4 SYMPTOMS OF A BAD INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT (STEERING ISSUES? NOISE?)

4 symptoms of a bad intermediate steering shaft. If you're experiencing steering issues, excessive play or noise this video may help.
Top5autorepairs
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[@kurtdahle]

This guy is one of the most knowledgeable mechanics on here

[@peachslh513]

Good morning. You were are amazing!!! You hit every part of the journey. Just confirmed my problem. Thank you so much. Keep doing what you do, very thorough. Appreciated

[@worldtraveler419]

This was SOOOO helpful! the vibration, Gluck Gluck noise, and the steering wheel being off are all what I have going on. I’ve been trying to determine if it’s the upper shaft, lower shaft, or the gear box itself. Thank you!

[@christineng9078]

Did you manage to fix it ? what was making it make that noise? many thanks

[@worldtraveler419]

@@christineng9078 wasn’t the steering shaft at all. Long story about what it was and how it found the issue, but it had zero to do with the steering components

[@mandalarosa5940]

​@@worldtraveler419Can you share what the issue was? I saw you said it was a long story, but I've replaced so much of my front end chasing an issue that no one can duplicate when it goes into the shop x6 (go figure) so I'm curious if it's something I'm not even thinking of that could be the problem. I'm at a complete loss.

[@worldtraveler419]

@@mandalarosa5940 my 4WD linkage and shift linkage were put back together incorrectly. They had them crossed so they were rubbing and clunking. This would never happen to anyone except I had a shop do work on my tranny and when they put it back in the crossed the linkage because they are idiots. What’s your issue? What’s the noise? Where is it coming from?

[@Scott-zc3iy]

I fixed this noise with 12 wooden toothpicks and never removing anything. The noise is from the part of the steering column that slides in and out of itself and there is a slight gap and tolerance that grows over time from use... From factory it has a little dimple pressed into the metal sleeve that crimps it tight to the inner sleeve... I just shoved in about a dozen toothpicks into the gap between the 2 columns that slide in and out of each other. No more noise, smooth and quite as new.

[@bigguy-ow6rd]

thanks scott 👍

[@xguedox]

Any way you could show me how to do this method? Or explain where to put the toothpicks? I realize its probably not a permanent fix but it sounds interesting.

[@EloyCruz-xo6wu]

​@@xguedoxstill need help?

[@joelaviles2943]

@@EloyCruz-xo6wu I need help with this!!! Thanks

[@EloyCruz-xo6wu]

@@joelaviles2943 I'll tag you in a video how to replace it I did it following the video

[@edgarj5510]

Brother I appreciate this video the only video i found that goes into depth about the whole situation, i had a feeling this was it but with the information you provided confirms my isdue! New subscriber here thanks again good job 👍

[@CrissCrux]

Thank you so much!...I thought the problem was with my driver side strut until I looked under my dash and seeing built up grease around the joint.

[@GKnee72]

I'm getting ready to change the intermediate steering shaft on my 2005 F150 because a mechanic I know said when I asked why my truck steers like it's in 4 wheel drive! Keeping my fingers crossed!

[@kingb7080]

Thank you so much for this detailed information. I am having all the symptoms highlighted. I will be replacing mine. Keep up the good job.

[@pabloamador5391]

I’m having the exact symptoms on my 2019 Highlander, having replace this coming Monday, I just hope that will solve the issue because it’s annoying. Driving like that.

[@asaelsandoval2384]

Did you solve the issue?

[@candymainard1062]

D it fix it?

[@mohansinghsidhu]

Yes mate I got this problem in my 2012 Toyota Kluger

[@motogp2375]

On point brotha!! I have to replace both my LC80 and on my scion xb. Thank you for the video! 🤙🏼

[@anthonyjacob8876]

I don't get no play on the steering so i know the shaft good but hearing that clunk noise as you said I was thinking that I was like a bushing but now I know to check the joints thanks alot you really helped me ❤

[@Gabriel-pj2bk]

Was it the steering shaft after all?

[@Boosti45]

Just because you don't have any played doesn't mean you're steering shaft is good by any means mine has no play in it at all but is binding and clunking and is definitely bad lol so he should've pointed out he's just listing different variations of potential issues that you may run into with the steering shaft assembly failing or completely failed already so once again just because you have one doesn't mean you'll have the other and vice versa you could have five of the symptoms and not the sixth one or you could have the third symptom but none of the other ones it just depends on how the particular shaft is filling and at what point and which particular joint and the steering angle at which your car uses to begin with

[@talknheadz]

@@Boosti45nice explanation. Makes a lot of sense

[@r35tmanbash]

I have already replaced a bad rack and pinion, and my failed PSP. I thought the rack and pinion and PSP would fix the issues, but it didn't. The other issue I started having is that the steering would not return to center. All new parts installed properly does not have any leaks anywhere. I am replacing the Steering intermediate shaft tomorrow. Hope this fixes the multiple steering issues.

[@carlosmuler4773]

Very intetesting and helpful information. Get well soon.

[@ryanculler7324]

Thank you brotha i have a 2002 Toyota Sequoia and its clucking when i turn it kinda sounds like when ya tose out a open wheeled fishing rod and can feel my tire slip it's very strange i changed my own timing belt so im sure this will be another fix

[@hamzahmurshed7924]

Tbh best video perfect explanations he is a good teacher

[@timmi511]

Perfect symptoms! I’m feeling most of them!

[@mikewrightify]

Holy cow I just got a headache from

[@nismodomz]

Mine was doing this exact same thing for months before it eventually gave out completely. Can't go over 10mph now, and the clunk is 10× louder. The wheels won't even turn either. Toyota told me $3000 to replace the electric power steering gear and that's all they said. So unsure whether to do the shaft myself just to see if Toyota got it wrong.

[@PrinceSteering-nh9mj]

Am a steering engineer by profession I work and repair all kinds of steering pump and racks

[@kingme6109]

My steering wheel turns but my wheels don’t but if I lift my car and turn my wheel me with my hands my steering wheel turns

[@markadahibbert8888]

Very useful information.

[@R1Brooklyn]

Very good video. Thanks

[@JOmz8801]

I appreciate the video, I was wondering if I could ask you to help me determine if my problem is my rack and pinion or my intermediate shaft? I'll wait for ur response before I elaborate more on my situation

[@shawnblanton8867]

Elaborate. KZbin is full of mechanics that watch these videos. May get your answers before he has time to respond.

[@JOmz8801]

Ok. So I was in a low speed collision where the other car was turning left as I was coming through the intersection, she said she didn't know she had to yield since she didn't have a green arrow. Anyways she turned into my driver side front fender and as I saw this collision coming in the last second I gripped the steering wheel and kinda leaned into the collision so that I wasn't forced into the cars that were parked on my right side shoulder. Which worked but after the wreck I noticed my steering wheel was about a quarter turn off to the right while both front wheels are pointed straight. Everything else is fine aside from all the body damage, the car is still driving straight but the steering wheel is off center. Also the other day I left my headlights on and thus a dead battery. I tried to move the car for a better position to connect jumping cables with the car turned off. I was able to turned to the left without the help of the power steering pumps assistance but turning to the right only lead to a bit of resistance followed by what I can only describe as a slip like when u over tighten a bolt then strip it. In doing that I further increased the steering wheel from a quarter turn to a half a turn off center to the right and also managed to break the clock spring. It steers just fine while the car is turned on and driving(with the power steering assistance). I was wondering which is more likely to have happened, A. The pinch bolt of the intermediate shaft was stripped/loose or B. There is damage to the steering racks worm gear on the rack in the rack and pinion. It is a 2000 dodge neon. I hope this wasn't too much info but I don't want to replace the rack and pinion if I don't have to.

[@Santino0560]

Makes alot of sense

[@davidm3210]

Nice tutorial, thank you sir.

[@100hazelcruz]

Very helpful; thank you!

[@hamidlogari1]

Thanks for great info

[@lotusthe3rd831]

i am looking at 2014 sentra it clicks turning the wheel left or right u can feel it and hear it inside and outside the car. sound is audible on both sides and can feel it if youre touching the tires

[@Myparentsplace]

Thank you

[@JRS-iq9pz]

Thanks. Good info.

[@jaidenlewison6953]

For me it’s just when turning right. I get one pop every now and then and that’s it. I have a few hairs of play back and forth in my steering wheel I haven’t checked side to side. I also have a few hairs of play in my shaft. 2014 Tahoe

[@Gabriel-pj2bk]

Did you find out what it was?

[@jaidenlewison6953]

@@Gabriel-pj2bk ya it just the setting I had steering wheel set. I had it locked in highest position. I moved it down and it stopped.

[@iilisette4225]

Any stores or suppliers you like to use for quality parts to buy for doing repairs? Also is there any checks or things to go over you do when you get new parts before you install them. Lastly any unique tools that help your job go more smoothly, I'd love to hear your suggestions one day.

[@Top5AutoRepairs]

OEM is always the best. When buying new parts always bring in the old parts and compare to the new parts to make sure it's exactly the same. Check part # as well. Favorite tool is using any power tools to speed up the work. Using any tools to get into tight spaces i.e. flexible hose clamp plier, regular hose clamp plier, 45 degree short and long needle nose plier, vise grip, box wrench, ratcheting wrench, Titan micro 1/4" ratchet, swivel socket, any long 3/8" or 1/2" ratcheting breaker bar. Always use PB blaster on any rusted bolts or nuts and avoid using any 12 point socket to prevent stripping bolts. If working on European vehicles prepare to use a lot of torx socket.

[@MsBrivlogs1]

Ty

[@navneetsharma5911]

Good information

[@Shouldgetoff]

Good video

[@adiselkaz5208]

Good job explaining. Thank you This video makes so much sense 👍💯

[@Takaride]

Sometimes our vehicle gets a vibration in the wheel at higher speeds and I never though it would be in the column

[@abumaleeha1]

Could be inner and outer tie rods also. Put vehicle on a drive on ramp and shake the wheel side to side have someone inspect and hold the tie rods when you are rocking it. See if any vibrations

[@jackofalltrades8933]

The problem I have is when you turn the wheel and the wheels don’t turn. The steering wheel moves left and right but you can keep turning the wheel and it makes a popping sound like it’s stripped. Would this be the problem or a bad gear box? Thanks

[@Twobarpsi]

Good info!

[@AndyD162]

How about when turning, it’s normal, then gets tight, then goes to normal then back to tight and so on? Have a 2012 ram that just started doing this. Also when I let go of the steering wheel when turning usually it’ll straighten back out and does until it gets tight then stops

[@deresolute1061]

Please please update if you find a fix, I'm having this exact problem with my camry and it's impossible to steer smooth.

[@AndyD162]

@@deresolute1061 I actually am 99% sure I found it. An upper ball joint rubber boot is ripped. So the other day did an oil change and greased the front end. Upper ball joints and outer tie rods. Steering issue went away. Few days later started coming back and getting worse and worse. So went and greased the passenger side upper ball joint then drove it. Bam! Steering normal again. So I park it and check it and grease is coming out of a small rip which everytime it turns it spits the grease out. Check any greaseable pieces over or anything like the upper, lower ball joints. Tie rod ends, etc. hope this helps!

[@whatdahecTV]

Its a 2003 ford explorer 4.6L limited

[@strangelyfamiliar1729]

01 dakota. No noise or excessive play coming from mine but it is difficult to turn (both left and right) and when I do turn and let go of the wheel it doesn't return to center. This started nearly 2 months ago, occasionally at first, and now I experience stiff turning every time I'm out driving. Does this sound like a bad steering shaft (u joints perhaps)? I will check the u joints as suggested in the video

[@heather11_111]

Is this something that's easy to diagnose? I've been to so many shops recently with these exact symptoms and everyone just shakes it down and says everything is solid and tight and that they can't replicate steering issues. But when I drive I can feel the binding so I know the problem is that it's tight lol...

[@EloyCruz-xo6wu]

Grab the steering shaft if it moves I was wondering the noise till I moved the steering shaft and right on same noice that been bothering me

[@hawaiiyamat]

With the engine off, I can wiggle the steering wheel right and left and it makes a clunking noise, with engine on there is no noise , is this the U joint?

[@anav1404]

About how much is labor for this on a 2005 4Runner? Thanks

[@anthonyjacob8876]

so it turn out to be the clamp rubbers on the steering rack

[@miguelcintron3287]

sup er tips thx man

[@laytonstanner7936]

I've had drive shaft changed drop links cv joint when I'm turning.they is still like straining noise I'd steering shaft completely different from drive shaft I don't know anything bout cars

[@aftinpomeroy4189]

Did you figure out what the noise was? My car has a similar issue. Replaced everything you’ve listed and more. It’s still there.

[@TheMinezp]

🐐

[@somebodyontheinternet1090]

So i have the problem of not returning to center but only after a right turn not after a left.....would it still be this part that is the problem?

[@MohammedSalam-ll5uh]

Bro did you solved the problem not return to centre, if so what you did even my car has the same issue, after U turn steering never return to centre I need to pull the steering back to normal

[@fanaticforager6610]

🙏🏼☂️

[@whatdahecTV]

I replaced the steering shaft and rack and pinion with brand new one of both but i still hear a clunk at the steering wheel, what could it be ?

[@ryangrossman6729]

I saw a video about that on ford tucamloco or something like that’s channel. It showed it was a bolt that holds the shaft in place. Same thing the guy replaced everything and it didn’t fix it

[@Moodmakershomedecor]

Thank you