Steering Column - Intermittent Click Noise/Snap
File In Section: 3 - Steering/SuspensionBulletin No.: 56-32-02B
Date: September, 1997
Subject:
Intermittent Steering Column Snap or Click Noise when Turning
(Install New Upper Bearing Spring)
Models:
1994-96 Buick Century, LaSabre, Park Avenue, Regal, Roadmaster
1995-96 Buick Riviera
1994-96 Cadillac Concours, DeVille, Eldorado, Fleetwood, Seville
1994-96 Chevrolet Camaro, Caprice, Corvette, Lumina, Lumina APV
1995-96 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1994-96 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, Cutlass Supreme, Eighty Eight, Ninety Eight, Silhouette
1995-96 Oldsmobile Aurora
1994-96 Pontiac Bonneville, Firebird, Grand Prix, Trans Sport with Tilt Steering Columns
1995-96 Chevrolet and GMC C/K, S/T Trucks
1994-96 Chevrolet and GMC M/L, G Vans with Tilt Steering Columns
This bulletin is being revised to correct the truck models and part number descriptions.
Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 56-32-02A, dated April, 1996 (Section 3 - Steering/Suspension).
Condition
Some owners may comment on an intermittent steering column snap or click noise while turning. The snapping or clicking may also be felt in the steering wheel.
Cause
The upper bearing race seat may, under some turning conditions, move in an axial direction along the upper steering shaft. The noise is a result of the inner race seat hanging up on the shaft and then suddenly releasing causing a snapping or clicking noise.
Correction
A new upper bearing spring with increased stiffness has been developed and should- be installed in the steering column. The new spring will increase the preload between the upper bearing inner race seat and the upper steering shaft. To accommodate the new spring with increased stiffness, the cancel cam will also need to be replaced. The new spring and cancel cam, along with a retainer ring and an upper bearing inner race seat are included in the parts kit listed below.
Service Procedure
Follow the instructions given in Section 3F5 of the appropriate Service Manual and those contained in kit. Be sure to use all parts supplied in the service kit.
Parts Information
Part Number Description
26059701 1994-96 A/B/C/D/E/F/H/K/U/W
26059701 1994-95 M/L/G Vans
26059702 1995-96 Buick "G"
26059703 1995-96 Oldsmobile "G"
26059704 1995-96 C/K, S/T Truck
26059704 1996 MIL/G Vans (both styles of G Van)
26059705 1994-96 "Y"
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use the table.