Steering shaft / I-shaft assistance

[Jack Stilts]

I have an interesting conundrum at hand.

When I purchased the X, it had all the warranty / recall work done at a dealership, including the steering shaft. While my buddy was checking out my gear box (that sounds so wrong), he told me I needed to replace the steering shaft. That being said, I’ve only put 20K miles on it since I purchased it. There are two options / questions:

1. Is it possible for a new shaft to wear out so quickly?
2. Is it possible that my buddy is giving me the fimble-famble? I hate having to second-guess his mechanical advice.

Anyone have any experience replacing this thing, or the longevity of it?

 

[Krokus_01Xterra]

What did he find wrong with the steering shaft that he thinks might call for it to be replaced?
Are you having any symptoms?

 

[Jack Stilts]

He didn't say. Just that it needed to be replaced. And then he conveniently left on military leave, so it'll be damn near impossible to get a hold of him.

Symptoms? Oh, yes. Loose steering, too much free play / wander, road crown eats me alive, and a loose steering wheel.

But that could be the gear box as well, right? That's on the list to get replaced since it leaks.

 

[Muadeeb]

Since the box is leaking, tackle that before looking into the shaft. The issues are likely connected, but since you know one is bad, lets eliminate that as a cause.

 

[granitex]

I have never, ever heard of someone needing to replace the steering shaft. short of an wreck, or full restoration/outlandish fab, there is no reason.

 

[KChurch86]

How's your centerlink? Mine was worn out and I had almost 2 inches of rotational play side-to-side on my steering wheel. I could turn the wheel 2 inches to the left or right and still be going in a straight line.

 

[Jack Stilts]

Since the box is leaking, tackle that before looking into the shaft. The issues are likely connected, but since you know one is bad, lets eliminate that as a cause.

I still haven't ordered the box; I was going to hold off and buy both at the same time if the shaft was needed. Thanks, Deeb.

I have never, ever heard of someone needing to replace the steering shaft. short of an wreck, or full restoration/outlandish fab, there is no reason.

Interesting. Thanks for the info.

How's your centerlink? Mine was worn out and I had almost 2 inches of rotational play side-to-side on my steering wheel. I could turn the wheel 2 inches to the left or right and still be going in a straight line.

Haha, that's how mine is too! Heavy duty replacements for the centerlink, tie rods, idler arm, and pitman arm are all sitting in my garage, waiting to be installed. When I'm done with all this, I want the old girl to have the response and tightness of a damn rally car.

 

[Prime]

Wait...... You mean you haven't installed the TK steering kit yet?

 

[Jack Stilts]

Wait...... You mean you haven't installed the TK steering kit yet?

Sadly, this is true. I want to replace everything I need (as far as steering) in one fell swoop.

 

[Prime]

Well. In that case, if your box is leaking (again, sounds dirty), order a new box and just put the damn kit on. Odds are, since you've had the recall done on the steering shaft it's fine. I'm willing to wager that if you actually install the kit, your steering will be fine.

 

[Jack Stilts]

I'm sure it will be. The plan was to get the box and replace everything. Just didn't know if I needed to put a new shaft in the box.

...zing.

 

[Prime]

Probably not