Thanks kd0axs and Encho:
You're right, of course. I'm sure they are original and I have > 130,000 miles. It's an easy fix. I'm hitting the parts store on the way home today. I've been reading a little, and there are serveral things that could have failed, e.g. needle bearing, c-ring, which could eventually ruin a yoke or worse. I think the bearings come in the kit.
I'll post the results. Thanks, again.