The easy way of spraying the steering column lower U joint.

1. Turn your wheels all the way to the left.

2. Looking through the gap you should be able to see the U joint at the end of the steering column.

Link to what you are looking for:

https://parts.endrasinfiniti.ca/p/In...8080AG30A.html

3. Have one person spray the U joint while another moving the steering wheel left and right to evenly spread the lubricant.

 

You can see it through the left wheel well with the wheel off pretty easily.

 

I just had this joint replace a few weeks ago. It was about 150 bucks at the dealer. You might be able to free it up by hitting it with a hammer, but it will freeze again. I had my mechanic do it for about 2 hours of labor charge. Car steers like new now. Definitely diagnose it though before you start replacing parts. Mine was completely rusted up.

 

It's one of those pieces that I'm shocked manufacturers don't protect better, a rubber boots around it would prevent nearly all wear and tear yet you never see them covered.

 

I know, but it did take 11 years for mine to finally seize up on me, lol. It was amazing though how that tiny u-joint made my car almost impossible to turn.

 

Mark,
Thanx for the tip: 'Steering column-to-rack u-joint binding up.'
I PB Blasted it, worked it a bit, then lubed it, and it loosened up enough to be good for a while.
Your proven results is what I always look for in these forums.
Incidentally, I was helping my neighbor w/his G35, so you helped me to help him.
Thanx!

 

Did you guys just buy and replace the u joint? Or did you have to buy the entire lower steering column?

The reason I am asking is because the stock driveshaft's u joint can't be removed like an aftermarket. Curious about the lower steering column u joint as well.

https://www.infinitipartsdeal.com/pa..._column,,48080

 

We didn't change anything.
We put the front of the car on jack stands, removed the driver's side wheel, and then I got a can of PB Blaster and sprayed it on the u-joint bearings while my neighbor rotated the steering wheel in both directions until it began loosening up. Then I got some good quality motor oil (Mobile 1) and squirted it into the u-joint bearings until I was satisfied it absorbed the oil.
My neighbor drove it around the block and told me it was as good as new.
If the joint was very loose after that I would have changed it, but we didn't have to.
Cost: a few pennies + 15 minutes of 'work'.
Good luck!

 

The u-joint has a slip fitting where it clamps over the steering shaft, you don't replace the upper shaft.

 

can it be over max level?