2008 Chevy Impala knock in steering column

TEDHERMTIAGE

MEMBER
2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
16,000 MILES

When braking or accelerating, a notible knock occurs in the steering column. You can feel it and hear it and it is more noticable at speeds under 40 mph. Even when going over minor bumps on a smooth road the knock contintues. You can produce it at will by either breaking or speeding up gently. It is getting rather annoying. Any thoughts?

1 Reply

BRIAN 1

MECHANIC
1,030 POSTS

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.

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. If a clunk is felt in the steering wheel, the MOST likely cause is the I-shaft -- not the steering gear. Replace the intermediate shaft.