2004 Grand Prix Front End Clunk - TSBs?

**Overkill** · 09-03-2011

Hello everyone

My neighbor dropped off previously my 04 CompG for some maintenance and a couple fixes.

One thing he mentioned was an occasional clunk in the front end when turning low speeds. Felt ok to me, no steering shaft clunk, I know what that feels like.

He mentioned a TSB for the bolts that hold the steering rack to the subframe. I also remember a customer with a 2006 GT who mentioned a TSB with upgraded subframe to body bushings/bolts that fixed his clunk.

I've been searching alldatadiy TSBs but haven't found mention of either. Anyone with any info they can provide to help?

PS: It's still fast hehehe

**Javi** · 09-03-2011

I thought it was the I shaft rubbing?

**Overkill** · 09-03-2011

I found something for the inner tie rod boot on alldata, not sure if that's it.

He seemed confident there was an upgraded bolt for the steering rack. What I did find was a revised torque spec for that bolt.

**matt5112** · 09-03-2011

There have been cases where they loosen and cause clunking noises.

Recently there was a thread regarding worn subframe bushings causing clunking noises on CGP.

**Overkill** · 09-03-2011

bpalma on OQ mentioned he'd replaced the subframe bushings on his 06 to fix a clunk and said there was a TSB. I'll message him, see if he remembers any details.

**TheOtherNick** · 09-03-2011

File In Section: 02 - Steering

Bulletin No.: 03-02-32-048

Date: November, 2003

ADVANCED SERVICE INFORMATION
Subject:
Click/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle While Turning Steering Wheel at Low Speeds (Temporary Fix - Retorque Right Steering Gear Through Bolt, Permanent Fix - Under Development)

Models:
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix

Condition

Some customers may comment on a click or popping type noise coming from the front of the vehicle. This condition is most apparent when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly, while turning the steering wheel 45 to 90 degrees in either direction.

To diagnose this noise, place the vehicle on a hoist after the vehicle has reached normal operating temperature. Using chassis ears or a stethoscope, listen to the right steering gear mount through bolt while turning the steering wheel back and forth 90 degrees. The noise should be louder at the through bolt.

Cause

Excess clearance between the frame (cradle) and the steel sleeve located inside the rubber bushing where the steering gear mounts may cause this condition.

Correction

To temporarily correct this condition, retighten the steering gear through bolt and nut to the correct torque of 48 N.m (35 lb ft). This will correct the condition for a period of time, but the noise will probably return. Engineering is currently developing a permanent fix. Once the fix is available, this bulletin will be reissued.

DO NOT replace the steering gear or the engine frame (cradle) for this condition, as the noise will reoccur. This noise condition will not cause any damage and, because the steering through bolt and nut assembly has a torque prevailing nut, it will not come loose.

Dealer Action
^ Record the customer information on a permanent record so you may call the customer when a permanent repair becomes available.

^ Please reassure the customer that this noise condition will not cause any damage and is only a nuisance.

^ Advise the customer that a repair is in test and validation and is due out soon. At the time the bulletin becomes available, it will be the dealer's responsibility to contact the customer.

**Javi** · 09-03-2011

http://sm.gpona.com:9001/si/showDoc....4642&from=bcpi

**Overkill** · 09-07-2011

Javi, that link didn't work, can you point me in the right direction to find it on gpona?

**deadcell608** · 09-08-2011

i know you said it doesnt feel like a steering shaft clunk but the only tsb i could find is this:
Subject:Clunk Felt/Noise Heard From Steering Column, Steering Gear and/or Front Of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver and/or Steering Wheel Rotation (Replace Intermediate Shaft As Directed)

Models:2001-2004 Buick Regal
2005-2008 Buick Allure (Canada Only), LaCrosse
2000-2008 Chevrolet Impala
2000-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue
2004-2007 Pontiac Grand Prix

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2008 Buick LaCrosse/Allure. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 01-02-32-001O (Section 02 -- Steering).
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2370686&releaseDate=2009-11-25&name=Clunk+Felt%2FNoise+Heard+from+Steering+Col umn%2C+Steering+Gear+and%2For+Front+of+Vehicle+dur ing+Turning+Maneuver+and%2For+Steering+Wheel+Rotat ion+%28Replace+Interme#tab1-2370686">Corrective Action Summary:

Model Year
Vehicle Line
Corrective Action
2001-2004
Buick Regal
Replace using P/N 19179922
2005-2006
Buick Allure/LaCrosse
(built PRIOR to January 1, 2006)
Replace using P/N 25829292
2006-2008
Buick Allure/LaCrosse
(built AFTER to January 1, 2006)
Replace using P/N 25828562
2000-2005
Chevrolet Impala
Replace using P/N 19179923
2006-2008
Chevrolet Impala
Replace using P/N 25937479
2000-2005
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Replace using P/N 19179922
2006-2007
Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Replace using P/N 25913680
1998-2002
Oldsmobile Intrigue
Replace using P/N 19179922
2004-2008
Pontiac Grand Prix
Replace using P/N 25913680
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2370686&releaseDate=2009-11-25&name=Clunk+Felt%2FNoise+Heard+from+Steering+Col umn%2C+Steering+Gear+and%2For+Front+of+Vehicle+dur ing+Turning+Maneuver+and%2For+Steering+Wheel+Rotat ion+%28Replace+Interme#ss2-2370686">
Condition

Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle while driving during a turning maneuver. This condition may also be felt through the steering wheel when the vehicle is stationary and the wheel is rotated from steering stop to steering stop. Some vehicles may only exhibit the noise once for every 360° of wheel rotation. On all other vehicles, this clunk noise will be noticed during low speed acceleration or deceleration, typically in light turns of the steering wheel or when applying/releasing the brakes.
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2370686&releaseDate=2009-11-25&name=Clunk+Felt%2FNoise+Heard+from+Steering+Col umn%2C+Steering+Gear+and%2For+Front+of+Vehicle+dur ing+Turning+Maneuver+and%2For+Steering+Wheel+Rotat ion+%28Replace+Interme#ss3-2370686">Cause

This condition may be caused by a "slip stick" condition of the steering intermediate shaft resulting in the clunk noise or feel through the steering wheel.
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2370686&releaseDate=2009-11-25&name=Clunk+Felt%2FNoise+Heard+from+Steering+Col umn%2C+Steering+Gear+and%2For+Front+of+Vehicle+dur ing+Turning+Maneuver+and%2For+Steering+Wheel+Rotat ion+%28Replace+Interme#ss4-2370686">Diagnostic Tip

Important: This condition is commonly misdiagnosed as originating in the steering gear and has resulted in the replacement of numerous steering gears without correcting the concern.
Attempt to duplicate the customer's concern and isolate the I-shaft by following the procedure below:

<LI type=1>Locate a large area (parking lot) where the vehicle can be turned in a tight circle. <LI type=1>Turn the steering wheel to the right and/or left all the way to the steering lock, then off the steering lock a 1/4 turn. <LI type=1>Drive the vehicle approximately 5 km/h (3 mph) in a circle, preferably over rough pavement or seams on the road surface. <LI type=1>Drive the vehicle straight ahead at idle speed while applying and releasing the brake pedal. Listen/feel the steering wheel for the clunk/noise condition.
If a clunk is felt in the steering wheel, the MOST likely cause is the I-shaft -- not the steering gear. Continue with the correction.

<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2370686&releaseDate=2009-11-25&name=Clunk+Felt%2FNoise+Heard+from+Steering+Col umn%2C+Steering+Gear+and%2For+Front+of+Vehicle+dur ing+Turning+Maneuver+and%2For+Steering+Wheel+Rotat ion+%28Replace+Interme#ss5-2370686">Correction

DO THIS
DON'T DO THIS
Replace the intermediate shaft
DO NOT lube the intermediate shaft.

Replace the existing intermediate shaft using the service procedure found in Service Information.
<A href="http://gsi.xw.gm.com/si/showDoc.do?docSyskey=2370686&releaseDate=2009-11-25&name=Clunk+Felt%2FNoise+Heard+from+Steering+Col umn%2C+Steering+Gear+and%2For+Front+of+Vehicle+dur ing+Turning+Maneuver+and%2For+Steering+Wheel+Rotat ion+%28Replace+Interme#ss6-2370686">Parts Information

Part Number
Description
19179922
Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling
'01-'04 Buick Regal
'00-'05 Chev Monte Carlo
'98-'02 Olds Intrigue
19179923
Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling
'00-'05 Chev Impala
25913680
Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling
'06-'07 Chev Monte Carlo
'04-'08 Pont Grand Prix
25937479
Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling
'06-'08 Chev Impala
25829292
Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling '05-'06 Buick Allure and LaCrosse vehicles built PRIOR to January 1, 2006
25828562
Shaft -- Steering Gear Coupling ’06-'08 Buick Allure and LaCrosse vehicles built AFTER January 1, 2006

**deadcell608** · 09-08-2011

well that came out funny :/ anyways that tsb just says replace the steering shaft.

**Javi** · 09-12-2011

Service Information

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix | Grand Prix (VIN W) Service Manual | Steering | Preliminary Information | Document ID: 1857986
#PIC4176: Rubbing Felt or Snap/Pop Heard When Turning the Steering Wheel - (Aug 24, 2006)

Subject:Rubbing Felt or Snap/Pop Heard When Turning the Steering Wheel

Models:2004-2006 Buick LaCrosse
2004-2006 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo
2004-2006 Pontiac Grand Prix

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.
Condition/Concern:

Rubbing felt or snap/pop heard when turning the steering wheel.

Recommendation/Instructions:

Cause:

I-shaft boot making contact with I-shaft

Correction:

Several bulletins have been released regarding similar or other steering noises (05-02-32-007C, 06-02-32-005, 01-02-32-001G). Please ensure all other known corrective measures have been ruled out prior to implementing the PI fix. If the other known corrective measures have been ruled out, check for black shavings on the top of the pinion shaft area. If shavings are present, it is possible the I-shaft boot is making contact with the I-shaft. Temporarily remove the boot to see if the problem is corrected. If so, re-install and reposition the boot so it does not make contact with the I-shaft.
Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a ""do-it-yourselfer"". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

**Pisporazz** · 04-27-2012

Just bought 2007 Grand Prix and have the same issues with mine..

Thread: 2004 Grand Prix Front End Clunk - TSBs?

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