurred during the fall of 2005 while vacationing in texas. After discussing the incident over the phone we were told that it was not a safety concern, more of an irritation to those inside the vehicle and we should have no problem getting home. We made it back to denver without incident, but very annoying. On 10/25/05, the vehicle was taken to a different dealership (len lyall of aurora, CO) only to learn that a new bulletin (# unkwn) had been issued requiring that the "intermediate steering shaft" be replaced. Len lyall then pulled a vehicle service inquiry listing all services performed on the vehicle. However, it was noted in the summary that the shaft had been replaced, but my copy of the invoice referred to the shaft being lubed. I am now troubled by the fact that GMC found it necessary to replace the shaft and still telling me that it is not a safety concern. I would think that anything having to do with the essential component (brakes, steering, tires, etc) is a life safety issue. Does it take someone to be seriously injured or die to institute a mandatory recall?.