Steering column binds when leaving the wheel-centered position

2003 FORD EXPLORER
258,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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JONNYB1963
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For a while now I have been living with this problem where when going straight in my lane then needing to give a little left or right steering inputs, it would require a significant amount of force. I determined that the intermediate shaft was the the culprit and purchased a new shaft. I installed it this weekend and sure enough the upper U-joint was really frozen up. I test drove the vehicle and the steering is much better.

That said, the problem has not gone away completely. There is still a slight bind in the mid-wheel position. It happens both when turning to the right or left, but it feels to me that it takes a little more pressure to overcome it when turning left.

It is not the end of the world. Has anyone else found this problem after replacing the steering shaft?

I have a theory that perhaps the extended time I drove it while it was binding may have damaged the input shaft on the steering rack... Thoughts/ideas anyone?
Oct 31, 2018 at 12:27 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good afternoon.

Did you replace both u joints?

I enclosed a picture to be sure.

Roy
Oct 31, 2018 at 1:45 PM
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JONNYB1963
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Oh! Duh! I forgot about the tilt wheel! Guess that would need to have a knuckle as well. I will do that. Thanks Roy. I replaced only the lower shaft which contains three joints. One by itself, and the other is like a double carden joint. I will check the column inside the vehicle next.
Oct 31, 2018 at 2:18 PM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Sounds like a good plan.

Roy
Oct 31, 2018 at 2:19 PM