Bulletin No.: PI0659A
Date: Jan-2013

Subject:

Groan, Squeak or Rubbing Type Noise When Turning Steering Wheel

Models:

2010-2013 Buick LaCrosse
2012-2013 Buick Regal
2013 Chevrolet Malibu

This PI is being revised to remove the Cruze, Volt and Verano models and update the Recommendation/Instructions and
Warranty Information. Please discard PI0659.

Condition/Concern

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Some customers may comment on a rubber squeak type noise when turning the steering wheel. This condition may be caused by the seal for the intermediate
shaft, located at the front of dash, rubbing on the rotating intermediate steering shaft. Refer to the pictures above. On electronic power steering (EPS) equipped
vehicles, the EPS wire harness bracket may be contacting the steering column seal.

Recommendation/Instructions
Technicians should inspect the steering column seal for proper installation by repositioning the inner intermediate steering shaft boot assembly to gain access.
Inspect the seal at the front of the dash where the intermediate steering shaft passes through from the steering gear. Ensure that the seal is centered in the
opening and around the intermediate steering shaft as shown above. If the seal is out of position, replace the steering column seal following the steps below.

For electronic power steering (EPS) equipped vehicles, if the steering column seal is in position, technicians should inspect the EPS wire harness bracket if
equipped and make sure that the bracket is not contacting the steering column seal. If contact is observed, manually adjust the EPS bracket to obtain an 812 mm (0.31-0.47 in) clearance from the steering column seal.
ptxt

Steering Column Seal Replacement

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1.

Remove the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in SI.

2.

Remove the inner intermediate steering shaft boot assembly.

3.

Raise and support the vehicle.

4.

Support the powertrain.

5.

Remove the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement in SI.

6.

Remove the front and rear transmission mount through bolts.

7.

Remove the front transmission mount.

8.

Remove the driver side steering gear mounting bolt and discard.

9.

Remove the electronic power steering harness bolts (if equipped).

10. Disconnect the left and right steering knuckle bolts and discard.
11. Remove the rear cradle bolts.
12. Loosen the front cradle bolts just enough to get clearance of the steering shaft.
13. Lower the rear of the cradle and remove the outer steering column seal.
14. Install the outer steering column seal.
15. Raise the rear cradle and install the rear cradle bolts.
16. Tighten the front cradle bolts. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
17. Install the left and right steering knuckle bolts. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
18. Install the electronic power steering harness bolts (if equipped).
19. Install the driver side steering gear mounting bolt. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
20. Install the front transmission mount. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
21. Install the front and rear transmission mount through bolts. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
22. install the front exhaust pipe. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
23. Remove the support from the powertrain.
24. For electronic power steering (EPS) equipped vehicles, inspect the EPS wire harness bracket if equipped and make sure that the bracket is not
contacting the steering column seal. If contact is observed, manually adjust the EPS bracket to obtain an 8-12 mm (0.31-0.47 in) clearance from the
steering column seal.
25. Lower the vehicle.

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26. For Malibu only, using the inner steering column seal as a template, trace an outline on the edge of the barrier material 4in (101.6 mm) x 3.5 in
(88.9 mm) as shown above.

27. For Malibu only, cut the material and install next to the intermediate shaft making sure not to contact the intermediate shaft.
28. Install the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt. Refer to SI for torque specifications.

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29. Install the inner intermediate steering shaft boot assembly. Ensure that the boot is properly positioned so that it lays flat against the floor. Make sure that
the boot does not get tucked under the floor mat at any location.
30. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment - Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment in SI.

Parts Information
Part Number

Description

22968805

SEAL, STRG COL (NV7)

22968806

SEAL, STRG COL (NJ1)

13253472

BOLT, S/GR

11518632

BOLT, S/KNU (2)

20972702

GASKET, EXH FRT PIPE (RPO LCV)

13293994

GASKET, EXH FRT PIPE (RPO LUK, LAF, LEA)

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13267274*

GASKET, EXH FRT PIPE (RPOs LFX, LLT, LF1)

*Quantity 2 for LLT, LF1, LFX
12609878 (Groove Ring Style)

GASKET, CTLTC CONV (RPO LTG)

22741875 (Triangular Shaped)

GASKET, CTLTC CONV (RPO LTG)

13229873

GASKET, EXH MUFF (RPO LCV, LTG)

13229872

GASKET, EXH MUFF (RPO LUK, LAF, LEA)

13255815

GASKET, EXH MUFF (RPO LLT, LF1)

20907464

GASKET, EXH MUFF (LFX)

22743413

GASKET, EXH MUFF (LHU, Y3E)

13229873

GASKET, EXH MUFF (LHU, EXC Y3E)

11515174* (Malibu Only)

BARRIER-SND

*There is enough material to do approximately 6 vehicles. Store remaining material for future use. (For Malibu Only)

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:
Labor Operation

Description

Labor Time

E9558*

Inspect Steering Column Seal

0.2 hr

Add

Adjust Electronic Power Steering Wire Harness Bracket

0.2 hr

Add

Replace Steering Column Seal

1.1 hrs

Add

Install Barrier (Malibu Only)

0.2 hr

*This is a unique labor operation for bulletin use only. It will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may
occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools,
safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that
your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

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