Steering Issue - Double-Checking

[TailHook]

I'm pretty sure I have the infamous intermediate steering shaft issue, but wanted to get some validation before I start shotgunning parts...

Annoying clunking noise/feel at low speeds? <CHECK>
Excessive play in steering? <CHECK>
Crappy handling? <CHECK>

Idler arm "seems" OK through my extremely scientific "wheel wiggle" analysis and the shaft itself seems loose when moved laterally.

So, what do you all think...shaft, right?

Thanks in advance!

 

[TailHook]

Went ahead and bought both the intermediate shaft and lower column bearing (mine was white, not the newer green one...my research pointed to this being an additional culprit of the "clunk" even after ISS replacement)...p/n 19153614 and 88963617, respectively.

Installing this weekend, and hopefully it cures the issue I'm having...

 

[brndns_hoe]

i need to do this too....where'd you buy the parts from?

 

[TailHook]

i need to do this too....where'd you buy the parts from?

Local dealership had them in stock...$80 for both after my discount.

 

[TailHook]

Replaced the ISS today...HUGE difference...no more noises and feels more solid, too. It also seemed to remove some of the play in the steering, but not all...suspect the box at this point since all else has been eliminated.

Turns out that I DID have the newer lower column bearing...LIGHT green apparently looks white with a cheap LED flashlight...replaced it anyway while it was all apart.

On to the next project...

 

[91RS]

How many miles do you have? Pitman and idler arms are the most common to get loose and cause play in the steering. If you're AWD check and make sure front hubs aren't loose (still can get loose with 2WD, but not very common). Sometimes the steering gear can get loose and needs to be adjusted, but I've only really seen that on H2s and the early trucks (99-02) so far. Though you do have 22"s so the extra weight will put more stress on all the parts.

 

[TailHook]

Appreciate the info...

Nearing 100K and AWD...bearings/pitman/rod ends/idler all seem good, but I'm going to have a more competent tech look at them, since this is my hobby not my career. I know enough to be dangerous!

I'm just glad the clunking is gone now...that was more annoying than anything else!

 

[Ryan Willson]

I have the same issue and have been looking at the heavier duty aftermarket shafts. Has anyone used the aftermarket shafts and if so, is it worth the extra money? I'd like to just do it once and be done.

Thanks!

 

[Grebbler]

I used the $40 Doorman shaft 30k ago and it's still fine.

With power steering I can't see needing a 2 inch ISS.

The issue is bad splining on the OEM part and the Doorman is an old school 'D' shaft design.

 

[McFatterson]

The slop in the steering is probably from the poor steering design from the factory.

The bar that the pitman/idler arms attatch to tends to twist when the steering wheel is turned resulting in "number" steering.

I have seen this issue on all Yukons I've encountered.

Cognito makes a pitman idler arm brace that helps keep it steady... it's supposed to make a pretty big difference in steering feedback and helps the pitman/idler arms last a little longer. Costs $200-$250 depending on what you have.

I will be ordering mine in the next few weeks.