The Intermediate Shaft and Steering Issues
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- čas přidán 12. 03. 2013
- Dennis discusses an integral part of your vehicle's steering column - the intermediate shaft - a potential driving hazards it can cause when not functioning properly.
- Auta a dopravní prostředky
Thank you Dennis. I do most of my own auto repairs and your video more or less validates what I've been experiencing for a while in my 2006 Saturn Vue. A lot of forums mention a lube kit and removing the intermediate shaft and lubricating it; however, no amount of lube will fix a worn U joint.
I had this issue under warranty but GM would not repair. They said that clunk/slip/noise in while steering is a cosmetic issue rather than a defect or safety issue.
I traded that car in. I will never again own a GM product.
Seems like these things have been problematic for years why is there no grease zerts on the U-joints and shafts?
For about a year now I have been getting this weird knock in the front end of my 2004 Impala (3800 engine) which I could not pinpoint. My shaft made no noise when steering back and forth - it moved cleanly that way... it just made a knock when it hit bumps. After checking EVERYTHING in the front end and consulting mechanics we surmised it must be coming from the intermediate shaft - as this is a known problem. It was just a little weird hard knock that wouldn't sound with all bumps.. just the light repetitive hits like you would get running over washboards or bad pavement joints. A search for recalls and TSBs found that it was a common problem with many GM intermediate shafts, and the TSBs recommended lubricating the intermediate shaft sliding joint.
So after viewing this video I went down to a you-pull wrecking yard and removed two intermediate shafts from two separate Impalas (both 2003), since this is what I own and its not much different from a Monte Carlo of the same era. Getting them disconnected is one thing... getting them back in is another. I found that once the shaft is off, MAKE SURE you memorize the positioning of the shaft ends in which it was removed. The steering wheel side is the most confusing, and the shaft appears it could go on one of two ways. Getting it back onto the shaft at either end was no way as easy as this video was. the ends had to be pryed off with force, and I knew getting them back on would be a PITA. for any of you doing this in the future, I would gently slightly separate the ends of the replacement intermediate shaft abit with a screwdriver before trying to get it on either the rack shaft end or the steering wheel shaft end - and let the tightening bolts squeeze them back together. Otherwise it will be a real bugger to get them back on again. And I would make sure the intermediate shaft sliding collapsible joint is WELL LUBRICATED with grease before it goes in... I got a Dorman shaft from another supplier and it wasn't all that well lubricated.
After seeing how hard it was to get the one in the wrecking yard back together, I thought about it awhile and wondered why a TSB would only recommend re-lubricating. I took a second look at one of the two shafts I removed and it was really hard to slide back and forth. So it appears this is the problem with these shafts... the sliding joint dries out and stops sliding back and forth... thus transmitting all vibration and sudden shocks up the shaft to the steering column and wheel. If this joint can't slide, it'll just send the shocks up to the actual wrist joints and make a hard knock. I decided to just try and relubricate mine by using some Krown Rustproofing oil and Castrol Motorcycle Chain Lube and sprayed it into the shaft on the steering wheel side... right down the column as it is hollow behind that sliding joint. Then I worked the steering wheel. Well - guess what. No more knocks.
So that may be all that is wrong with your intermediate shaft - the sliding joint may just be dried out and needs some lubricating... and it doesn't need to be removed to do it. But if you are getting grinding and knocking when turning the wheel either way... or the humps and tightness this host describes... then thats probably not just the sliding shaft joint being dried out. Anyways - hope this helps someone.
I stopped commuting to work and my car is parked 5/7 a week, ever since, I started getting this sense of hitting a bump when steering either side when idle and after not using the car x 5 days. Audi recommended replacing the intermediate shaft, however I wonder if this would have resolved my problem and would have saved me $700.
I just changed mine myself. Yes, on a Ford. I thought it was the power steering pump. This think costs more than a pump but it was worth getting it. Steering is so much better now and I got the experience of changing one out finally.
I have a 17 Hyundai Sonata and after only 10,000 miles the steering began to have that sticky notchy binding when driving straight on the freeway.
I figured the intermediate shaft u-joints were the cause.
Thanks for confirming!
Was the problem solved after replacing it?
What's funny is I had 2 problems .. the intermediate shaft, and my driver's axle. So I was experiencing 2 different things that seemed to be one 😭 thank you for the video though, it helped me a lot!
Hey, I hit a curb few weeks back and was at 2 different alignment shops. The last shop corrected the caster but steering wheel just feel a bit stiffer than it used to be before the incident. Both shops didn't find anything that was visually bent/damaged. Could the intermediate shaft gotten some damage? I also hear a single click when I back out from the packing spot, turning steering wheel left/right to almost 80%. Noise can also happen when I take off with steering wheel slightly tilted for the left turn
I have a very similar problem but mine does it once in a while It feels like the Electric steering is not working And the steering wheel light comes on in my 2017 sonata
Took it to the dealership and they told me it was Steering column assembly I don't think it is what are you think ?
Thanks for explaining what's wrong!
Good video. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing. I feel like this is the issue for my Subaru. Light clunking noise, loose steering, and doesn’t full return to center. Still drives straight. Steering just not as tight as before. Will replace soon! Is an alignment required post replacement?
DEAR ,
I have 4X4 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2010
when i drive off road i feel hard clunking in the steering wheel, and the feeling comes from under the car, I check under, looks everything are OK, but when catching the tie rod end and shake them by hand there is little loose and clunk sound comes when moving left and right.
I con not tell whether from the
and pinion assembly rack WATHER is it from tie rod end or pinion & can you guide please THANKS
Hi..I would like to come at your place as I have the same problem of steering getting stuck intermittently. By the way is it due to lower intermediate steering shaft or just intermediate steering shaft? My car is toyota camry 2000 Japan built
04 Chevy trailblazer. Replace the rack and pinion ball joints tire rods everything. Ended up being intermediate shaft. Do your research before changing parts, this could Save you a lot of money
i know this is an old video, but would a worn intermediate shaft cause excessive play in the steering wheel?
hi I bought a second hand intermidiate shaft looks similar to the one u have my garage told me it's sized on my car wich makes a clunking noise and feeling in my stearing wheel . he also told me that the new shaft is seized also . he tells me that the bar in between the two joint is ment to move said it's a sliding gland it's ment to move in and out confused as I am I'd like a second opinion as I don't think the bar is ment to move only if u have an impact.and that only the joints are ment to move am I right or is the garage right in saying it's siezed
Hello just watched your video on intermediate steering shaft I have a 2009 Acura TL I just did all control arms and sway bar links and inner and outer tie rods tho after alignment car still feels like it wanders side to side would the intermediate steering shaft cause this thank u 🙏🏼
Thx so much i was freaking out and couldn't find out what it was on my 07tundra
This problem (sticky steering) occurs on very low mileage hyundais, so it is not a wear issue.
Good video. Thank you
Great video
i have clicking sound or clunking felt to at the steering wheel while parked turning the wheel or at turns steering feels ok when driving no drifting or locked
I have the symptom the last person did and I’m hoping it’s the u joint on my infiniti because I’ve basically replaced all suspension parts up front 😓 gonna jack it up and check to see if this is the issue!
I have a Hyundai I40 with this problem.. It's normal wear.. After 40.000 km ? Brutal. Never had this with any other car even after 300k+ km.
Can this cause a tired to wobble?
Location?
Hello. I have an issue with my car toyota corolla 2013. I have a question. Does the intermediate shaft makes rackling noise when going on rough road straight path. I already replace my shock absorber, rubber booth in my lower suspension and stabilizer link. I still hearing rackling noise down in steering column. is it the intermediate shaft is the problem? Thank you.
control arm
Good video , this is probably happening to my kia rio 2013. Thanks
@David Ramirez. it seems it is also the problem of my car. Same model as yours Kia Rio 2013. im the second owner of it. have you fixed it yet?
Kia and Hyundais are particularly prone to this problem.
I also have this problem in my kia forte , it's very popular problem in all kia i think
I think my intermediate steering shaft isn't no good either. cause I want my steering column to be tight and firm not loose and ready to cause an accident
What bolts to take out to drop steering coulm
2000dodge durango
solution¿?
Looks like common Ford problem.