GM has replaced the loose and rattly intermediate steering shaft with an upgraded version that doesn't have the problems the previous one has.
The previous version of the shaft has loose tolerances that allow the shaft to rattle within the sleeve. GM's previous remedy was to disassemble the shaft and grease it with an extremely tacky and gummy grease GM had developed for this purpose. The grease-job is simply the typical GM band-aid el cheapo fix used to minimize cost to GM of warranty repairs.
However, GM came out with another TSB about the steering shaft. No more lubing them. There is now a replacement shaft that supposedly does not make noise. So now when you bring your truck in for the concern they will be replacing the shaft. There are 2 different part numbers. one for all 1500 pickups, and one for 2500's, 3500's, denali's escalades and H2's
GM TSB #00-02-35-003E - (Jul 20, 2004)
If you can somehow access this TSB, you can likely get the right part number. If your truck is under warranty, if you demand that your dealer comply with this TSB #, it might help you to get the permanent fix.
All of the foregoing is what I have learned from reading various GM forums. I'm not sure if it's true, but I have no reason to doubt it.
Good luck to you.
