Intermediate shaft/steering removal?

[stsgus]

after fixing so many things on this car, now another..... As I turn steering wheel, sitting still, or driving left wheel seems to snap, crackle pop.....(not so much like a cv) I am thinking its the ill-designed intermediate shaft, after reading many posts.
Some posts say there is a nice pdf illustrating r/r, I cannot find.

If it is the intermediate shaft, is my car safe to drive gingerly around town untili fixed, and if not, why is this not a recall issue?

Thanks in advance!!!!!

98 STS

[submariner409]

The ISS (referred to as Intermediate Shaft) usually emits a creak or groan during low speed stops or turns. You can pin it down by going about 15 mph on a straight road, ease off the gas and begin using the brake to make the front end "nod" down and up while coming to a stop - as in pump the brakes slowly. If the ISS lubricant is dried out (and the slip joint is therefore rusty) you'll hear a distinct creaking at the base of the steering column.

To replace it, the car needs to be on a chassis lift. You crawl up by the brake pedal and move the inside (base of steering column) boot out of the way and loosen the clamp bolt there. Then, sort of the same process with the lower clamp bolt at the steering rack. You might need to lower the rear of the engine cradle a few inches to release the ISS.

It is not a fun job. The replacement is a redesigned shaft and universals. There is no recall - it's a noise issue not a safety issue, and was a warranty item under the original bumper-to-bumper new car warranty.

BTW, the noise will not occur unless the car is moving - it's the slip joint movement between the car body and steering rack, so if you hear a noise when sitting still and turning the wheel, you're in the CV or suspension area.

[stsgus]

Thanks for the info!! I feel now that its not the ISS, because it creaks sitting still. So now I am back to ball joint and/or cv half shaft.

Thanks for clarifying, I read about the ISS change, doesnt sound fun .....

[cooncat]

I had the same problem with the 2001 Monte Carlo I used to have. I had it either replace or lubed about 4-6 times. It was a real pain in the you know what. Good luck