Not quite sure how to describe this, but I test drove a 2002 Sierra today and when I turned the wheel, it didn't turn smoothly. There was a bump or click as the wheel turned. Just one time, but I think it happened in either direction. My old Chevy does this too, so I am wondering if it is an issue with GM trucks? Is it something I should have the dealer fix before deciding whether to continue with a possible purchase?

 

My 2002 Sierra 4X4 steering wheel turns smoothly. Is this one two or four wheel drive? I would have the dealer address the problem.

 

Could be the classic intermediate shaft bump. They all do it until they are either regreased or replaced. If you regrease the factory one it will last a little while and then come right back. I did that to my 2003 Tahoe and finally just replaced it with the new design and it has been fine ever since.

 

This is a 4WD vehicle. So if it is the intermediate shaft bump, is it hurting anything other than being an annoyance?

 

IF it is the intermediate shaft then no it won't hurt anything. You should be able to grab it and see if it moves.

 

So that's what the clunk in my steering column is ... I was wondering about that ... I can't say I care too much, as my truck isn't exactly a truck worth an extreme amount of effort, but I do keep her in good running condition.

 

If it is the truck in your title pic than I don't think it is that noise. The "bad" shafts weren't used until the body change in mid 1999.

 

Yeah, it's my '89 scottsdale.

Maybe it's the steering gear/power steering lines then. I found some magical black oil under my truck after pushing it up into the stall so I could work on the brakes after the line blew a few weeks ago. It doesn't clunk when the truck is running, but if you yank on the wheel hard enough while the truck is off, like when you would be pushing the truck, then it feels like there's a small amount of give, and a clunk.

I never did find out what that magical oil came from. Looked like power steering, but it could have been nasty black brake fluid from when my brake line blew.