anewberr

Hey guys, sorry to make a new post. But, I didn't know how to go back and edit to include a picture. I've searched a lot for it, but it's hard to search for something you that you don't know its name or where it's located. I checked my Chilton manual, and it doesn't even show it.

http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/...ckedThingy.jpg

This is connected some how to the steering wheel. I don't know if it's on the steering shaft, column, or what. What the heck is this? It's cracked (on the under side), and I think this is what's causing excessive play in my steering wheel. It feels rubberish, like a rubber grommet. I looked on fordparts.com, but I can't really find it. I can physically move it up and down the shaft, and it's cracked on the other end really badly.

Question: What is this part called, is it hard to change, and would this cause excessive steering wheel play? (2002 Ford Mustang 3.8l V6)

desertt5

Yes, yes and yes.

It is the steering shaft. If you look at it while someone moves the steering back and forth you may see the top part move while the lower stays still. The black part is only a cover (keeps dirt out). It is the telescoping metal shafts that actually do the work. Mine had a ton of play right where your pic is circled.

You can pick up a used one for ~$50 on ebay or go all out and get a MM one for ~$250. I just replaced mine today. Realy wasn't a hard job at all.

Also check just to right in your pic afterthe u-joint. There should be a black rubber/fiber disk. Look for play there also. It is the same part when you buy another one.

anewberr

What causes play in that area? How do steering shafts go bad?

So the purpose of that little black part only keeps dirt out, so it's not super important to replace, you'd recommend replacing the whole steering shaft?

Can you give me a quick run-down on the steps to replace one of these?

Thanks so much!!

desertt5

Asfar as I could tell on mine, it just wore out and no longer held the telescoping part tight. The quick version is jack upfront end on jack stands, Remove bolt under dash closest to firewall on the steering shaft. Remove bolt at bottom of steering shaft below ragjoint. Pull out shaft and put new one in. Can be done in under an hour easy.

You have to replace whole shaft IF that is where your play is coming from. If its actually at the ragjoint. you can repalce that only.

anewberr

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!!!