Steering column clicking

my steering column makes a clicking sound whenever I turn from one direction to another. Does anybody have an idea on what this could be?



thanks!

 

Do you feel anything in the wheel?

 

Yes. A little bit. It's something you feel if you're paying attention.

 

Try lubricating the intermediate shaft joint. If that relieves the problem likely that needs replacement.

Cheap and easy to try.

 

It appears that the intermediate shaft is fine. It does have 150,000 miles and appear to be original. The clicking seems to be because the steering rack bushings are pretty shot. I ordered a new poly set through energy suspension parts. Should I go ahead and replace that shaft while I am down there?

 

If you drop under the rig and grab the steering shaft that bolts into the rack and pinion you may find play,if so more than
likely it is the steering shaft bushing has worn out.The part number is 45273 according to the exploded view on their website.
It can create a lot of play if its worn out,mine is so i ordered one up.
This is the view of the steering shaft coming off the firewall and drops
into the rack and pinion.Its a $15.00 dollar part at the dealer and its specific
to repair the slop in the steering.Over time the bushing wears out and i would
imagine its made of nylon or something similar.When i pick it up tomorrow i can
post a pic of it.Mine is loose as a goose,did the tack repair on the slip joint but this bushing is also a major culprit in funky steering.FYI.

 

If you are not in salt land and the joint seems to operate smoothly I'd be inclined to leave it alone.

 

ordered this:
https://www.energysuspensionparts.com/8.10103

 

I'm in AZ. I'll leave it be. Thank you!

 

mine does something similar not as bad as yours yet, I thought was in the steering wheel itself. Ill be checking the steering shafts now.
I dont like the extra noise.

 

With your left hand left lift the turn signal lever and with your right hand turn the steering wheel and see if you feel any clicking in the lever. If not you have eliminated the switch assembly.

 

Tried this. Definitely not associated with the signal lever. I'll report back once bushings are replaced.

 

I replaced the bushings and still got the same sound. Driving at hwy speeds did feel a lot more responsive.

 

I changed out the intermediate shaft and the car turns like a dream. No clicking and it suddenly feels like I have power steering for the first time!!! Thank you for everyone who helped.