Clicking noise

[jddanks]

Hi all, my 98 exp has developed a clicking noise when i turn the steering wheel, it sounds like the kind of noise you get when a cv joint is gone, but on mine it does it both when moving and stationary , im not sure, but i think its the universal joint on the steering column shaft, could i be right, and if so can the joint be fixed with new bearings, or does it mean a new shaft?
JD

 

[Howard]

If the clicking is coming from that joint then a new shaft is the only way. You can remove the shaft and test it for play first.

 

[janolsson]

How is the boot on this knuckle. As it is next to the manifold it can split and the joint gets dry (Mine is fubar)
If there isn't too much play it may be worth trying a new boot, full of grease I got a universal steering rack boot from my local motor factors that fits.
I'm takin my engine out at the mo so i'm thinkin when i put it back in i'm gonna try and make a heat sheild attached via the heater hoses bracket or other suitable fixing point.
Good luck with yours and let us all know how you get on

 

[jddanks]

Thanks for that info, you probably hit the nail on the head, because the boot on mine does have a split in it, in fact it looks like its meant to be split, its neatly cut in two halves , so silly me figured it was meant to be like that, and yes there is no grease in it, didnt realise it should have, i just thoiught it was a fancy dust cover. ill get a boot like you mentioned and try it..do ya happen to know what the one you got for? ( i know it was universal, but im after an idea of size i need)
Once again, thanks for the help, and thanks Howard too
JDD

 

[janolsson]

Can't help on the size. i just had a look at the old one then went to shop and asked to look at a universal one. One end has a fixed diameter but the other end has stepped diameters so you can trim it to the right one.
Gonna zip tie mine when i do it. Waitin til i get the engine out to make the job easier.
Regards