My mechanic says my steering shaft is what's making a poping noise when I turn. Is this possible and is it a common problem?

Thanks!

 

Absolutely. It's called an intermediate steering shaft. Get one from Napa ( I paid around $70 ) and change it yourself. It took me about 1 hour with only a few tools

 

Thanks grumpy, I may do that.

 

This is a very common problem that alot of people with these trucks feel should have been a factory recall. This a the part of the steering column that collapses in a front end impact. Basically 1 shaft slides inside another shaft and when all the lube dries up or leaks out, there is no buffer left between these two shafts so they start making a clunking noise when you turn or hit bumps. This part of the steering linkage is what passes through the firewall connecting your steering column to your steering box. I hope this helps you out.