Xoutpost.com - Tight steering-Replace the double joint-photos

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My clunking actually feels/sounds like it's coming from a lower spot on the steering shaft. I also noticed there's less clunking when it rains (because of the moisture?).

Very informative, may have to do this in the future, thank you.

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Needed post. Same issue. Stiff steering and clicks sometimes.

Great DYI , nice paint on Your X5 and body kit.
I feel bad for your air filter with all that dust.....and the heat......OMG.......

question , after the repair, did You have to reset Your steering sensor?

Quote:

Originally Posted by nezarnuaimat (Post 934770)

Good job Mrfixit. I can see that you're expert in this so let me ask you this: When my car is cold in the morning my steering is very smooth and good, some minutes later it become tighter and tighter. Is this because I use aftermarket lubricant? Thanks

Nezar: That is a very interesting occurrence. Are your referring to the aftermarket power steering fluid? Any quality ATF fluid should be OK. As far as tighter and tighter steering after starting, I'm not sure of the exact cause. It will requires some investigation.

Could be degraded/dirty ATF fluid; defective power steering pump; worn/loose serpentine belt; or others. You'll have to go through and check/eliminate the possible causes. You're in a harsh operating condition, dust/sand and extreme heat reek havoc on machines.

I would try changing out the ATF fluid first. It's cheap and easy to do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by electricalserv x5 (Post 934855)

question , after the repair, did You have to reset Your steering sensor?

I did not have to reset the steering sensor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrFixIt (Post 934903)

Nezar: I would try changing out the ATF fluid first. It's cheap and easy to do.

Thanks MrFixIt, I agree with you and I think I'll do this step first.

Nezar--what color is the fluid? Will you be DIY? Do you know that the replacement part is in good shape? Getting stiffer after running for some time could be getting a joint hot if they are not good and cause binding. No Clicking noise when you turn the wheel?

DT Man- FYI-there are many sources for a clunk that sounds like it is in the steering wheel. I would start by spraying WD40 on all the steering wheel Universal joints--see schematic in earlier post. How many miles on the current front suspension?

AKE 53--If you can make it click in park with engine running at different RPMs have someone turn the wheel back and forth while you put something metal or a stethoscope on the steering rack and to your ear. If the noise is louder than other metal steering parts close by that will tell you it is probably in the steering rack. If that is not the source try other steering parts though clicking is a common symtom of a steering rack problem. Either way click or no click test possible, I would then change the fluid especially if it hasn't been changed for a long time or is brown, should be red.