Hi

My aunt has a 2001 Century with what appears to be a broken steering intermediate shaft. Does anybody have a guide on how to replace this? I’m pretty handy with a wrench and have done lots of things on cars before, but I’ve never worked on steering. I’ve already removed the lower pinch bolt and turning the steering wheel does not turn the wheels at all, and the steering rack does not seem to get any input from the steering wheel. With my finger inside of the boot above the rack when turning the wheel, I cannot feel the joint, turning at all, and in fact, I feel like something is flopping around in there, which I assume is just the intermediate shaft broken in half.

One of the things that does appear to be making life more difficult underneath the car is the boots on the intermediate shaft, and then the boot coming from the steering column to the joint where the intermediate Shaft connects to it. How do you get these boots off?

any links to guides relevant videos, would be appreciated.

thanks, Derek

I've never heard of this breaking. How did it happen?

I would pull the steering column first, as there is probably some major damage somewhere.

https://charm.li/Buick/2001/Century%....1L%20VIN%20J/

Well it didn't actually break, it just came apart when we lowered the subframe to replace the oil pan. It is back together again and working now.


The clock spring in the steering wheel broke during the process. Does anyone know if there were multiple clock springs for a 2001 Century Custom? The steering wheel has buttons for radio control. How can I tell if I'm buying the correct one?

Thanks, Derek

Okay so this is good then?

I think it was the same one for all of them. Best way to know for sure is to get the part number off of the broken one.