2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Clunking through steering wheel

[Lunkerman]

I'm picking up a slight clunking through the steering wheel. Feels like something is loose in the front end. Any chronic problems to be aware of? 75k miles on the odo.



thanks, John

 

[DCTECH]

It is probably coming from intermediate shaft if feel on bumps and on braking or acceleration. You can buy a Borgeson shaft cheaper than O. E.

 

[Lunkerman]

The symtoms you describe are exactly what I'm experiencing. Can I replace the intermediate shaft myself or does the dealer need to do this? Is there a TSB and or recall on this problem? Free is better!



Thanks, John

 

[DCTECH]

There is no recall or tsb for this. I found from experience. You can do yourself, just remove the 2 bolts and collapse the shaft and remove it. Align

new one and reinstall bolts.

 

[Junior]

Hey guys i am having a similiar problem. At first i thought it was the Track bar so replaced it with a DT. Then all 4 ball joints got replaced under warranty and it still does it. It is a clunking in the steering wheel but only when i do right hand corners. Would this be the intermediate shaft as well? Also, there was another company out there that is supposed to make a nicer product than Borgeson, but i can not remeber the name of the company anybody know?

 

[SMorneau]

Maybe this is your clunk

I chased that clunk, or a similar one, for years and finally found the cheesy bearing assembly in the base of the column was busted up. It's really cheap! I made a new bearing from delrin (search my post I think I wrote it up). You can get a new column but after seeing the bearing I don't think I would expect it to last either.



A new shaft Borgeson only made mine clunk more. I followed that with a flaming river shaft and got the same thing. The stiffer sliding joint only made it thump more. For a long time I could get the clunk to stop by grabbing onto the spring on the firewall side where the shaft exits the cab and giving it a twist. It would only work for awhile.



I would check it out before spending $$$ on a shaft.

 

[Junior]

SMorneau

Where do i go about looking for that bearing assembly at the base of the column you were talking about. How do i see if it is bad.

 

[SMorneau]

I don't know if you can see it without removing it. Its a small plastic cup inside the outer sheetmetal tube. It has a taper and there is a split metal ring that is supposed to, as near as I can tell, tighten up on the shaft like a tapered bearing under the spring pressure.



If you have a buddy grab the intermediate shaft, or better yet the spring, up by the column and try to shake it while you are at the wheel you should feel it. I knew right away it was the same light clunk. Feels likes its at your feet, wait in the wheel, no wait at your feet, no wait... you get the idea. Mine would do it mostly when turning.



It wasn't bad to remove the column just pay attention to the Air bag section of the manual. If you can fab a round block with a hole the size of the shaft you can fix it very quickly. Also, center your wheel and secure it so you don't loose position on the clockspring inside the column.