Just started to hear a light click when turning the steering wheel, one click only when turning in either direction, more clicks when on bumpy road with steering wheel being turned lightly by bumps. Jacked it up and turned the steering wheel while inspecting and isolated the noise to the U-Joint closest to the firewall on the steering shaft. Not much info on here about servicing that U Joint... Any info on that? How long do I have and what should I expect in trying to service? I see where a "standard" steering shaft U-Joint is available on line and not very expensive. Doesn't look to be anything special. What does the brain trust know about this?

Thanks!

 

I’ve had this on my list to do.
I’ve read some forums to get a grease gun needle tip and squirt some grease into the rubber seal of the UJ.

 

I have recently noticed a loud clunk when turning left. I just replaced Track rod, Steering Rod and Steering damper. Ball Joints where done 6 months ago, so I was going to look ta bushings or steering box/shaft. Will look at the U joint after reading this!

 

Hey Dave,
in my experience, that knuckle in the steering shaft dries out and binds. The little ujoints fail in similar fashion as front driveshaft - close to manifold;heat and no serviceable zerks. A spray of pb blaster or lube can help for a period of time, but I wound up replacing entirely. It’s a shaft & knuckle unit.
When the time comes, I used a sawzall - just cut a relief cut - unbolted the sides and it comes right out

 

I had a similar problem you are describing so I took the whole intermediate shaft out and checked it out. Turns out one of the u joint side had sheared and wasn't even connected. No wonder my steering was sloppy. Replaced it with a RoverLand one and no issues since. Pretty easy in and out.

 

I see by using the search tool that there are two versions of the shaft... Part number QME500030 and QME500060 with the change being in mid 04.

I also see most of the intermediate shafts online are the QME500060 unit.

One thread suggested that there is a 90 degree difference in the way the QME500060 mounts from the way the QME500030 bolts in.

Does anyone know if this is a negligible difference and the ...60 is now the way to go? Or is it just the only one available now? Is there an advantage to one or the other or not much difference and the offset doesn't matter?

Thanks!

 

I bought a remanufactured steering shaft for $99.
The old shaft's u-joint was sloppy, and caused over an inch of play in the steering wheel in either direction.
They are easy to replace.
I also replaced the ps pump, and ps box.
Steers like brand new now, zero slack in the steering.

 

Lucky 8 has the 500060 for $148 new. They don't list the 500030, which is why I was wondering if it is indeed not a direct swap.

 

What I find is that
500030 is for the D1
500060 is for the D2

 

OK, Glad I ask, that wasn't mentioned in the thread that died without an ending in 2008.