Worn teeth on the steering shaft

Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 JEEP LIBERTY
  • 3.7L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,000 MILES
Okay, my steering has been bugging me for a while. I replaced power steering pump and pulley it helped my steering because it was definitely bad. I had written in a previous question about a pull or a tug while I'm driving. Not all the time just once in awhile. The longer I drive it the worse it seems Today I had a friend turn the wheel while I looked under the hood with a flashlight. Lo and behold I saw something shiny. It is a worn tooth in the gears on the shaft The only reason I saw it while she was turning the wheel was because it was shiny compared to the rest of it. How hard is this part to replace and how long can I go before it's dangerous? Are there any quick fixes? I have a few projects going on right now with an entire exhaust being put on then body work and certainly did not need this. I know this is a common issue how hard is this job and what do I need I guess. Can that tooth or teeth be ground down or do I need a full replacement? I know a little about some things but. I have never had this problem before. Thanks.
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 1:32 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

The shaft will have to be replaced. There is no quick fix for this. If they are worn, the shaft must be replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/power-steering-problems

I attached the procedure with a picture below for you to view. You need to remove the pinch bolts from either end and the shaft will come out. It only goes in one way so you cannot mess it up. Plan on about 1 1/2 hours or more for the procedure.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 3:52 AM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
Thank you very much for the quick response. I guess I'll order the part and go from there. Thank you for the info, diagrams and instructions.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 4:03 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Monday, May 3rd, 2021 AT 4:15 AM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
I really hope this does not sound dumb but I'm getting confused looking up this part. Is this called the Intermediate shaft? The Drive Shaft? I guess I need the correct part name so I can finally order the part. Thank you very much in advance.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, May 16th, 2021 AT 3:34 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Yes, it is called the intermediate shaft.

I attached a picture from Rock Auto. Call them and they can give you price and availability for the shaft.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Sunday, May 16th, 2021 AT 4:30 AM
Tiny
KLHUDOCK64
  • MEMBER
  • 91 POSTS
I have searched and searched for that part and other than a Chrysler garage I cannot go find it anywhere. I'm not paying 4 or 5 hundred for it. Rock auto does not have in stock and not sure where else to get one for a better price.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 AT 5:29 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
I would get the part number for the shaft from Chrysler and then search online for the part.

Most of the time, you can get it cheaper online otherwise, you will have to get it from the dealer.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 AT 7:39 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links