sdls

My car's developed a little bit of play in the steering shaft u-joint. It has contributed to loose steering and lackluster handling. I confirmed that it was the u-joint after I poked my head down in the driver side footwell and wiggled the steering wheel. So, has anyone changed the u-joint or have they just replaced the steering shaft itself? Toyota wants $300 for the shaft, including the u-joint, and I think that's incredibly wasteful to change the whole thing, especially if the only thing wrong is a $10 u-joint.

The part I'm talking about is: 45260‑50040 - SHAFT ASSY, STEERING INTERMEDIATE, NO.2.
It is the upper u-joint on the steering column, in the driver footwell. It is part of a larger assembly that includes a ribbed section to collapse when the driver's body hits the steering wheel in an accident. The lower u-joint, which more people are familiar with, is located in the engine bay and is not the cause of my problem.

Any help is appreciated. I searched too. Danke

deanshark

I just looked through my 93 manual and when it comes to the No. 2 intermediate shaft it just says "remove No. 2 intermediate shaft". It doesn't mention how. It looks like the whole column needs to come out and put in a vice to remove that shaft. But, I could be wrong so don't take that 100%. I'm not sure if that U-joint can come out while the column is still installed. It does look like the U-joint is like any other U-joint; Take out the C clip and press out the U-joint.
No sense paying $300 for the shaft if you don't need the whole thing. It would be cheaper then that to have someone change the U-joint.

yoitskenn

iTrader: (4)

My U-joint on my 2000 LS is bad as well. It gives me loose steering and you can hear and feel the clunk going over bumps. As I was driving, i took my left foot and held it up against the U-joint to put pressure on it and the clunking goes away.

I purchased the shaft for about 250 from the dealer. None of my friends wanna tackle the job with me so I guess I'm gonna have to take it into a shop and let them deal with it.

gbracer04

Did you find someone to install the steering shaft? If so what did they charge for labor? Im pretty sure I have the same problem. Thanks!

valex

I seem to have same problem on my 1999LS, feel loose steering when driving over gravel or rough road. Replacing inner and outer tie rods helped a bit, but not completely. If someone has tackled the job, let us know how it went!
Val

valex

Can a worn steering rack contribute to this " looseness" when driving on gravel or bumpy drive? Just curious...

valex

I had a tiny leak in the steering rack - boot was just slightly damp. I sucked some ATF out and added Lucas. The rack doesn't make noises, steering is smooth. I just want to make sure nothing else can cause the problem before I buy an intermediate shaft. My lower yoke seems to be fine.
Thank you!

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Minimal discussion on this. The usual suspension bushings, tie rod ends, ball joints, upper control arms, steering rack mounts can also contribute to loose feeling steering. If those have been eliminated, then this U-joint may bea possibility. With such minimal discussion, and your wallet on the line, I would suggest having it checked by a good shop. Let us know.

python

iTrader: (4)

symptoms of this are also binding spots in the steering as well as clunking..i would think slight vibration and or shaking in the wheel also. i believe mine is out as well. im either going to buy a new shaft..one off ebay..or have mine cleaned up and greased...depends on how bad it is

9000revs

Has anyone tackled this steering column clunk issue? I have this(really rough roads and railway lines) and my mechanic says 45260‑50040 - SHAFT ASSY, STEERING INTERMEDIATE, NO.2. also. But I wanted to get a second opinion before paying so much for the part. Has anyone managed to just replace the u-joint.

BTW is the part number different for a 2000?

Stroock639

my steering column will make a rattly/squeaky sound when the car has been sitting in cold weather that will eventually go away once the inside has been warmed up sufficiently. ive recently had tie rods and most of the major bushings replaced but i can feel a decent amount of vibration through the wheel at times. my steering column also seems to have like a half inch of play going in and out. one time a raccoon ran in front of me at night and when i braked i guess i must've instinctively pulled the wheel back toward me and it moved a bit, that's why i was thinking it might be a u joint

and i think the part # is 45209-50010

valex

I have yet to tackle the job on my 99LS, but here is the diagram

9000revs

just confirming the part number - 45260‑50040 - SHAFT ASSY, STEERING INTERMEDIATE, NO.2., as it seems like the just u-joint cannot be purchased.

9000revs

I take that back, it seems to be #3 below or 45260-50060.

http://www.mylparts.com/parts/2000/L...termed%20shaft

valex

Old thread, but my update.
As I was changing the engine mounts, I changed the rack bushings too. Made a big difference, no more looseness on gravel, etc. Old rubber didn't look bad at all, I was surprised, but new "insulators" made a difference. Maybe the new rubbers are just "masking" a worn u-joint in intermediate shaft, not sure, if the problem comes back, I will deal with it.