[DLM]

Hi,

I have a squeak coming from where the steering shaft comes out of the firewall.

In the pic attached, it seems to emanate from where the rusty shaft protrudes from the round piece that's blurred in the background.

Is it a matter of simply greasing that area or does the squeak point to something worse to come? If greasing is the solution, can someone point me to where and how?

Thanks!

 

[smj999smj]

What you have is an upper steering column shaft with a "rag joint" at the end (where you are pointing) which connects to a lower steering shaft with a universal joint. 2002-2004 Frontiers actually had a recall on the lower shaft because the joint would get rusty and bind up. If you're certain the squeak is at the upper shaft where it exits the column, you could try spraying WD40 towards the column and see if that helps. If not, it "may" be a worn out rag joint. Nissan sells the rag joint as part of the upper column shaft, which runs about $150 online plus shipping and appears to be still available. I know there are "rag joint repair kits" on the aftermarket; I believe Dorman Products "HELP" line may have them. I do not know if it'll work on a Nissan column, however.

 

[Zedbra]

smj always delivers the goods - thanks again.

 

[DLM]

...you could try spraying WD40 towards the column and see if that helps.

Thanks, smj. Is there any benefit to greasing the other side of the rag joint--the section between it and the firewall? Granted, it's hard to see if there is even an area to spray back there to begin with.

I squeezed a few drops of Tri-Flow penetrating oil down where the universal joint is and upward where the rusty section of the shaft enters the rag joint, but that didn't quell the squeak.

 

[smj999smj]

There shouldn't be anything behind the rag joint to grease.

 

[neilrl79]

2002-2004 Frontiers actually had a recall on the lower shaft because the joint would get rusty and bind up.

I just found out today that my '03 never had this recall done.

 

[smj999smj]

Well, mind as well get it done! It's free!

 

[jwzg]

Just got mine done at 194k miles

Sent from my SM-G935U using Tapatalk

 

[DLM]

I thought I'd follow-up on what the problem was in case this happens to be researched by others on the internet.

The steering rack is fine. The problem was the hard brake line was rubbing on the steering shaft. Go figure. I do wonder, however, how they came into contact to begin with--either the steering shaft dropped or the hard brake line rose. Mystery to me.

 

[Cusser]

DLM - great information !