Hummer H3x, 2007
Had car for less than a year.

My steering has play in it, pretty hairsplitting drive on highway speeds.
Started to look up what is wrong and looks like so called "Intermediate Steering Shaft" is falling apart.
U-joins are very loose, made a video:

Probably that is original one, 12 years old.

Idea is to change "INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT" - upper - (one with broken joints) and "STEERING COLUMN SHAFT" - lower - (I assume this part will be as bad.)

Any suggestions? Or sound plan? Any aftermarket improved parts or originals are fine?

Will use instructions from: https://www.hummerforums.com/forum/h...uctions-27527/

Thank you and have a nice day.

 

Yeah, that sucker is toast. Not safe to drive.

I did mine last week. I thought hydraulic problem as the steering has been getting really stiff. Turned out to be that joint. I ended up ordering ACDelco 19256702 after reading a couple reviews on even the Dorman one not lasting much more than a year. I have never had to replace steering linkage on any of my vehicles before this.

The lower end is best accessed by removing wheel and plastic fender liner. Mind the plastic bushing and bolt at the lower end. You will need to reuse them. The top end I removed the four bolts from the steering column under dash (hope you are flexible) and the two nuts at the firewall. I was able to pull the steering wheel back enough to get middle shaft out. Don't let the steering wheel turn!

I did not replace the lower section as my vehicles have been bleeding me dry of late. May regret that in the near future,

 

This is the view of the bad joint with the fender liner out. Note the plastic bushing in the bolt hole of the replacement joint.

 

Dorman steering shafts were installed shortly before purchasing the '06 H3 almost exactly 4 years ago. They started clunking about 2 years ago. Getting ready to do them again with AC Delco replacements. Highly recommend going with AC Delco.

 

Thanks for tips!
I do hope that plastic bushing has not disintegrated yet
Ordered the parts, will do changing and come back with results!

And yes, I ordered all AC Delco parts.

Could it be that bushing is this?
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...haft+seal,7348

 

I do not believe so. Appears to be a seal that is included in the intermediate shaft assembly.

 

Yesterday got my parts finally.

Was looking into Internets what is that bolt that holds them together.
"Part Number: 15170149" - "BOLT. Steering Gear Shaft. Steering Shaft U Joint. (Pack of 10)" - "М8х1,25х38,7"(possibly)

Maybe I can just jam in any other compatible bolt, if mine will be rusted to hell.

My car is at transmission rebuild right now(water got into transmission), for few weeks.
Need to find that bolt meanwhile.

 

I don't remember the bolt having any special shoulder on it. Hardware store item (grade 8.8 or better). I would be happier if it had a shoulder on it instead of the plastic bushing. Maybe mine was a jury-rigged spacer from a previous repair.

 

It is a hex head flange bolt.
You may be able to clean up the bolt you have with a good soak in PB Blaster and a wire brush.
It is a "pinch bolt" so once removed you may need to put a screw driver between and separate to slide it off of the steering shaft.
I would PB Blast the Krap-ola out of that entire joint and bolt several times before attempting to remove it...

 

You should not use any old bolt that fits, find a flange bolt. If you don't, the threads of a bolt ask like a rasp/file/saw and chew up the hole exposed to the threads over time allowing things to wobble and vibrate and can lead to eventual failure.