Crunch in steering wheel '04 Grand Prix

[Paul in WV]

I have a strong "crunch" in the steering wheel of my '04 Grand Prix. This happens at low speed turns and when sitting still. Mostly when turning right. You can hear it slightly, but primarily feel it in the steering wheel. I checked the front end and found slight play in the wheel bearings, so I replaced both hub assemblies and this did not fix the problem. I have read issues about the intermediate shaft but don't want to keep putting money into stuff that is not gonna fix the problem. Any ideas where to start?

[Galaxy04CompG]

I am hearing the same problem. The steering is a bit creaky? I don't know if the Magnasteer makes it sounds any different? Just sounds like its too tight or something when I slowly turn the wheel?

[Scottydoggs]

it could be a few things, like the intermediate shaft needs to be lubed, or the ball joints, lca, tie rods.

your going to need to go over the whole front ends parts and narrow it down to where the sounds are coming from.

sounds like the intermediate shaft tho.

theres a write up here somewhere for it.

[industrialfish]

it could be a few things, like the intermediate shaft needs to be lubed

DO NOT LUBE THE ISS. That is just a band-aid.

It's coming from the Intermediate Steering Shaft. It's a problem with all GM cars with that shaft.

Google the TSB "01-02-32-001O"

[Scottydoggs]

DO NOT LUBE THE ISS. That is just a band-aid.

It's coming from the Intermediate Steering Shaft. It's a problem with all GM cars with that shaft.

Google the TSB "01-02-32-001O"

i would rather lube it every year vs replacing it. like it matters, its not like its going to fall apart on you. all it is, is the slip joint not sliding well anymore.

i just took out a steering column on a 97 regal, it had a very small amount of grease on it, but looked like it was new.

[Koniig]

DO NOT LUBE THE ISS. That is just a band-aid.

It's coming from the Intermediate Steering Shaft. It's a problem with all GM cars with that shaft.

Google the TSB "01-02-32-001O"

Good information. Thanks for the tip. I bookmarked that bulletin.