2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission steering shaft problems

[jkeyes]

I have an '01 that has had very stiff steering since I bought it new. It has started to "pop" a little bit in the steering collum and I believe that the intermediate shaft may be starting to go. First question how bad of a job is it to pull that collum down and replace said shaft? Second could it be the pump be putting out low pressure that is the cause of this problem. Anyone know how much a power steering pump is? How in the sam H do you get that thing off?



Jason

 

[CumminsPower98]

The intermediate shaft is pretty easy to replace. The power steering pump is easiest to remove as a unit with the vacuum pump and then seperate them on the bench. There is a screen in the back of the pump that can become plugged and restrict flow but if it was stiff when new I would suspect maybe the gear is adjusted to tight or has something else wrong with it. Of course the pump could be messed up also.

 

[jkeyes]

Is it common for this shaft to go bad? Do I have to disable the air bag system to replace it?

 

[CumminsPower98]

Some people seem to have trouble but mine is still good and tight at a 121K. This shaft is in the engine bay so no need to mess with the air bag.