A symptom of a loose worn steering column coupler is a knocking noise when you hit bumps and sometimes a shimmy in your steering wheel when driving at high speeds.
When you have a loose or worn steering column coupler your vehicle may also wander from side to side while it's in motion.
The main symptom of loose steering, and probably the first thing you will notice, is overturning when you take a turn.
Also known as 'free play', you'll notice that as you take a turn your steering goes a little too far than you intend it to, and you need to correct the movement.
The cost to replace a steering shaft ranges from $200.00 to $800.00 for parts and labor depending on the vehicle.
The steering shaft cost can vary depending on the model of your vehicle.
If you can replace the steering shaft yourself it will be cheaper but it can be a difficult job.
Most often it will take between 1 to 2 hours to replace a steering shaft but on some vehicles it could take longer.
The symptoms of a bad steering shaft include rough wheel turns, irregular steering wheel positions, and grinding or clicking sounds when you turn.
Steering fluid issues, a worn steering rack, and a faulty serpentine belt might lead to a bad steering shaft.
When you adjust the tilt of the steering wheel, the steering wheel should always lock into place somewhere close to where you want it.
If it doesn't, there is a serious problem with the steering shaft.
The steering wheel will hang at the lowest setting—this is dangerous.
Don't operate the vehicle at all if this happens.
A properly working steering shaft is important to a safe vehicle and if the steering shaft goes bad it can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and a vehicle crash which can be deadly.
The steering shaft of a vehicle is what connects the steering wheel to the steering gear in a torsionally rigid manner and also enables the height of the steering wheel to be adjusted – and is therefore a decisive factor for an ergonomic and safe seating position for the driver.
Tooth contact inside of the steering gearbox or rack and pinion can change as the vehicle ages or may be misadjusted.
In either case, looseness in the steering can result. Sometimes an adjustment may solve the condition but in cases of high mileage, the entire gearbox or rack unit may require replacement.