I recently replaced the steering shaft on my O2 Dakota Quad cab 4x4. The u-joints were shot and constantly clunked on bumps and turns. Once I replaced the steering shaft the clunk and poping went away. The steering and turning feels better. However I found that I have about an 1 of play in the steering wheel as well as a rattle when I go over bumps. I have verified the bolts on the shaft are tight. I also snugged up the two bolts at the toe plate and checked the shaft to column bolt right above it. The play is present whether I am moving or not. I can hear it in the column somewhere. Has anyone else had this issue or know how to fix this?

Thanks in advance
Inspector12

 

Welcome inspector.

Are you sure it is in the steering shaft? How are the ball joints and tie rod ends, both inner and outer? Are the bushings in good condition on the control arm?

There are also rubber bushings at the steering gear mount point.

 

Thank you for your responses. Yes they have been replaced. The tie rods and upper and lower ball joints have been replaced. The noise I am hearing appears to be coming from inside the cab. I have a feeling that the noise was there for a long time. The difference is the clunking from the shaft is gone with the install of the new steering shaft. I have tried to snug up the two bolts at the toe plate and the nut/bolt on the steering column. I am missing something somewhere.