The first problem came up close to 5 years ago. Something happened in the steering column after the front end dropped into a rut that was full of water. I can rock the steering wheel. It doesn't matter which way, up-down, side-to-side or at an angle. The bolt is tight. Drivability was never affected so I never worried about it.

Fast forward to a couple months ago. There are rubbing and squeeking noises coming from within the steering column now, it is harder to turn and I have to manually return the wheels ot straight ahead. The stuff outside the vehicle looks fine and don't make any noise at all.

Any other idea when I might be able to rock the steering wheel? Is it possible to repair the steering column?

 

I picked up a steering column from a local yard for $100. That includes the airbag, steering wheel, shifter, all the plastic crap, wiper/turn signal arm, cruise control buttons and a few other little things. I'll be reusing some stuff from my truck since I know it works and it is in better shape.

I'd like to clean it up and relube some stuff. One of the things I'm wondering about is the plastic piece that moves as you turn the key. There is some type of grease all over it. It is item 21 in this diagram. Any idea what to use on it.

http://www.trademotion.com/parts/199...iagram=MA97320