Knocking in steering column in 2003 gmc sierra

Manual Steering Column with JL4) or
Steering Wheel Position Sensor Replacement (Power Steering Column with JL4) ?
Preliminary Procedure Remove the intermediate steering shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement .
1
Steering Angle Sensor Adapter
2
Steering Wheel Position Sensor
Procedure Disconnect any electrical connectors as needed.
Tip
If reusing, secure the old steering wheel position sensor before removing it for proper alignment upon reinstallation. Refer to Steering Wheel Position Sensor Centering .

Callout

Component Name
Notice: Secure the steering wheel utilizing a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
?€¢
The steering column
?€¢
The intermediate shaft
?€¢
The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.
Preliminary Procedure Remove the steering column. Refer to Steering Column Replacement .
1
Intermediate Steering Shaft Bolt
Procedure Remove the steering column boot seal in order to access the intermediate steering shaft bolt.
2
Intermediate Steering Shaft Nut
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.
Tighten
47 N?·m (35 lb ft)
3
Intermediate Steering Shaft
Tip
?€¢
If necessary, scribe location marks between the intermediate steering shaft and the steering column and the intermediate steering shaft and the steering gear to mark their alignment before removing.
?€¢
If replacing the intermediate steering shaft, transfer any scribe marks from the old one to the new one.

Callout

Component Name
Notice: Secure the steering wheel utilizing a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:
?€¢
The steering column
?€¢
The intermediate shaft
?€¢
The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow these procedures may cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in possible damage to the SIR coil.
Preliminary Procedures

1. Remove the left side instrument panel insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side .
2. Remove the driver knee bolster. Refer to Driver Knee Bolster Replacement .
3. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .

1
Steering Column Nut (Qty: 4)
Notice: Refer to Title not found in the Preface section.
Tighten
25 N?·m (18 lb ft)
2
Steering Column
Procedure

Disconnect any electrical connectors as needed.

If equipped with AN3, disconnect the automatic transmission range selector cable. Refer to Automatic Transmission Range Selector Cable Replacement - Column .

Transfer any parts as needed.

Could be steering shaft on bottom of column that connects column to gearbox. Rag joint or u-joints on shaft are dry or seized. Try spraying rubber rag joint & u-joints on steering shaft with a good penetrating oil like PB Blaster. Work steering wheel all the way to left,spray, then turn all the way to right & spray some more.

The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly. 1. Raise and support the vehicle. 2. Remove the stabilizer shaft. 3. Remove the tie rod ends from the steering knuckles. Caution: Failure to disconnect the intermediate shaft from the rack and pinion stub shaft can result in damage to the steering gear and/or intermediate shaft. This damage can cause loss of steering control which could result in personal injury. Notice: The front wheels of the vehicle must be maintained in the straight ahead position and the steering column must be in the LOCK position before disconnecting the steering column or intermediate shaft. Failure to follow these procedures will cause improper alignment of some components during installation and result in damage to the SIR coil assembly. 4. Disconnect the steering intermediate shaft from the steering gear.

The steering shaft and intermediate shaft are the same. It is used in the steering of the vehicle. A drive shaft is what propels the vehicle, along with the rest of the drivetrain.

I suspect the shaft you are talking about is in the notorious GM steering column.
The one that makes the noise is called the "intermediate shaft".
Any GM parts guy out there could probably find one on his shelf in the dark, very common problem.

this is you intermediate steering shaft that is the problem .There is a recall on this item so it can be replace by a up graded shaft .Call you local dealer the part should be free due to the recall ;)

There is a known problem in the intermediate shaft on these trucks.If you look under the hood on the right side of engine compartment,you will see the intermediate shaft connects to steering column and runs to the steering gear.

Not sure what  you mean by rattling. If it is your drive shaft it could only be a worn U joint os just change the front and rear U joint unless you bent the drive shaft, but the shop should be able to tell you. The only other thing that would rattle under the truck would be the heat sheild for the Catalytic converter and muffler. Good luck and hope this helps

we never did that. just battery disconect is sufficient. you can see the bolt to remove near the floor board pretty clearly as well as the one under the hood near the fire wall. You may have to turn the wheel alittle one way or the other to access both cleanly. The most important part of the job is this: dont let the steering wheel turn until you get the new shaft on. Why? there is a calibrated "air bag coil" in the steering wheel and if you let the wheel turn 360 degrees either way and then hook uo the steering shaft--the first time you make a full lock to lock turn it will snap the coil.

The intermediate steering shaft was re-designed to fix that rattle on turns. Not sure if there was a recall for the '05 but seems to me a bunch of guys got it replaced for free. Check out the forums on www.dieselplace.com and do a search for intermediate steering shaft....there is lots of info. You might have to join (free) before you can get search privileges. In any case its a great site for anyone with a D/A.
Good luck.