Rattling sound in drive shaft for 2003 GMC Sierra

check unversal on drive shaft. put in neutral and shake drive shaft

Those trucks have a lot of problems with the transfer case. An indication of that would have been a clicking or rhythmic noise coming from under the vehicle before the wheels locked. If you don't use 4wd you can always remove the front axles or intermediate drive shaft. That would only be if you want to avoid replacing the costly transfer case.

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.

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.

Yes it will. GM has new replacement upper intermediate shaft for around 55-70 dollars depending on where you buy it. Took about an hour to change. Instructions with pictures on internet. Lock steering wheel so it does not move or you will break air bag sensor wire. They sell a pin to insert into steering wheel to lock it into place. 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.

I sounds like you need to grease the intermediate shaft. GM sells a kit that consists of a plug and a bag of grease for around $18. It has been a few years since I bought it so the price could have went up. They also offer an update shaft for around $100. I am nearly 100% sure this is your problem. I have a 03 Yukon and have done it 3 times in 120,000 miles.

There are a few other posibilities, but they are not so cheap. The next logical problem could be the power steering pump or the valve in the gear box.

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.

I have the same issue...what's the fix?