I'm hearing this clicking/popping noise whenever I turn the wheel at low speeds (or stationary). It's not a single loud pop or thud, it's constant clicking or popping with every half turn of the steering wheel or so.



I know it's coming from somewhere along the steering system as I can feel the pops/clicks on both sides when I'm touching the tie rods and someone is turning the wheel. And though I can't pinpoint the sound exactly, it's definitely coming from the direction of the engine bay as opposed to out near the wheel.



I initially suspected a loose intermediate steering shaft as that seems to be a common problem, but the noise is definitely coming from lower down and I can barely feel the pops/clicks when touching the steering shaft while the wheel is being turned. For that reason I also don't think it's the lower steering shaft that connects to the rack and pinion, though I haven't ruled it out yet since it does seem to have a lot of play when I yank on it.



I dug around a bit and found a couple forum threads that mentioned the steering gear shaft dampener rings in the rack and pinion. GM part number 23214207. Only $40.

​https://www.silveradosierra.com/thre...cement.723117/​​​


​https://www.silveradosierra.com/thre....549330/page-2​​​



I have the replacement dampener rings ordered and plan to replace them in a couple days. Will update if this fixes the noise when I do. Wanted to get a thread going since there aren't many that match the noises I'm hearing or this potential fix.