Dead spot in steering + discontinued part.

[Roilux]

2004 Tahoe LT, bought used, drove and handles well for 158k miles.

To regain that new truck feel I've replaced hubs, A-arms, bushings, tie rod ends, upper and lower steering shafts, steering shaft bearing and most recently the steering box and again for the upper steering shaft. All nuts and bolts torqued to spec. It rides great and steering is crisp once I get out of a narrow dead spot at TDC. It's a narrow dead spot but it has to go!

Upon pulling the top plastic cover off the steering column I can see a shaft wiggle congruent with wiggling the steering wheel. However, the end of that shaft that bolts to the upper steering shaft just inside the cabin does not wiggle. I now know where the play is. Whether it's the joint or telescopic shaft isn't known yet.

It has taken a minute to locate the shaft part #, Online searches come up dry. Does anyone have a lead on a new aftermarket shaft source or part number?
GM discontinued it, Rock Auto has none, etc .....


GM 26090770 Steering Shaft Assembly. (photo of shaft and shaft within tilt mechanism.

 

[mikez71]

So the play is in the steering column?

Sometimes I feel a suspension clunk through my steering wheel. Whatever is knocking, it can travel right up the shaft.. sometimes..

 

[Roilux]

So the play is in the steering column?

Sometimes I feel a suspension clunk through my steering wheel. Whatever is knocking, it can travel right up the shaft.. sometimes..

Yes, solely in the steering column between the steering wheel and the upper steering shaft. It has taken weeks to find where the dead spot remains as the steering improved greatly while replacing parts, but not quite perfect.

What you've described is usually eliminated by replacing these two steering parts.