thanx.

after doing more investigation, i found the link you mentioned. Doesn't look like its too bad of a job----just working in a lot of close places. i narrowed it down to the intermediate shaft, i.e., checked wheel bearings, upper strut bearings. Think i'll try the greasing method first and see what happens.

Pulled the intermediate shaft, greased all the joints, put it back in and it seems like my problem is solved. Now lets see how long it lasts.

The engineer who designed those stiff boots on the intermediate shaft should have lost his job. What a pain-in-the-a--. The more i work on this car, the more i think that American engineers really don't worry about repair or maintenance. Another example is the power steering fluid resivoir.

I hate to think of the next project i'm thinking about, ie, changing the plugs. The rear plugs look like bears to get at.

thanx for everyone'* help with this problem.

You're Welcome. We're here to provide support. There is a vast amount of knowledge & experience in these forums.

I agree with Markwb!