DIY Network

Winter Maintenance: Servicing an Intermediate Steering-Shaft From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-308

Our TSB diagram indicates the need to service and re-lubricate the intermediate steering-shaft.

In this segment of DIY's Weekend Mechanic host Bruce Bonebrake continues with winter maintenance on a GMC truck and takes care of a TSB (technical service bulletin) item -- a steering intermediate shaft.

Materials:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.) and the snow-plow and hitch kits, the only specialty tools that will be needed for the projects in this episode are a fish wire, engine-degreaser spray, steering lube-kit and a level. An air-compressor and set of pneumatic tools is optional, but may be very helpful for this project.

DIY Difficulty Rating for the Projects: In summary, the projects shown in this episode are relatively basic and straightforward. We gave them a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. It took us about 8 hours to finish the projects shown. Depending on the nature of the problems you might uncover, your work time could vary.

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TSB's: Technical Service Bulletins

Vehicle manufacturers typically release TSB's -- or technical service bulletins -- for the first few years of after a vehicle model's production, to keep owners up on possible repair or service issues that may commonly appear with respect to that vehicle. They may release specific instructions or service procedures for addressing those specific issues. The TSB for our GMC truck shows the intermediate steering-shaft highlighted with the number 1. This shaft connects the steering column to the steering box. This particular TSB tells us to replace the existing shaft lubricant with a new lubricant that protects the shaft better.

The basic steps involved in this particular procedure are outlined below.

	Figure A
	Figure B

Servicing an Intermediate Steering-Shaft

• To service the intermediate steering shaft, it must first be removed from the vehicle.

  Important: To avoid damaging the airbag clock-spring connector, the steering wheel must be centered and locked before we remove the intermediate steering shaft.

• Remove the bolt on the end of the shaft located under the dash (figure A). Working room is tight here, but once the nut is removed from the shaft bolt, the bolt can be pushed out the side of the shaft, and the shaft then pulled off the steering column.
  
  
• Removing the end of the intermediate shaft that is near the engine may seem easier. The 20-millimeter bolt and shaft clamp (figure B) are removed from the end of the shaft that connects to the steering gear box. The other end of the shaft has a universal joint that is too big to pass through the firewall rubber boot, so the intermediate shaft is pulled back through the firewall.

  Important: When removing or reinstalling the shaft, make sure that it is compressed all the way.
  

• Clean all of the existing lubricant off the intermediate shaft using degreaser, and check it for wear (figures C and D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  
• Fully extend the shaft and carefully remove the clip using needle-nosed pliers (figure E).

• With the clip removed, use the filled syringe from the lube kit and put the entire contents of the syringe in the shaft (figure F). The lube kit that we used for this project costs around $14.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  
• With the grease in place, place the plug (provided with the kit) in the end of the shaft (figure G), and press it down tight.

• Compress the shaft a couple of times to evenly distribute the grease inside the shaft (figure H).

• Remove the plug and reinstall the clip.

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  
• The procedure for reinstalling the shaft on the vehicle is the reverse of the steps for removal. First the shaft is inserted into the firewall boot from underneath the dash and pushed down toward the engine (figures I and J).

  Figure I

  Figure J

  
  
• The end of the shaft just under the steering wheel is connected and bolted in (figure K).

• Then the other end of the shaft, near the steering gear box, is bolted in with the clamp that holds the nut (figure L).

  Figure K

  Figure L

  
  

In the segment that follows, the throttle body on the truck gets cleaned and serviced.

Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and ear protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools. Also wear eye protection any time that you are working beneath a vehicle.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

RESOURCES :

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
Author: Dan Ramsey
ISBN: 0028635833
Alpha Books

Auto Repair for Dummies
Author: Deanna Sclar
ISBN: 0764550896