TekViper

I'm not sure what its called but there is a joint of some kind in the steering shaft about 6in after it comes out of the firewall, right near the engine manifolds/headers. anyway mine seems to have a bit of play in it, i think more then there should be. should there be any play at all in this joint? what is the part called and how can it be fixed?

Motor City Mike

The joint to which you are referring to joins the steering column to your intermediate shaft. If you have excessive play in this joint (normally should have very little to none), the intermediate shaft will have to be replaced as an assembly, since the joint itself is a non-serviceable item.

TekViper

how do u get the intermediate shaft out? does it come out from inside the car once u take the wheel off? i have a tilt wheel. how much do u think an intermediate shaft would cost?

Motor City Mike

If you have SIR (air bag in steering wheel), lock your steering column with the wheels in a straight ahead position (very important) and do not unlock it until a new int. shaft has been installed. At this point, all other work is done under the hood. Slide up the plastic cover (that covers the intermediate shaft) to gain access to the rag joint, which joins the steering gear box to the intermediate shaft. Remove the bolt at the end of the joint and gently pry the joint off the end of the steering gear input shaft, and fully collapse the int. shaft. Then remove the bolt and nut that secures the other joint to the steering column shaft, and slide it off (this might be a tight fit also - rubber mallet works well). Intallation is in the reverse order.

Not sure. This is a dealer only item so you'd have to try them. You might want to consider getting one from a low mileage wrecked vehicle if cost is an issue.

TekViper

do you need to remove the pressure line from the ps pump to remove that plastic sleeve over the lower steering shaft? i dont see any other way. the bolt looks hard to get a wrench on too because of the plastic sleeve.

im also havnig second thoughts on wether or not theres is more then normal play in the joint. theres enough movement to make a knocking noise when pulling up and down on it. also the shaft coming out of the firewall has some slight play in it as well.

Motor City Mike

No. There is an open area where the plastic part goes around one of the PS line fittings. Lift up slightly on the plastic in this area to clear the line nut and slide it out through where the steel PS line is, then slide the whole thing upwards.

Some up/down play is normal, and so is any clicking knock noise while doing so (to a small degree). The play and/or noises you should be more concerned about is when the steering wheel is turned back and forth. Grab a hold of the upper steering joint (steering wheel unlocked, engine off) and twist it back and forth. Any play in the intermediate shaft or joints should be readily apparent.

TekViper

theres a small amount of twisting play in the shaft joint when i turn the wheel. you can hear it click when turning the steering wheel back and forth fast right were the play is. its a very small amount tho, maybe .045in of movement, just enough that u can tell theres some play, but not a lot of movement if u know what i mean.

i dont think repair is critical at this point, do you agree? thanks for the help so far.

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Or you can do what i did.Made this from junk yard parts.used parts from 3 different cars to make it.Plus part of the original shaft.been on my car now for about a year.Works really good.Much smoother steering feel...........

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Around here(cali) dealers want almost 200 for one(dealer item only)They dont make any remans.As for removing it.theres just 2 bolts that hold it on.1 at each end,by the sterring box.the other just ahead of the firewall.very easy to replace.

TekViper

yeah but now will your homemade steering shaft collapse in an accident? or is the collapsing part somwhere else?

Kenwood

iTrader: (1)

Looks like it will collapse in his face if he wrecks...

A lot of places will make one for you as well...Often times better looking and stronger than Factory...

I checked into getting a custom collapsing stainless one done and it was like 30 bucks cheaper than a stock replacement...YET looked 100% better..

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Looks can be deceiving(kenwood).It does collapse & not in my face.Factory unit compresses about 4in.Mine will collapse 3.5in.Heres a pic if it matters.....

TekViper

how exactly did u make that shaft? what cars did u get the parts from?

84 1LE

iTrader: (9)

Well its rather involved to explain.Although fairly easy to do,but basically the center shaft is from a 3rd gen,the small u-joint is from an astro van(any yr)the big u-joint is also fron an astrovan,but the DD socket end is from a 4th gen f-body.The DD socket from the astro van will fit,but the bolt is on the out side.Whereas the f-body(4th gen)DD socket is a pass thru design.Just like 3rd gens.All 3 units have to be completely disassembled.The 3rd gen shaft is shortend.Bearings press out.It might be easier to do a tech type(w/pics)thing.I think i still have more of these things lying around to make another one....