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I heard the sound in the youtube video, but have no idea as to what that could be. Sounds like things are rubbing together, like a 'shhhhhh' sound.
 
I finally found the text of PI0029 It doesn't specifically list the Gen 8 Impala or any other Gen 8 W body as one of the affected vehicles.
Are there larger Power steering hoses and an updated rack available from GM for the W chassis Impala?

Here it is...
NOTE NO IMPALA in the models list...
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#PI0029G: (Mar 20, 2012)

Subject: Squeak or Rub Type Noise when Turning Steering Wheel at Slow Speeds

Models:
  • 2008-2011 Buick Enclave
  • 2009-2011 Chevrolet Traverse
  • 2007-2011 GMC Acadia
  • 2007-2010 Saturn OUTLOOK Built Prior to July 01, 2011

Attention:
This PI also applies to any of the above models that may also be export vehicles.
This PI is being revised to remove the 2012 model year. Please discard PI0029F.
The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern

Some customers may comment on a squeak or rub type noise heard from the steering column area when turning the steering wheel at slow speeds.
The cause of this noise may be due to insufficient grease in the pinion shaft seal. The pinion shaft seal to pinion shaft interface and lack of lubrication may generate a noise. This noise originates in the gear but may sound like it is coming from the steering column area. The noise may not be evident immediately after sitting and the power steering may need to be operated briefly before the noise will occur.

Tip The intermediate shaft can be disconnected to confirm the source of the noise.

Recommendation/Instructions

Important: DO NOT replace the steering gear assembly for this condition.
Replace the steering gear housing and the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose. Also, flush the power steering system and refill with DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
The new power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose has a larger diameter orifice to allow for less system back pressure.
The new steering gear housing kit will include either a tag or an owners manual insert that identifies the vehicle has been converted to DEXRON®-VI. If the kit includes the tag, it should be installed on the power steering reservoir filler neck and secured with the cap. If the kit includes the insert, it should be placed in the vehicle owners manual in the appropriate section. Also, please advise the customer that their vehicle has been converted to DEXRON®-VI.

Note: Due to the interface between the pinion shaft seal and the fluid, it is critical to ensure that no old fluid comes in contact with the new seal. Be sure to thoroughly flush all old fluid from the system prior to installing the new housing.
1. Flush the power steering system with DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Note: Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition.
1.1 Raise and support the vehicle until the wheels are approximately 61 cm (24 in) off the ground.
1.2 Place a large container under the vehicle in order to collect the draining fluid.


1.3 Loosen the hose clamp (1) and disconnect the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose from the power steering fluid reservoir.
1.4 Plug the power steering fluid reservoir inlet port.
1.5 Loosen the hose clamp and disconnect the other end of the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose from the power steering cooler pipe. Discard the hose.
1.6 Connect the new power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose to the power steering cooler pipe and secure the hose with the clamp.
Note: This step may require 3 L (3 qt) of DEXRON®-VI fluid until the draining fluid appears red.
1.7 With the key ON and the engine OFF, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right while an assistant maintains the minimum fluid level in the reservoir using DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Continue until the fluid from the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose runs red.
1.8 Remove the plug from the power steering fluid reservoir inlet port.
1.9 Connect the new power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose to the reservoir and secure the hose with the clamp.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the intermediate steering shaft bolt and separate the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.
4. Position adjustable jack stands underneath the left and right sides of the vehicle at the rear of the front frame.
5. Remove the left and right front frame reinforcement mounting bolts. The left side is shown. The right side is similar.
6. Loosen the front frame reinforcement mounting bolts (1). The left side is shown. The right side is similar.
7. Loosen the front frame mounting bolts (2). The left side is shown. The right side is similar.
8. Loosen the front frame rear mounting bolts (1).
9. Lower the frame from the frame rail until enough clearance is gained to remove the steering gear housing.
10. Remove the steering gear heat shield.
Important: A rapid jerking condition of the steering wheel may occur if the steering gear transfer tubes are incorrectly installed.
11. Remove both steering gear transfer tubes. Mark the location of the transfer tubes so they can be reinstalled in the same position.
12. Remove the power steering gear inlet hose retaining plate bolt (1).
13. Disconnect the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses from the steering gear.
14. Remove the power steering gear inlet and outlet pipe clip bolt (2).
15. Separate the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses from the power steering gear inlet and outlet pipe clip.
16. Disconnect the electrical connector from the steering gear valve solenoid, if equipped with Variable Effort Steering (RPO NV7).
17. Clean the area around the steering gear housing to prevent any debris from entering the gear once the housing is removed.
18. Remove the steering gear housing bolts and housing (1) from the steering gear.
19. Transfer the steering gear valve solenoid to the new housing, if equipped with Variable Effort Steering (RPO NV7).
19.1 Remove the steering gear solenoid valve bolts and valve.
19.2 Remove and discard the three O-ring seals.
19.3 Install the new O-ring seals provided in the kit.
19.4 Install the steering gear valve and secure with bolts.
Tighten the steering gear solenoid valve bolts to 8 N•m (71 lb in).​

20. Install the blue seal protector (1) provided in kit onto the steering gear pinion shaft to prevent damage to the seal when installing the housing.
21. Install the new steering gear housing and bolts to the steering gear. Remove the seal protector.Tighten the housing bolts to 21 N•m (16 lb ft).
22. Connect the electrical connector to the steering gear valve solenoid, if equipped with Variable Effort Steering (RPO NV7).
23. Install the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses to the steering gear.
24. Install the power steering gear inlet hose retaining plate bolt
(1).Tighten the plate bolt to 12 N•m (106 lb in).​
25. Install the power steering gear inlet and outlet hoses to the power steering gear inlet and outlet pipe clip.
26. Install the power steering gear inlet and outlet pipe clip bolt (2). INDENT]Important: Be sure to install the transfer lines in the correct location. The longer transfer line should be assembled to the upper hole on the steering gear and the shorter line assembled to the lower hole.[/INDENT]
27. Install both transfer tubes to the steering gear. Use new O-ring seals provided in kit.
Tighten the tube nuts to 15 N•m (133 lb in).​
28. Install the steering gear heat shield.
29. Raise the front frame to the vehicle body leaving a gap of approximately 12 mm (0.5 in).
30. Install the left and right front frame reinforcement mounting bolts. The left side is shown. The right side is similar. Tighten the bolts to 50 N•m (37 lb ft).
31. Install the NEW front frame rear mounting bolts (1).
31.1. Tighten the bolts to 100 N•m (74 lb ft).
31.2. Tighten the bolts an additional 90 degrees.​
32. Install the NEW front frame mounting bolts (2). The left side is shown. The right side is similar.
32.1. Tighten the bolts to 100 N•m (74 lb ft).
32.2. Tighten the bolts an additional 90 degrees.​
33. Tighten the front frame reinforcement mounting bolts (1). The left side is shown. The right side is similar.Tighten the bolts to 50 N•m (37 lb ft).
34. Remove the adjustable jack stands from underneath the vehicle.
35. Install the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear and install the intermediate steering shaft bolt.
36. Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refill with DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid, GM P/N 88861037 (In Canada, use P/N 19264717). Refer to the Power Steering System Bleeding procedure in SI.
37. Ensure there are no power steering fluid leaks.
38. Lower the vehicle.

Parts Information
Part Number Description Qty

22847734 (With RPO NV7) Kit, Steering Gear Housing 1

22847735 (Without RPO NV7) Kit, Steering Gear Housing 1

22847737 (2009–2011 MY) Hose Assembly, Power Steering Reservoir Inlet 1

19259475 (2007–2008 MY) Hose Assembly, Power Steering Reservoir Inlet 1

88861037 (In Canada, use 19264717) DEXRON®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid 5

11609933 Bolt, Front Frame Front Mounting 2

11609932 Bolt, Front Frame Rear Mounting 2

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Discussion starter · #23 ·
Correct, this PI is not specific to the 8th gen Impalas. The reason that I mentioned it is because it resolve the EXACT same issue that I'm having on my 2012 Impala. I'm *hoping* that there is another PI (newer version?) that *does* include the Impala. Obviously, whatever they're doing to fix the issue on the vehicles listed should also resolve the issue on the Impala - at least I'm assuming it would since the problem is exactly the same....

Did you watch the video I linked to for the Traverse? That is the exact issue I'm having. I'm guessing that the same parts are used on the Impala.

I really don't care if the Impala is included in the PI or not - just as long as someone knows how to fix it! :)

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They modified the steering gear housing somehow and changed to larger hoses.
Does that gear housing fit the Impala Rack?
Does anyone know what they did to change the Traverse Acadia gear housing?

It might be interesting to get a look at one old and one new gear Traverse housing. It might be as simple as opening up the intake and exhaust ports.

It may be worth just flushing with Dexron VI.
An actual filter in the return line just like the transmission would be good as well.
 
Am I missing something here? Isn't power steering fluid meant for the power steering reservoir and transmission fluid for the transmission?
 
Discussion starter · #27 ·
That's certainly what I thought all of these years! Apparently, at least on some GM vehicles, they are replacing rack with a newly designed rack and are also replacing the power steering fluid with Dexron VI transmission fluid at that time. They being GM - via a TSB. Supposedly, the newly designed rack along with the Dexron VI transmission fluid stops this strange noise from happening in the steering.

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^+1. Fwiw, all my older Fords spec Mercon V atf in the tranny and ps.
Chrysler seems to be going back to ATF as well. My 73, 74, 75, 78, and 85, Chebby C10 trucks and my big Dodge C-Body used ATF. They all seem to have come full circle.

My Droid from orbit
 
Discussion starter · #31 ·
This noise is definitely temperature-specific - no noises when it's warmer out (above freezing - or somewhere around there)....

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I can remember when the cans would state Transmission and Power Steering Fluid on them and being dual usage back in the 70's.
You must be old to remember back that far... :giggle::lol::lol::devil:

Me too. :yikes::yikes:
 
Discussion starter · #34 ·
Well, the updated rack and pinion and the replacement of the power steering fluid with transmission fluid was in a TSB for a vehicle other than an Impala (see link in one of the previous posts).

However, I am experiencing the EXACT same issue that the TSB solves. So not really sure if any of this actually applies to the Impala or not (the Impala was NOT mentioned on the TSB). But it's possible that there is a newer TSB that does cover the Impala - really not sure...

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Discussion starter · #36 ·
Just an update in case anyone else stumbles upon this thread. Shortly after I started this thread, someone else started another thread about the same issue. And a few others chimed in that they also have the sound. From what I've seen, only people with 2012+ 8th gens have reported this problem so far, so I'm guessing that it's related to the engine change in 2012 - I bet that this issue doesn't affect pre-2012 Impalas. Also, I have yet to see a TSB that specifically mentions any Impala. I'm speculating that the 2012+ Impalas will eventually be added to the TSB (GM adds models to oTSB's often), but who knows.

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Discussion starter · #38 ·
Definitely sounds like a different issues. The issue discussed in this thread sounds exactly like when you zip and unzip a zipper quickly. There are some links in this thread where you can hear the "zipper" sounds we're referring to.

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Discussion starter · #39 · (Edited)
So this issue is back now that it's getting colder out. I have seen reference to an updated PI (P10029F) on the subject, but I cannot find a copy of the PI - does anyone have access to this to see if the Impala is now listed on the PI? I'd love to get this taken care of under my extended warranty...

Thank you!

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Bulletin No.:12-02-32-002A

Date: Jun 4, 2013

Subject: Power Steering Noise or Fluid Leak from Power Steering Pump, Gear or High Pressure Hose During Extreme Low Temperature Operation (Replace Power Steering Fluid)

Models: 2014 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2013-2014 model years, add noise as a possible condition and add a Note in the Instructions section. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 12-02-32-002.

Condition

Some customers may comment that their vehicle is experiencing noise or a fluid leak from the power steering pump, gear or high pressure side power steering hose during extreme low outdoor temperature operation.

Cause

During extremely low temperatures, -30°C (-22°F) or lower, the power steering fluid may thicken and the power steering system pressures may rise, potentially causing noise or damage to various components.

Instructions

To resolve this condition, replace any damaged power steering system components, flush the power steering system and refill with Cold Climate power steering fluid. Refer to Power Steering in SI.
Note:
In some extreme operating conditions, this fluid may not correct the condition. An alternate power steering fluid is available for a select group of vehicles, please refer to the latest version of Bulletin Number 13-02-32-001 for additional information.



Parts Information



Disclaimer
 
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