Is your steering wheel making strange noises or feeling a bit different when you turn? These could be signs of a failing intermediate steering shaft, an important component in your car’s steering system.
Though not a common problem, when this part starts to fail, it can quickly create an unsafe driving condition.
To help you identify potential issues before complete failure, let’s look at the most common signs your intermediate steering shaft is going bad, along with what you can expect to pay for a replacement.
What Is an Intermediate Steering Shaft?
The main function of an intermediate steering shaft is to connect the steering wheel to the steering gearbox, serving as a vital link in translating steering wheel inputs into wheel movement.
The shaft features two universal joints (U-joints), one at each end. The upper joint connects to your steering wheel, while the lower joint attaches to the steering gearbox. These universal joints are designed to work at various angles, allowing the steering system to function properly despite the different planes between the steering wheel and the steering gearbox.
Modern vehicles typically use a collapsible intermediate steering shaft design for safety. This allows the shaft to collapse in the event of a front-end collision, helping protect the driver from serious injury.
The intermediate steering shaft must be properly aligned and well-maintained to provide responsive steering and safe vehicle operation.
Signs of a Failing Intermediate Steering Shaft
1) Strange Sounds (Popping/Clunking)
One of the most common signs of a bad intermediate steering shaft is unusual sounds coming from your steering system. You’ll typically hear popping or clunking noises when turning the steering wheel, especially during low-speed maneuvers like parking.
These sounds often start subtle and occasional but become more frequent and louder over time. Often, they’ll be most noticeable when turning from a complete stop or during sharp turns.
2) Play or Looseness in Steering Wheel
If you notice a bit of excessive movement in your steering wheel before the wheels actually begin to turn, your intermediate steering shaft might be wearing out. This feeling is often described as “play” in the steering and can manifest as a slight delay between turning the wheel and the car responding.
Over time, the steering wheel can also start to move up and down or side to side more than usual. This looseness tends to develop gradually, so many drivers don’t notice it until it becomes significant. This symptom is particularly noticeable when changing direction or during slow-speed maneuvers.
3) Turning Difficulty/Binding
When your intermediate steering shaft starts to fail, a sudden resistance or binding when turning the steering wheel is often experienced. This issue is most noticeable at low speeds such as when making turns around corners or during parking maneuvers.
The steering wheel might feel like it’s catching or sticking at certain points in the turn, forcing you to apply more effort than usual. Not only is it a major inconvenience, it can slow down your reaction time and makes it harder to respond quickly in emergency situations.
4) Steering Wheel Vibration During Turns
Another fairly common symptom is vibration in the steering wheel that becomes more noticeable during turns. This vibration might feel like a trembling or shuddering sensation through the steering wheel, particularly when making slow turns such as during parking.
This shaking and vibration often occurs because of worn u-joints or other damaged components within the shaft. While some minor vibration might be normal in older vehicles, any new or increasing vibration should be investigated. Since steering wheel vibration is often due to tire or wheel issues, don’t make your diagnosis based on this symptom alone.
5) Loose Steering Wheel Tilt
Most vehicles on the road today come equipped with a tilt feature that lets drivers adjust their steering wheel angle for comfort. Normally, once you set your preferred position, the steering wheel should lock firmly in place. However, a failing intermediate steering shaft can prevent the tilt mechanism from securing properly.
It will feel like the steering wheel won’t stay in your chosen position, or it feels loose even when locked. While you may think it’s just an annoyance and no big deal, it could just as well indicate more serious problems with your steering column or intermediate shaft.
6) Inconsistent Steering Response
A steering system that’s working like it’s supposed to, should provide consistent feedback and response. With a failing intermediate steering shaft, your car’s steering response can start to become a bit unpredictable.
The wheel might feel light and easy to turn one moment, then suddenly become harder to turn the next. This inconsistency can make your vehicle difficult to control, especially during precise maneuvers.
7) Corrosion on Bearings
Many intermediate steering shafts contains needle bearings that are sealed with grease to extend their lifespan and reduce maintenance needs. Over time (especially in vehicles frequently exposed to wet conditions or road salt), this grease can dry out, leading to visible corrosion on the exterior of the bearings.
While most drivers won’t be able to spot this during a casual inspection, a mechanic can identify this issue during routine maintenance. If corrosion develops, it can accelerate wear on the bearings and lead to all sorts of steering problems.
Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement Cost
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The cost to replace a faulty intermediate steering shaft typically ranges from $400 to $900, though this can vary significantly based on several factors:
Parts Cost: $150 to $400
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts usually cost 30-50% more than aftermarket options.
- Luxury, European, and performance vehicle parts tend to be at the higher end of the range.
- Some vehicles require additional components to be replaced at the same time.
Labor Cost: $250 to $500
- Most shops need 2-3 hours to complete the replacement
- Labor rates vary by location and shop type (dealer vs. independent shop)
- Some vehicles require additional labor due to complex steering system designs or limited access
Other Cost Factors:
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Your location (urban areas typically have higher labor rates)
- An alignment is highly recommended after replacement of steering or suspension components (add $100-$200)
- If related components need replacement during the repair
DIY Considerations: While replacing the intermediate steering shaft on your won could save $250-$500 in labor costs, this job requires:
- Proper tools and equipment
- (in some cases) flexibility to access hard to reach components
- Understanding of steering system components
- Ability to properly align the steering wheel
- Knowledge of torque specifications
Given the safety-critical nature of steering components, professional installation is recommended in most cases. If you choose DIY, consider having a professional inspection afterward to ensure proper installation and alignment.
Causes of Intermediate Steering Shaft Failure
- Age and Normal Wear: The universal joints naturally deteriorate over time due to constant motion. As mileage increases, protective grease breaks down, leading to increased friction and component wear. Most vehicles will experience this type of wear after around 100,000 miles.
- Environmental Exposure: Road salt, water, and extreme temperatures accelerate corrosion and grease breakdown. Areas with harsh winters or coastal regions (with salt in the air) often see faster deterioration. Regular exposure to these elements can significantly shorten the part’s lifespan.
- Impact Damage: Minor front-end collisions, hitting curbs, or severe potholes can damage or misalign the shaft. Even small impacts can create internal damage that worsens over time, leading to premature failure.
- Poor Maintenance: Ignoring early warning signs and skipping regular inspections can lead to accelerated wear. Failing to maintain proper power steering fluid levels or address related steering issues quickly worsens the problem.
- Manufacturing Defects: Though less common, some vehicles may have defective intermediate steering shafts from the factory. These usually become apparent early in the vehicle’s life and might be covered under warranty.
- Related Component Failure: Problems with the steering rack, power steering pump, or wheel bearings can put extra stress on the intermediate shaft. A misaligned front end can also cause premature wear.
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16-buick lacrosse humming noise front end worst at low speeds
Does it hum while the car is idling and also while it’s rolling? Does it get worse when you turn?
I ended up replacing every suspension part and the steering wheel steering wheel still had a quarter turn of no reaction. Finally, replaced the intermediate shaft and the loose play in the steering wheel vanished to no play at all.
I have a 2016 Pajero sport and my steering wheel has a lot play and my wheel feels like shaking/wobbling side to side. It has delay in turning and sometimes won’t center immediately after turning. In the freeway, driving feels very loose and when changing lines at 80-100kph, it feels like sliding instead of turning. Already replace all suspension parts (upper control arm, inner/outer tie rod/stab link/lower ball joint, shocks/mounting) and new set of tires. Alignment was done in diff shops all giving same results that it is aligned. Rack and pinion was also tightened to offset the loose steering. Dry steering also has no resistance. I’m stumped. Wheel bearings have no unusual sound or whatsoever. Prior to suspension part replacement, steering was very responsive. This all started when I was potholed hard on my front right side and steering became off center. Help
Jack the car up and shake the wheels back and forth and up and down. Do you notice any play at all? See if you can track this back down to its source. I suspect it’s the wheel bearings, because you’ve changed just about everything else. Wheel bearings don’t necessarily have to make noise to go bad.
Sometimes when wheel bearings go bad, you notice an additional symptom under braking. There is this concept called pad knockback. When your wheel bearings have a lot of play in them, it pushes the pads back so it requires a longer brake pedal travel the first time you brake. On second or subsequent braking events in a straight line, the brake pedal feels much firmer and travel is reduced.
I have a 2006 Chevy Equinox with 120k I am having a little clunk -I think is coming from the lower U-joint of the Steering Shaft. When I am driving I don’t feel it but when I stop if I move side to side the wheel I get that little clunk, clunk. Is normal a little clunk or is something to address immediately? Thank you
I’d get it checked out.
I recently bought a 2021 Nissan Sentra. It has about 6000 miles on it and I recently started noticing that the steering wheel binds slightly right in the middle of the steering range (as the car is driving straight). When I have to nudge the car left or right to compensate for drift on the highway, I notice a slight resistance or binding which requires just a little extra force to move the steering wheel. When it suddenly overcomes the binding, the car over steers just slightly. This wont be good if this gets worse.
Agreed, you should get that checked out. It almost sounds like something is loose or even getting caught in the steering system.
I have a 2017 Nissan Rogue and I seem to be having the same problem as you. What did you figure out? Did Nissan do anything for you? The dealership I go to can’t figure out the issue. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
I owned a 2001 Tahoe for 15years. Steering shaft was clunking so I replaced it. 1year later it was clunking again. GOT the replacement from O’REILLY’S (had a lifetime warranty) and this time I pulled the shaft apart and filled with tacky red Lucas grease. Took some doing but filled it up. Pushed the shafts together (again took some doing). It’s been 8 years now and still quiet and clunk free.
Can this be incorrectly diagnosed as a bad rack and pinion problem?
Possibly. Do you think your vehicle was misdiagnosed?
I had issue number 2 in my 86 Celebrity and then as i was making a turn, the steering wheel totally quit and was spinning freely with no response from the wheels. Could this be the same issue?
Maybe. Sounds like a component in the steering system let go completely.
I have a 2014 Kia soul that has a clunk or rubbing should over speed bumps, which can only be heard in the cabin of the car not outside. do you think this could be the issue?
A clunk sound and a rubbing sound are pretty different, and could indicate different problems. Are you hearing both?
Check to make sure your wheel and tire size is correct, that the fender liner isn’t dragging against the wheel, and consider having the vehicle’s steering and suspension components inspected for peace of mind.
could be stick slip
what about play in the steering wheel, I have about a 1/4 turn of play in my steering I turn the steering wheel and nothing below the intermediate bearing moves.
Are these prices in can or us dollars?
USD