does this sound right? non greasable parts?

**BIGTMANE** · 06-25-2009

ok so im hearing a faint knocking/clunking sound at low speeds durning say parking, or backing out of a space. i called the dealer to ask how much it would cost to get everything lubed up under there, she said its common for a ''intermedial shaft'' to go bad on my type of car 2004 grand prix gtp comp. so i said ok, thats fine but i just want to know how much it cost for me to grease the intermediate shaft, and the suspension in general, she said ''nothing in your suspension needs greased. your car contains parts that do NOT need to be greased. if something goes bad on your car it needs replaced, gm uses non greasable parts now'' so i said '' my car is a 2004, are you sure these new futuristic parts are on my car being a 2004 and the suspension doesn need greased? she sais ''yes, im 100% positive, are you making an appointment or not sir" i said no and hung up. i might be wrong here, but i havent owned many ''newer'' cars. i had a 2006 pacifica for a little while, but i let it go for this 04 gp. all my other cars alawys have been between 1980-1996, so these new ungreasable parts are new to me.

i just dont know if this is correct. it doesnt sound right to me, and i dont see how moving parts dont need to be greased. im hoping someone can shed some light on this situation because im a little confused.

**Scimmia** · 06-25-2009

The greased for life parts have been in use in passenger cars for a long, long time. It's not uncommon for cars as far back as the early 90s or even older to use them. To answer your specific question, no, there are no greasable suspension parts in a stock 97+ GP.

**BIGTMANE** · 06-25-2009

Really?? I did not know that. This guy I know at autozone said change the intermediate shaft, axels, and cv joints. Does that sound about right?

**Fastline42** · 06-25-2009

yeh that sounds right

**Scimmia** · 06-25-2009

Originally Posted by BIGTMANE

Really?? I did not know that. This guy I know at autozone said change the intermediate shaft, axels, and cv joints. Does that sound about right?

I would start with lubing the intermediate steering shaft, that's a common problem, but lubing it should take care of it. If it doesn't I would suspect either strut mounts or CVs, which are part of the axles.

**BIGTMANE** · 06-25-2009

see thats what i mean, the lady said i could NOT lube it.
thats what im saying. im like i never heard of that!!!
why cant i lube it?

i found this on the internet about cv joints-

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: The only maintenance required on PONTIAC Grand Prix CV axle shafts are periodic inspection of the rubber boots that contain the grease to lubricate the CV joint. Check these boots for damage, cracks will allow the grease to leak from the boot and dirt to enter the boot causing damage to the CV axle shaft. It is best practice to replace the complete CV axle shaft if the boot or CV joint fails

Failure symptoms: A clicking noise when turning sharply at low speed is a symptom of a failing CV joint in the CV axle shaft. Cracked and grease leaking from CV boots.

WARNING: Ignoring these symptoms can lead to total CV joint failure rendering the vehicle inoperative.

AKA: Half Shaft, Constant Velocity Axle

Location: On front wheel drive vehicle the CV axle is located between the wheel hub and transaxle or transmission. On vehicles with rear independent suspension the CV axle is located wheel hub and rear differential.

**Scimmia** · 06-25-2009

Originally Posted by BIGTMANE

see thats what i mean, the lady said i could NOT lube it.
thats what im saying. im like i never heard of that!!!
why cant i lube it?

The intermediate steering shaft is what connects the steering column to the rack, it's not really a suspension part. GM did come out with a kit to lube it, but there's instructions online on how to do it yourself, a search should uncover them. The clunk while turning could be a lot of things, I just mentioned where I would start. The CVs could very well be the problem, although if they're not leaking, it's less likely. It could also be a ball joint or a tie rod end.

**BIGTMANE** · 06-25-2009

I forgot all about tie rod ends, and ball joints. I also feel popping under my feet (on ocassion) while I'm breaking and hitting a bump. It didn't always do it, but sometimes it did. Man I might as well suck it up and pay for the diagnostic darnit. Either that or keep replacing things until the noises stop. This sucks.

**Iron Indian** · 06-25-2009

Where are these instructions on lubing this intermediate shaft?? I've seen it before sometime ago....

**Fastline42** · 06-26-2009

well if you go like 5 miles an hour and turn around a corner and it doesnt click then your cv's are ok. if they do then you have to figure out which side it is. ur best bet is to take it to a shop or friend who knows what they are doing to have it looked at. the last thing you wanna do is buy stuff you dont need.

**Sabrewings** · 06-26-2009

Originally Posted by Iron Indian

Where are these instructions on lubing this intermediate shaft?? I've seen it before sometime ago....

We have a lot of handy w-body how to's.

North American Impala Owners Association - Problems with my car! - ISS Intermediate Steering Shaft Fix Sticky

**Sabrewings** · 06-26-2009

Originally Posted by Fastline42

well if you go like 5 miles an hour and turn around a corner and it doesnt click then your cv's are ok. if they do then you have to figure out which side it is. ur best bet is to take it to a shop or friend who knows what they are doing to have it looked at. the last thing you wanna do is buy stuff you dont need.

Just because it doesn't click doesn't mean it's good. My inner passenger joint was torn to shreds and it never made a sound. Caused a lot of vibration though.

**BIGTMANE** · 06-26-2009

It only does it when i park. I can be going pretty slow and turn and nothing. Mostly if im going like 2-3 mph i hear it. And i have to be turning the wheel to hear it also. And it does thing thing sometimes when i break and hit a bump, i feel this clattering under my feet.