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98 civic steering u-joint is making noise

Hi there,

98 civic lx 4 door 260000kms. When the car is not running (key in the ignition to prevent steering wheel from locking) and I move the steering wheel, I hear a clunk. Thought automatically that it was a tie rod end, checked them and they were fine. Next checked the inner tie rod ends by popping the outers out of the socket and pulling and pushing on them. They are both tight too.

Took the mechanics stethoscope to the rack, no noise coming from it either.

Chased the noise up the steering column, and whadoyaknow, the u-joint at the bottom of the column is moving ever so slightly.

Question is, how hard of a job is this? Is it worth doing? What damage am I causing by not doing it?

Also, how many hours to do in a shop?

Any input is appreciated! Thanks Terry in Winnipeg

Reply to
loewent via CarKB.com
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Reply to
loewent via CarKB.com

there's a spec in the manual about what's an acceptable degree of play - something like an inch at the steering wheel. if it exceeds that, go ahead and replace it. it's a bit fiddly since it's down in the foot well, but it's pretty straightforward. best thing is to buy the shop manual from helm.com - it will walk you through it no problems.

Reply to
jim beam

i don't think its the same part your talking about.

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I'm talking about part #4 in the diagram from SL Honda (link above).

Its in the engine bay hooked up to the steering gearbox. I assume that I will have to drop the rack to access this properly. Just was hoping someone else had experience and could impart some of it....

Thanks t

jim beam wrote:

Reply to
loewent via CarKB.com

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