PLEASE HELP! What's this noise?

[Villainville]

I don't know if this is the intermittent shaft or not?? While backing out of my driveway with the wheel straight I hear a big click coming from the front suspension on the drivers side. Sometimes sitting at a red light and the steering wheel is straight I just give it some gas to pull out and hear this big click again. I replaced the tie rod ends with no change in this noise. When I jack the car up and have my wife hold the steering wheel tight I can grab the tire and shake and the click sounds like it is coming from the rack and pinion (I guess it's a universal joint under the rubber boot toward the center of the car) . What do you guys think? Thanks, Bob.

[Archon]

The intermediate steering shaft generally only makes noise while turning the wheel. The procedure for lubing/replacing is here.
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... f=55&t=217
Considering where the noise is, when you did the outer tie-rod ends, did the inner seem to have any play? When you shake the tire, do you see movement anywhere? Try at 9 & 3 o'clock, and also 12 & 6.

[01bonneSC]

Could be strut mounting plates, i know my pass side is making noise and needs to be replaced. Get a nice clunk when i pull up into driveways/lots sometimes.

[Villainville]

I checked the inner tie rod and it seems to be tight. With the car turned off and moving the steering wheel back and forth real fast I can put my hand on the intermittent shaft and pulling up real hard I can get the click'n noise to quiet up a little. So I guess this is the problem? Any more input would be helpful! Thanks again, Bob.

[Archon]

You can try lubing/replacing the shaft to see if that helps. Whether it will take care of the click when first starting out is hard to say. That hasn't been a common complaint with the intermediate shaft. Checking ball joints, CV joints, and the bolts to the rack would be a good idea, too.

[Villainville]

I called the pontiac dealer today and they said it would be around $165. for a new shaft. I'm going to try the grease trick first. I also want to say THANKS for all the help! Bob.

[Archon]

GM Parts Direct has it for just under $100. There shipping charges are rather high, but you could probably still come in under the dealer price.