This is the fix to the annoying steering wheel rattle Thanks to DmaxEter found here
https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...96#post2137196
I just did this and it seemed to work so far, I'm putting this together with the info From DmaxEter and the pics I took, Its not much but I wanted to contribute something back to the community Here goes.


1. Remove both clamps that hold the boot in the middle of the steering shaft under the hood. This is done from the top. You will have to cut the clamps and upon re installation use either zip ties or small hose clamps.( I used side cutters but tin snips probably would have been better)


2. From under the hood and the top again, remove the bolt in the middle of the steering shaft.( this is a 13mm)

3. From inside the cab and under the steering column, remove the bolt that retains the shaft to the end of the column. The two bolts that are to be removed have metric heads and are 13mm. ( my truck only had 1 bolt)

4. Slide the shaft out from the inside of the cab. The rubber boot will drop off at this point. ( my shaft was stuck in there so I used a pair of vice grips at the bottom splines under hood then tapped them with a hammer and it came out nicely, the shaft can't reach the bottom splines so I was not worried too much about them, I also sprayed WD/40 there too)

5. Clean the splines and inspect them for damage. I used a multi purpose spray lubricant to clean and lubricate the splines. Slide the shaft in and out several times and make sure to get all the black gooey stuff off of it. ( I used Diesel, WD/40 and a wire brush to clean them right up)

6. Reinstall the steering shaft ( I used hose clamps to hold the boot on their tight, In case you get mistaken the smaller part of the boot goes toward the splines)

There is no need to remove the second half that connects to the steering gear box unless you just want to to check the u-joint. I did remove mine but there was no real need. If you decide to there is a pinch bolt just like the one at the column inside on with a 10mm head instead.

I just did this today and we'll see how It works out, I tried to get the pics to line up with the info but I have no Idea how to do that, let me know what you think

 

Cool, man. I have the same issue and I hope this resolves it. So all you're doing here is cleaning the shaft with no parts replacement, right?

Peculiar.

 

thats it nothing more

 

So how did it work out for ya? Did the rattling stop?

 

Nice write up.Thanks.

 

Same question. Did this fix the problem?

 

I must say first of all this was sorta difficult and an extra set of hands would be a big help. This took care of the rattling i felt through the streering wheel and the pedals. Great write up and a big help. Thanks.

 

wow...just did this...rattle went right away...only took me around 20 min. great write up!

 

I did this about a year ago, and mine came back about 4 months ago..

 

I stuck a borgeson shaft in my old 2nd gen and that thing was the ticket.

 

so whats rattling, the splines?

 

update, The rattle is back again, this trick did fix the problem but only for a bit she is going in tomorrow. Perhaps I can get a new shaft or something

 

got a new steering shaft installed by the dealer and so far so good

 

If your talking about the slip yoke then cleaning the lube out of the splines would not be good IMO.
With one end mounted to the cab and the other mounted to the frame there has to be some movement there. The clunk sound and feel in the wheel is probably a lack of lubricant as the splines can "stick" and then let go causing the clunk/pop.
GM has had big troubles with this, I haven't heard of it on Dodge.

 

Mine's doing it. Already lubed it once and lasted for about 6 months. Next time might see if I can install a zert fitting or just have a small hole where synthetic lube can be sprayed in on a periodic basis. Or ditch the stock unit for a Flaming River.

MikeyB