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Severe steering problem

Old Feb 10, 2009 | 01:27 PM
  #1  
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Severe steering problem

there has been a noise in the steering column for awhile now, but today in the parking garage at school when i turned the wheel it didn't want to come back. i almost hit a parked car and spilled my mt. dew when i reached of with my second hand to force the dang thing straight again. now the wheel seems to have some play in it (up and down) and it periodically does that sticking thing again.

So i'm thinking its the upper bearing in the steering column, but i can't see it. i can however see the bottom one and it looks alright. does this diagnosis sound right, and should i fix it myself or take it to the stealership?
 
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Old Feb 10, 2009 | 02:18 PM
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Originally Posted by cowmilker08
there has been a noise in the steering column for awhile now, but today in the parking garage at school when i turned the wheel it didn't want to come back. i almost hit a parked car and spilled my mt. dew when i reached of with my second hand to force the dang thing straight again. now the wheel seems to have some play in it (up and down) and it periodically does that sticking thing again.

So i'm thinking its the upper bearing in the steering column, but i can't see it. i can however see the bottom one and it looks alright. does this diagnosis sound right, and should i fix it myself or take it to the stealership?
Yep, it sounds like the upper bushng. It's not too hard to replace..just takes time.
Here's some info:
 
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Steering Column removal 1.pdf (78.9 KB, 1420 views)
File Type: pdf
File Type: pdf
Steering Column lower bushing.pdf (47.4 KB, 1041 views)
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Old Feb 11, 2009 | 02:16 PM
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well after reading those files, it sounds kinda like a pain in the a$$, so i'll probably take it somewhere. it may not be that bad though because it doesn't have an air bag, adjustable height, or cruise control so idk, but i don't really have the time for it.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2009 | 02:40 PM
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You could try a junk yard if you can just do the install work, not too bad. It would be a lot cheaper IMO.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2009 | 02:45 PM
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yeah, but i don't really have the time to fool with it for about a month. plus its probably a real bad job.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2009 | 02:47 PM
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Looks Like a fun fix need some help?
 
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Old Feb 11, 2009 | 02:49 PM
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haha, just called dimension north, they said if the bushing is bad then the shaft is probably bad too. they want $25 just to look at it.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2009 | 03:02 PM
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Bernworth-Zollars quoted the job at $160 parts and labor, and said the shaft most likely isn't bad. lol.
 
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Old Feb 11, 2009 | 03:02 PM
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Tilt column? I had a bearing crap out in my old 92 with a straight column, it didn't take much time or effort to fix it. I wouldn't take it anywhere, but I don't trust anyone to work on my truck except me
 
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