GM / General Motors: Steering feels loose???

I have a 2001 Bonneville SE, 42000 miles. I just put two tie rod ends on
it. Now when I turn the steering wheel to the left it feels like something
is loose or like the bearing in the steering column is bad. But it does it
mostly when I turn the wheel to the left. Feels like a "clunk, clunk,
clunk", as I turn the steering wheel. It is easy to feel in the steering
wheel. I can't imagine it being related to changing the tie rod ends.
Could it be the top bearing on the strut?

It drives excellent going down the road, and bumps do not make the same
noise, actually bumps make no noise at all, like I said it drives and
handles great.

Any one have an idea what it could be?

"pm" wrote
 

Here.....let me just quote the bulletin and you can go do the work.

Clunk Noise from Front of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver/Steering Wheel
Rotation (Lubricate Intermediate Shaft) #01-02-32-001C - (09/12/2003)
Clunk Noise From Front Of Vehicle During Turning Maneuver/Steering Wheel
Rotation (Lubricate Intermediate Shaft)

Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of
the vehicle 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. Typically, the clunk noise will
be heard once for every 180° of steering wheel rotation in either direction
for J-cars (Cavalier and Sunfire). However, 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.



Cause
This condition may be caused by inadequate lubrication of the steering
intermediate shaft which results in a "slip stick" condition possibly
resulting in the clunk noise.

Correction
Remove the intermediate steering shaft from the vehicle and lubricate the
shaft with a Steering Column Shaft Lubrication Kit, P/N 26098237. Follow the
service procedure listed below

Remove the steering intermediate shaft from the vehicle

1.. Fully extend the intermediate shaft by pulling the two shafts apart.
Apply the grease supplied in the Steering Column Shaft Lubrication Kit in
the aluminum end of the yoke opening. Direct the syringe tip as deep as
possible into the yoke and dispense the full content of the syringe.
Install the rubber stop plug from the Steering Column Shaft Lubrication
kit into the yoke opening.
Secure the rubber plug by swinging the upper yoke 90°. One ear of the yoke
should press the rubber plug in.

2.. Important
3.. Make sure the intermediate shaft is being pressed over the ears of the
solid shaft.
4..
5.. Use a hard surface to ease the collapse of the intermediate shaft. It
is best to use a pumping action when collapsing the shaft. Collapse the
shaft as far as possible.
6.. Remove the rubber stopper plug from the yoke end of the shaft.
Slowly extend the intermediate shaft apart.

7.. Inspect the intermediate shaft for a minimum of 5 mm (0.2 in) (a) of
grease on the shaft splines.
8.. Repeat steps 4-9 if less than 5 mm (0.2 in) of grease is on the shaft
splines.

Important
Before installing the intermediate shaft in the vehicle, make sure to
stroke and extend the intermediate shaft at least 15 TIMES to completely
lubricate the internal surface of the slip joint.


9.. Reinstall the intermediate shaft into the vehicle

Hope that works for you. Note: the front end guys in our shop
use the press that be able to get the grease into the shaft. You
may need to do something like this.

Ian