I guess the Intermediate Steering Shaft issues on the 2000-2005 impalas is pretty well known by now - the clunking sound and feel through the steering wheel when turning and/or braking. My question is - although GM appears to have issued at least three or four service bulletins (TSB's) on this specific issue, what is the current status of the "fix" at the dealer level? Are they replacing the shaft? Lubricating it? How much is this going to cost me, and how good a "fix" is it? Will I be back in 1000 miles to have it done again? Any assistance or guidance you can give me would be helpful. Thanks.

 

So, no one has any experience with this issue? No opinions?

 

I just purchased a 2000 Chevy Impala LS with 20k mile. I had the dreaded ISS clunk. The warranty company and dealer both stated the same fix, repacking the ISS. The Chevy Dealer quoted a price of 130.00. I got my repair for free from the dealer I purchased my car from. They repacked the shaft and it work great.

 

I have an 02 Impala and had to get the shaft replaced and paid alot for it. I didn't know others where having problems, but this car has been a pain in my side ever since I bought it brand new off the lot.

 

The main issue with a faulty ISS is this: You will notice popping/clunking coming from your front end when turning. Especially when turning at low speeds. You can feel the popping and clunking through the steering wheel, almost like there are some small rocks in the steering column. If you feel something like this, you need to lube/replace your ISS.

Expressly taken from johnnylakis' old ISS fix sticky: THANKS JOHNNY!
From http://millenniumimpala.netfir....._lube.html

From Elmer on 09/29/04:
I used the easy method! But instead of the GM lub 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” their mistake. Using this method it cost @ $.40! Thanks!

11/15/04
I followed up on this a few months later, the clicking is still gone.
Petrie

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Easy Way: 20 Minutes (what some dealerships do)
1. Turn the steering wheel from center 1/4 turn left so that you can more easily access the ISS yoke.
(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. 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 spray the grease down into the opening.
4. Reassemble the lower dash.
5. Drive, be happy.

here's the boot:

here's the knuckle you need to get to

Basically if you can contort yourself, you don't have to remove the black backing piece. Best thing to do of course is use the white lithium spray grease, fit the tube inside the knuckle and spray like crazy.

Here's some more information that has been posted in some newer threads:

The redesigned shaft has just as much chance of being defective as the old shaft.
There is a possibility of synthetic waterproof greases, such as Belray or Mobil 1 working just as well or possibly better than white lithium spray grease. We're waiting to hear on someone's results with these lubes.

 

Taken from RedImpulse at www.naioa.com