Hi....back again after a few month absence. I have an '02 D, 127K on the odometer, 4.7.

A while back, the steering to me felt "tight", like it was taking more to turn the wheel. That magically went away after DH changed the power steering fluid. Now there is a noise coming from the steering wheel when you turn it to the left and back again. I can only describe it as a muted hollow popping sound. It happens whenever you turn the wheel an inch or two from its centered position, and the wheel king of "catches" slightly when it gets to that point. Still turns okay, but it's starting to scare me a bit, like it's going to fall off in my hand or something. DH assures me it won't, but I'm a chronic worrier by nature.

Any ideas on what this could be and what it will take to fix it?

 

Have a friend turn the steering wheel and look around. If it does it every time it shouldn't be too hard to find.

My guess is your intermediate shaft may have seized a universal joint and the popping and the friction you feel.

 

Look at the U-joints in the immediate steering shaft.

 

+3 or w/e we are up to check out the u-joints in the steering shaft

 

How are you guys proposing they check the joint? You won't be able to tell if it's toast unless you pull it. Even then you're just looking for excessive play. Just replace it...

 

You can reach down and turn the units and feel and observe the joints for any signs of wear. It really isn't that hard concerting there is only 2 joints. But yes you are correct, to truly have a foolproof test you would need to take it off and have a good look at it.

 

That doesn't really work all the time, though. Mine had no visibly play in it until it was removed.

 

I've seen also seen shafts appear fine in the truck, but have seized joints when you remove them. I'd almost guess he has no slop/play in the shaft anyhow considering he doesn't mention any play in the steering wheel.