Why does my Pontiac Bonneville steering clunk when I turn?

Short answer: On 2000–2005 Bonnevilles, a clunk or knock you feel in the steering wheel when turning slowly, like in a parking lot, is usually the intermediate steering shaft. That's the shaft between the steering column and the steering gear. It sticks and slips. GM put out a bulletin (06-02-35-010) for it, and a newer replacement shaft is available. Shops sometimes blame the steering gear, so make sure they check the shaft first.

Symptom: A clunk or pop you feel in the wheel when turning at low speed, especially in parking lots, often worse in the cold.

What to check first

1. Do a slow circle test. Owners drive in a parking-lot circle at about 3 mph. A clunk you feel through the wheel points to the shaft.
2. Tell the shop about GM bulletin 06-02-35-010 so they don't replace the steering gear first.
3. Check the tie rods and ball joints too if the clunk is in the suspension, not the wheel.
4. Ask about the updated replacement shaft.

Likely causes

1. Sticking intermediate steering shaft. GM's bulletin covers lubricating or replacing it.
2. Worn tie rods or suspension parts. Can clunk too, usually felt in the floor.

What it usually costs

On GM Forum, one owner's 2003 SSEi had the shaft replaced under warranty. Owners didn't post out-of-warranty prices, so get a quote for the shaft before agreeing to a steering gear.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Usually yes. It's a noise and feel issue. But any steering clunk should be checked to rule out loose parts. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

Shop for most people. Replacing the shaft is moderate work and the steering has to be centered.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• GM bulletin 06-02-35-010 (May 2006): covers a steering clunk from the intermediate shaft on the 2000–2005 Bonneville, 2001–2003 Aurora and 2001–2004 Seville. Bulletins are repair instructions, not recalls, so they're only free under warranty.
• NHTSA complaints: 147 keyword-matched complaints for Pontiac Bonneville 2000–2005 (of 574 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-20; keywords: steering, clunk, knock, intermediate shaft, column).

What owners report

• In steering clunk (page 2) on GM Forum, owners shared GM bulletin 06-02-35-010, said the clunk comes from the shaft sticking and slipping, and warned it's often blamed on the steering gear. They described a slow parking-lot circle at about 3 mph to confirm it.
• In New Intermediate Shaft Part Number on GM Forum, owners posted the part number for an updated replacement shaft, and one said his 2003 SSEi had it replaced under warranty.

My take

My advice as a former lot tech: on an older GM, a steering clunk in a parking lot is so common I'd check the shaft before believing anyone who says it needs a new rack.

Vehicle focus: 2000–2005 Pontiac Bonneville (same bulletin covers 2001–2003 Oldsmobile Aurora and 2001–2004 Cadillac Seville).

Safety / mechanic note

Any steering clunk should be checked for loose parts. Verify with a mechanic.