I hit the brakes and felt a tick, like a metal ping coming thru the steering column. This is not anything to do with the brakes or braking system. This is in the column as far as I can tell. I grabbed the steering column at the bottom were the coupler and the steering gear come together and wiggled it up and down and can see some movement and feel what I believe is the ticking sound. Either this movement is because of the small U-joint (that I don't know the name of) on the column, or maybe the bearing at the input of the steering gear is worn out. There is no sign of any leakage coming from the steering gear, so I guess the seals are holding. Anyway I am wondering if someone has had this problem or something like it and can give me some info on maybe a replacement bearing (if you can get inside the steering gear) or were to get the U-joint bearings on the column which probably need replacement at 121K miles.

 

I had a problem with my 98 durango. It was the shaft that went from the colum to the box. it was frozen. we had to replace it. when you went over bumps you could feel them in the steering wheel. I don't know if this is the tick you hear but I know when it was changed the guy said it was spent.

 

Thanks I'll check it out.[sm=icon_cheers.gif]