'03 Silverado K1500 rattle in front - driving me nuts!

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Chevy-SS

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I have a pristine 2003 Silverado 1500 LS 4.8L engine with 109k miles. Truck is basically perfect, runs & drives like new, except for one nagging rattle in the front that is driving me crazy. It rattles with the slightest bit of suspension movement and sounds like it's coming from under dash or engine compartment on driver side.

So far I have replaced:
  1. Driver side motor mount
  2. Front shocks
  3. Driver side half shaft
  4. Upper control arms (both sides)
  5. Lower control arm (driver side)
I have check all steering components in the front end and they are tight. I've been digging around for about two months now. I have a lift in my garage so it's relatively easy to do the repairs. It's just frustrating that I haven't been able to correct the rattle.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions.... anything at all. Thanks!! Dave F. in Rhode Island
 

RDF1

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Look up this.
Dorman 905-512

It is a bushing on the steering column under the dash above the brake pedal.

Also the steering shaft itself will get slack and rattle. If you feel the "bump" in the steering wheel while driving on a rough road.
Look into this.
Dorman 425-176
 

Chevy-SS

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Look up this.
Dorman 905-512

It is a bushing on the steering column under the dash above the brake pedal.

Also the steering shaft itself will get slack and rattle. If you feel the "bump" in the steering wheel while driving on a rough road.
Look into this.
Dorman 425-176

Hey man, thanks a bunch for the ideas. Is there any way to check the parts to confirm they need replacing?

Thanks again...................... :)
 

RDF1

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crawl under the dash, grab the steering intermediate shaft and give it a shake. if it seems to move alot, then replace that green bushing (905-512). If it feels like the "bump" is in the steering wheel, then replace the intermediate shaft and the green bushing since your already there.
 

Chevy-SS

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Well, I went to Autozone to buy both parts, but they only had the bushing in stock (I ordered the shaft). When I got home, I figured I'd give it a whirl and just replace the bushing (905-512) and it freakin' worked!!!
Rattle is gone....... :banana-mario:

I went back and cancelled the shaft order. I gotta say, I looked at the OEM bushing that I removed and it 'appeared' to be perfectly fine. I honestly don't understand where the rattle was coming from, but it's obviously that bushing, haha.

Many thanks! Very much appreciated. :33:
 

Chevy-SS

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Well that was easy.

LOL, yeah.

Steering seems stiffer now, not sure if that Dorman bushing is binding. It doesn't look as nice as the OEM piece that I pulled out. I am gonna order an OEM bushing from GM Parts Direct and try that. But hey, the rattle is 100% fixed, so at least I know what the problem is/was.

What I'd really like is to install a rack & pinion steering setup into this truck. By any chance, do you know if anyone makes a conversion kit? My truck is 4WD, so that may prevent me from going to R&P, not sure. I've been looking but haven't been able to locate a R&P conversion.

Thanks
 
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