Why your Silverado makes a steering knock at low speeds

If you notice a silverado steering knock when pulling into a parking spot, creeping through a drive-thru, or turning the wheel while stopped, you are not alone. Many Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra owners report a dull clunk or knock in the steering that shows up at low speeds or over small bumps. In this guide, we explain the most common culprits, what seldom fails, quick checks you can try at home, and repair options that last. Wisco Automotive in Burlington, WI is here to help you diagnose faster and fix it right the first time.

What the knock sounds and feels like

A silverado steering knock is usually a single or repetitive clunk you can hear and sometimes feel through the steering wheel, floorboard, or pedals. It often happens when turning the wheel left and right at low speeds, backing up, or rolling over driveway lips and speed bumps. Many drivers describe it as a faint thud that gets worse over time. It can change based on temperature or after hitting a pothole. If you feel looseness in the steering wheel or hear a rhythmic tap during slow turns, you likely have play in a steering or suspension joint that needs attention.

What usually fails: common causes of a low-speed knock

1. Intermediate steering shaft clunk

This is the classic cause many Silverado owners discover. The intermediate steering shaft connects the steering wheel column to the steering gear. Over time, the telescoping section or small universal joints can develop tiny clearances that create a knock when the wheel is turned at low speed. You may feel a faint notch or pop through the wheel. Some model years had updated shafts and lubrication kits that reduced the clunk, but a worn shaft often needs replacement for a lasting fix. At Wisco Automotive, we inspect the shaft for play, check the pinch bolts for torque, and recommend a high-quality updated shaft if wear is present.

2. Sway bar end links and sway bar bushings

Worn or loose stabilizer bar end links can cause a tap or knock when the vehicle rocks side to side at parking lot speeds. If the noise changes when one wheel hits a small bump during a turn, sway bar hardware is a top suspect. Rubber sway bar frame bushings can also dry out and knock against the bar. These parts are affordable and can make a big difference in road feel. Replacing links and bushings is a common and cost-effective repair we perform at Wisco Automotive.

3. Outer and inner tie rod ends

Tie rod ends connect your steering gear to the wheels. When they wear, you can hear a clunk and feel vague steering. Low-speed knocks can show up when changing direction, parking, or applying the brakes while turning. If the protective dust boot is torn, grit can accelerate wear. A simple play test with the wheel off the ground will often reveal loose tie rods. We always follow up tie rod replacement with a professional alignment to protect your tires.

4. Upper and lower ball joints

Ball joints support the steering knuckle and allow it to pivot. A worn ball joint can produce a dull clunk that gets louder over bumps or while turning into a driveway. If the joint has vertical play or the boot is split, it needs replacement. On certain Silverados, lower ball joints carry more load and tend to wear faster. Wisco Automotive uses quality joints and correct press tools to avoid damaging control arms during service.

5. Strut or shock mounts and coilover hardware

On coilover-equipped Silverados, a failing upper strut mount or a loose top nut can cause a pop at low speeds, especially when turning the steering wheel while stopped. The internal bearing in the mount can also bind and then release with a knock. Hardware that was not torqued after a suspension repair is another cause. Our technicians check torque specs and inspect mounts for binding or torn rubber.

6. Brake caliper hardware shift

Loose caliper guide pins or worn abutment clips can create a knock that sounds like a steering issue when changing direction. You might hear a clunk when backing out of a parking space and again when moving forward. If the noise tracks with brake application, we inspect caliper slides, pads, and bracket torque. Fresh hardware or a brake service often solves the problem.

7. Body mounts and cab-to-frame movement

On body-on-frame trucks, worn body mounts can allow slight cab movement that feels like a steering knock. This is less common but worth checking, especially if the noise comes from under the floor near the firewall and is temperature sensitive. Replacing degraded mounts restores the solid feel you expect from your Silverado.

What rarely fails or is often misdiagnosed

1. Internal steering gear or rack failure

Unless the truck has very high mileage, contamination, or impact damage, the steering gear is not usually the first suspect for a silverado steering knock. Gears can develop play, but most low-speed clunks start elsewhere. We prove gear issues by isolating other joints first and using chassis ears during a road test.

2. Power steering pump or fluid

A pump problem usually causes whining or heavy steering, not a single knock. Low fluid can cause noise but tends to be constant at all speeds. We still inspect for leaks, but pumps are rarely the direct cause of a low-speed knock on modern Silverados.

3. Wheel bearings

Bad wheel bearings hum, growl, or grind and typically get louder with speed. They do not usually create a single knock during slow steering inputs unless they are catastrophically worn. We check for roughness and play to be sure.

4. CV axles and U-joints

On 4×4 models, a clicking CV axle can make noise during sharper turns under power, but a gentle parking lot knock is more often suspension or steering related. Driveshaft U-joints make thumps during acceleration or gear changes rather than during slow steering movement.

5. Steering column bearings and clockspring

These components can make squeaks or light rubbing sounds but rarely cause a measurable knock. If the noise is felt in the wheel only and not in the floor or pedals, we still check the column, but most clunks trace to the intermediate shaft or chassis joints.

Simple checks you can try at home

1. Park somewhere quiet and safe. Turn the wheel left and right in small increments while stopped. Note when the knock appears and where you feel it.
2. Roll slowly over a speed bump at an angle. Listen for a clunk that matches body roll. This points to sway bar links or bushings.
3. Lightly tap the brakes while turning at 5 to 10 mph. If the knock changes, check caliper hardware.
4. With the truck safely lifted and the front wheels off the ground, grasp a tire at 3 and 9 o’clock and wiggle. Side-to-side play suggests tie rod wear.
5. Grasp at 12 and 6 o’clock and wiggle. Vertical play suggests a ball joint or bearing concern.
6. Have a helper gently rock the steering wheel with the engine off while you look at the intermediate shaft and tie rods. Watch for delayed movement or small jumps at the joints.
7. Visually inspect sway bar links and bushings for torn boots or missing hardware. Look for shiny metal where parts have been rubbing.

If any of these checks reveal clear play, it is time for a professional inspection. Wisco Automotive can confirm findings and give you a repair plan that fits your budget.

DIY fixes vs professional repairs

Temporary lube for the intermediate shaft

Some owners try to lubricate the intermediate shaft to quiet the knock. Lubrication can help for a short time, but if play exists, the noise often returns. On many Silverados, the lasting solution is to install an updated intermediate shaft. We stock quality parts and ensure proper torque on the column and gear pinch bolts for a safe, quiet result.

When replacement is the better option

If a tie rod, ball joint, or sway bar link has play, replacement is the right fix. Continuing to drive with loose steering components can increase tire wear and lengthen stopping distances. Wisco Automotive uses trusted brands and verifies torque with calibrated tools. We also road test to confirm the knock is gone.

Do not skip the alignment

Any time you replace tie rods, control arms, or ball joints, a wheel alignment is essential. It protects your tires and restores steering feel. Our shop can align your Silverado after repairs so you leave with a truck that tracks straight and feels tight.

Model year notes for Silverado and Sierra

Different generations have different tendencies. While every truck is unique, here are general patterns our technicians see:

• 1999 to 2006 classic: Many of these trucks use torsion bar front suspensions. Intermediate steering shaft clunk, pitman and idler arm wear, and sway bar link issues are common sources of low-speed knocks.
• 2007 to 2013: Coilover-style front suspensions bring more attention to upper strut mounts and lower ball joints. Intermediate shaft clunk can still appear. Sway bar links and bushings remain frequent culprits.
• 2014 to 2018: Some models use electric power steering racks. At low speeds, any play in tie rods, sway bar links, or strut mounts can be amplified. We also check rack mounting points for proper torque and condition.
• 2019 and newer: Newer designs still see sway bar and tie rod wear with mileage and harsh roads. A silverado steering knock on these trucks is often solved with standard front-end service rather than major component replacement.

The best approach is a methodical inspection. Wisco Automotive uses service data, torque specs, and proven tests for each generation to find the true source quickly.

How Wisco Automotive diagnoses a silverado steering knock

At Wisco Automotive, your time and safety come first. Our Burlington shop follows a consistent process to pinpoint the knock and eliminate guesswork:

1. Interview and road test: We listen to your description, then drive with you to duplicate the sound under the same conditions you notice.
2. Visual and hands-on inspection: We check the intermediate shaft, tie rods, ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar links, strut mounts, brake hardware, and body mounts.
3. Lift and pry bar testing: With the truck raised, we load each joint safely to detect hidden play.
4. Chassis ears and stethoscope: We use listening tools to isolate the exact component producing the knock.
5. Torque check and fastener inspection: We verify critical fasteners and mount points are secure and correct.
6. Clear repair plan: You get options, honest timelines, and transparent pricing before any work starts.

Our team services both personal vehicles and fleets. We are equipped for quick turnaround and we stand behind our work. If your business relies on a quiet, confident steering feel for customer visits and deliveries, we can keep your Silverados ready to roll.

Prevention tips so the knock does not return

• Rotate tires and align annually or after suspension work. Proper alignment reduces stress on steering joints.
• Inspect sway bar links and tie rod boots at every oil change. Cracked or torn boots invite rapid wear.
• Avoid hitting curbs while parking and take speed bumps slowly. Sharp impacts shorten component life.
• Wash undercarriage during winter to remove salt. Corrosion accelerates bushing and joint wear.
• Use quality replacement parts. Cheap components may knock again in a short time.
• Have a shop torque-check suspension hardware after the first few hundred miles on new parts.

Typical costs and time frames

Every truck and situation is different, but here are general expectations for common repairs related to a silverado steering knock. These are estimates and can vary based on model year, parts quality, and local conditions:

• Intermediate steering shaft replacement: Often 1 to 2 hours plus parts.
• Sway bar links and bushings: Often 1 to 2 hours plus parts, depending on rust and accessibility.
• Tie rod ends with alignment: Often 2 to 3 hours plus parts and alignment.
• Ball joint replacement: Time varies widely. Lower joints on some models can take several hours and may require control arm removal or special tools.
• Strut mount or shock mount service: Often 1.5 to 3 hours per side depending on configuration.
• Brake hardware service: Often under 1 hour per axle if no rust complications.

For an accurate quote, call Wisco Automotive at 262-716-0062. We will review your symptoms, check your truck, and provide a clear estimate before we start.

For fleet managers: keep your Silverados quiet and safe

A knock at low speeds can frustrate drivers and undermine confidence in your trucks. Wisco Automotive offers fleet maintenance programs that minimize downtime and control costs. We provide quick inspections, priority scheduling, and consistent reporting so you know which vehicles need attention and when. Our team handles steering and suspension repairs, alignments, tires from brands like Bridgestone, Goodyear, Michelin, Firestone, and Uniroyal, and routine services that keep your fleet dependable.

Why choose Wisco Automotive

Wisco Automotive is a full-service shop located at 496 S. Pine St., Burlington, WI. We are known for certified, efficient, high-quality work and a friendly, straightforward approach. Our services cover general auto repair, oil changes, brake service, engine diagnostics and repairs, emissions testing, electrical diagnosis, and undercar services like suspension, drivetrain, and exhaust repairs. We also install remote starters and backup cameras and provide certified ignition interlock device installations for Intoxalock, LifeSafer, and Smart Start. If your Silverado needs help on the road, we offer towing and roadside assistance for lockouts, jumpstarts, flat tires, and towing. Our operating hours are Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 12 PM. You can call us at 262-716-0062 or visit wiscoautomotive.com to schedule an appointment.

When to stop driving and get help

If the steering feels loose, the wheel shakes, or the knock gets much louder suddenly, it is best to stop driving and have the truck inspected. A joint that is about to fail can create a safety risk. Wisco Automotive can arrange towing and take care of diagnostics quickly so you can get back on the road with confidence.

The bottom line on a silverado steering knock

Most low-speed knocks on a Silverado come from the intermediate steering shaft, sway bar links, tie rods, ball joints, or strut mounts. Brake hardware and body mounts are other possibilities. The steering gear, pump, and wheel bearings are less likely causes for a simple low-speed clunk. A careful inspection can pinpoint the source without guesswork. If you are dealing with a silverado steering knock, Wisco Automotive has the tools and experience to fix it right, protect your tires, and restore a quiet, solid steering feel. Call 262-716-0062 or stop by 496 S. Pine St., Burlington, WI during business hours. We are ready to help you enjoy your truck again.