I'm considering replacing the intermediate shaft myself. Has anyone done this? Looking at the instructions posted here and at alldatadiy, it looks relatively easy. Looking at the car, if what I'm looking at is the right thing, it'* not easy to reach. The bottom end attaches to the steering gear, right? Is the top end still outside the firewall, or inside the car? Other vehicles I've owned had a plastic dust shield over this area, while mine is right out in the open and rather rusty. As I bought the car used, I don't know if that'* normal, or if the shaft had been taken out, lubed, and then not reinstalled properly. Thanks.

I did not do it myself, but the dealership replaced it twice. And I still
have the clunk in the wheel. I think I'm going 2 have the spring housing
lube 2 see if that works. It seem 2 work for a couple of members.

Thanks. I still have some investigating to do, as I'm not 100% sure the intermediate shaft is the problem. It seems to meet the criteria of a couple of problems. It'* mostly noticeable at low speeds, like parking, and is worse turning right than left. I've sprayed the lower part of the shaft with lithium grease, which seemed to have helped some, and have sprayed the stut and mount, but not sure that I have reached the right spots. At this point, the suspects range from the intermediate shaft to the strut bearing.

There should be a clear boot on the upper end of the shaft, as it exits the firewall. The replacement of the shaft is done externally, under the hood. My 2000, and now my 2002'* (on order) needed replacing. Just one of those things, eh?

You just described the sound coming from your car the same way I did to the dealership the other day before they replaced not one, but both tie-rods and the left wheel hub (only 40,000 on this beast, too). No more sounds! Definitely check those out before doing something too drastic. Thank god for GM extended warranties. All that, turned rotors, alignment, and tire rotation for $240!
Oh, and a Yo to G.R., too man. I lived there for 5 years. You may want to get out of there eventually though

Thanks to Chili_1 and EasyE for the information. I appreciate it. It sounds as if I may need to order that clear boot, also. I had the outer tie-rod ends on both ends replaced about 6 months ago when I had an alignment done. Only about 50k on it at that time too.

Move away from here? And miss all of the fun and interesting happenings? Probably about retirement time.