Steering column joint question

[Allpar Mod]

It seems like that this is the second time I'm having issues with the u-joints in the steering column. The first time, I soaked the one closest to the firewall in PB Blaster and the hesitation went away in 2 days. It has reoccurred and I soaked both joints, but it is still there. I'm going to try to clean the joints and do it again, but I'm not sure this time. I'm pretty sure that this is where the issue is and it's not torque bind.

 

Now, I looked on Rock Auto's site and there is no listing for replacement joints. I had a surprise when I had a Loyale several years ago and found out that the drive shaft did not have user serviceable u-joints when one went bye-bye. Is this the same thing here?

 

Where can I get the parts? I hope it isn't a dealer only part. What is involved with replacement of both joints?

 

This is a real pain in the a$$ as I put a lot of miles on the Soob and depend on it every day. I lose 10mpg having to use my truck and the gas bills will rack up if I have to take this off the road for long because I cannot afford to fix it right now because of an expensive fix.

Edited July 21, 2010 by Allpar Mod
spelling

[JT95]

If that is indeed the issue, then snag 'em from a salvage yard. Should be two bolts that hold that joint section in place and I would assume not a big deal to change...though I've only been on the take-off side of it. I would imagine not a common part to fail, so used should be just fine.

[Allpar Mod]

Thanks. After another soaking and time, the steering is back to normal so this pretty much confirms what was going on. I'll just keep an eye on it for now and look into replacement if it persists.

[Fairtax4me]

The part comes as an assembly for about $100 at the online dealers. But they're easy to come across in the junkyard, and chances of finding a good one are pretty good.