Technical - Intermediate
Steering Shaft Lube
Manufacturer: GM
Part Number: 26098237
Difficulty: Easy to Hard
Time to Install: 20 Minutes - 3 Hours
Additional Requirements: See Instruction
Sheet
Well I've tackled the infamous Intermediate Steering
Shaft Lube job and doing it right might just be well worth having it done
at the dealership. Bad side to this is that some dealerships use a little
shortcut without removing the steering wheel and skip steps 5-13. This
entire job can be done from under the driver's side dash. E-mail
me if you have any questions.
It doesn't seem to make much difference in
the end result which way you do it, the following is from an e-mail sent
by John P:
Okay, I just did the ISS job the "easy" way
per Kevin's instructions. Hardest part was figuring out how to get
the plastic under-dash covering off without cracking it in 1/2 (you know,
this car would be absolutely fantastic (instead of just great) if it weren't
for all the cheap-o plastic inside....but I digress....)
Anyway, no problems doing it per Kevin's instructions.
I took it for a test drive immediately afterward -- the "clunk" sound subsided
significantly, the car no longer makes that clunking/tapping noise when
I turn to the rigth. Left turns still have a slight "tapping" noise...although
that has been significantly reduced, and I suspect that it'll be gone if
and when the grease gets spread more evenly through use. If not,
I'll just go out and buy another lube kit from the dealer and do it again;
it took all of twenty minutes to do. Either way, if the car is out
of warranty, and you don't feel like paying $100.00, the "easy way" is
probably the best solution. Thanks to Kevin for sending this info;
I probably would have buckled under and gave the dealership a "C" note
if I didn't know better....
Here's another option from Elmer on 09/29/04:
I also used the easy method!
But instead of the GM lub fit I used spray lithium based grease
and put wheel bearing grease on the universal. Within two days the “clicking”
completely stopped! If it comes back I plan on using my air compressor
to force the lubrication down the ISS by using flex hose. Chevy wanted
$400 to “fix” there mistake. Using your method it cost @ $.40! Thanks!
11/15/04
I followed up on this a few months later,
the clicking is still gone.
Petrie
Easy Way: 20 Minutes
1. Turn the steering wheel from center 1/4 turn left so that you
can more easily access the ISS yoke.
2. Remove the black trim panel, disconnect the light and then remove
the fuse panel cover. Remove two screws holding the lower dash panel, pull
to the rear of the car and away from the dash. If you try to move it up
or down and not straight back you risk breaking the tabs. Unplug the trunk
switch to remove the panel from the car.
3. Pull back the black boot that covers the ISS and inject the lube
from the syringe into the opening per steps 2-4 on the instruction sheet.
4. Reassemble the lower dash.
5. Drive, be happy.
Hard Way: 2-3 Hours
1. Turn the steering wheel from center 1/2 turn left (upside down)
so that you can more easily access the upper bolt on the ISS.
2. Disconnect the battery.
3. Remove the black trim panel, disconnect the light and then remove
the fuse panel cover. Remove two screws holding the lower dash panel, pull
away from the dash (has metal clips over plastic tabs), and unplug the
trunk switch to remove the panel from the car.
4. Remove the upper ISS yoke bolt (under the boot forward of the
green plastic seal). Insert a short flathead screwdriver and tap in to
spread the clamp that holds the steering wheel column to the ISS.
5. Unplug the steering wheel wires and airbag from harness.
6. Unbolt the forward bolts near the green plastic seal, then while
supporting the column remove the upper bolt/washer on each side. Lower
the column and pull out, ensuring that the ISS is free of the column. This
is VERY important when installing the wheel later, if that clamp collapses
while the wheel is out, its a PITA to put the wheel back in.
7. ***Optional Step*** Remove three screws that hold the ISS boot
in place. They are in a triangle pattern, one lower, one right, and one
on top. You have to pull back the carpet and matting to get to them, I
made a small cut with a razor blade once I found them with my fingers.
Work the seal of the boot around the mat, and remove.
8. You should be able to see the upper 2/3 of the ISS now that everything
is removed. Proceed with steps 2-13 in the instructions that came with
the kit.
9. Reassemble the car in reverse order.
10. Drive, be happy.
