2002 z71 "noise"

[jackyl9999]

I have a 02 GMC ex-cab Z-71 that has a REALLY annoying sound coming from the driver side front end. You can feel it in the steering wheel, you can hear it when you hit a bump, and it honestly sounds like the front wheel is going to fall off when you hit the smallest bump. I have looked underneath it for anything obviously loose and cannot find anything. I thought it was maybe my nerf bars but I climbed under it and tightened them down as tight as humanly possible. It is driving me nuts!!!!

Anyone have any ideas of what to look for?

[bwood]

I don't know if it is the same thing, but my stepdad's 04 has a popping/squeaking noise from the driver's front that came be felt in the wheel. It feels like something is loose and banging around. It happens worse in left turns. He did some research (and I think I found it on this forum) that there is an issue the the steering shaft under the hood. I think there was something about changing it to a shaft from a HD model. That is to the best of my memory. If I'm wrong, someone correct me, its been a while since we spoke about it.

[jackyl9999]

Was it a recall? I'm afraid of taking it to the dealership and them sticking it to me.

[Josh]

It isn't a recall although it should be. Our 03 Yukon and 06 Silverado have both had the new design shaft installed. They're around $100 and most dealers will charge $45-90 to install it. Depending on how many miles your truck has and how many owners it's had GM may pay for all or part of the shaft if you cause enough stink.

Josh