I started having a clunking noise in the steering of my 2001 Chevy Silverado 4WD pickup. The dealer said the steering shaft needed to be replaced due to inadequate lubrication. It cost me over $300. After that, I spoke to someone else who had a similar problem. An online search suggests other people have had a problem like this, too. Is this something that you need to look into?

- Cottondale, AL, USA

Problems began 10/04 when driving at low speeds, brakes would fail. Dealer reported no problems. Pulsating can be heard coming from brakes. Contact has pulled the ABS fuse to remedy problem. Steering shaft: When making a left turn, slack is felt in the wheel, contact has the steering shaft twice. Popping and grinding is heard when turning.

- Inez, KY, USA

A clunking noise is heard in the steering column. The dealer indicated that the problem was the intermediate steering shaft and that it wasn't a safety concern. The consumer believes that it is a safety concern because between 21,300 and 23,200 miles the noise had become progressively louder.

- Boyne City, MI, USA

While turning a corner at 10 mph consumer lost the ability to steer and brake. Consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle.

- Chaska, MN, USA

While driving, the consumer heard a popping noise coming from the steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and the mechanic determined that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. GM stated that the fault was on the engineering and could not be fixed permanently. GM offered an extended warranty for a period of time.

- Cedar Hill, MO, USA

When the consumer applied the brake the pedal went down to the floor and there was no power steering. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician determined that the steering belt failed. Please provide any additional information.

- Fenton, MI, USA

While driving at any speed the vehicle drifted to the left and right. The owner made contact with the dealer multiple times, however the problem still existed. The vehicle pulled to the right and left while in motion. The right wiper did not clean the windshield. There was a rattle noise which had come from the dash area on the left side while the vehicle was in motion. The dealer found four missing bolts under the steering. Due to the vehicle going to the left, the front calipers were removed, to check movement, the rear drums for dragging, binding, adjust and reassemble.

- Pleasant Prairie, WI, USA

There is a clunk or deep frequency rattle in the steering when making slow turns. GM has performed the repair with the "kit" for lubrication in the intermediate steering shaft once already. The problem has returned in only 6 months and 12,000 miles. As an engineer, I am concerned long-term that the problem will manifest into a safety issue resulting in loss of life while waiting for a final and complete repair solution.

- Wilmington, NC, USA

A month ago I took my 2001 Chevrolet ext cab Silverado in for service because when I drove across parking lots with minor bumps I could feel a rattle in the steering wheel. They lubricated the intermediate U-joint in the steering column, there was GM kit provided for the repair. Currently the steering feels loose and the vehicle drifts while traveling down the road. I personally jacked up the vehicle and assessed for looseness. The problem appears to be in the steering column. A clicking noise can be heard and felt when the steering wheel is turned back and forth. I will be taking the truck in for service this week. I don't think that GM is correctly addressing this problem and it may lead to accidents in the future. If a manufacturer prepares a kit for repair, it tells me that they have had numerous complaints of the same type of problem. I feel GM is taking the cheap way out by lubricating vs. The high cost way or replacing the faulty part.

- Franklin, WI, USA

While driving, seat belt becomes very tight, giving a feeling of clostraphobia. Took vehicle to dealer. Consumer stated tires vibrated at a speed of 45-50, consumer was informed that the tires were out of round, also when the vehicle is driven for awhile, it seems to miss speeds, when making hard turns in either direction, there is a whining noise coming from the steering, and in cool weather the steering is hard to turn, also the service engine soon light illuminated and the vehicle would stall while driving.

- Satsuma, AL, USA

While driving the vehicle under normal operating conditions is difficult to maintain control of because it will wander back and forth. Dealership explained to consumer that "brain is trying to over-correct while steering.

- Miles, IA, USA