Suspension & Steering · important priority
Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Replacement Cost & Pricing
Replace a worn or binding intermediate steering shaft (the u-joint-style shaft connecting the steering column to the rack). A bad shaft causes a clunk when turning or jerky steering feedback.
Typical Steering Column Intermediate Shaft Replacement cost
$220–$650, with an average estimate of $400 before vehicle-specific adjustments.
What to expect
Difficulty: moderate. Typical labor time: 1.5–4 hours.
Mechanic's tip
A clunking sound when turning the wheel slowly in a parking lot, or a shudder felt through the steering wheel over bumps, often points to a worn intermediate shaft u-joint. This is frequently misdiagnosed as a rack problem — make sure the shop inspects the shaft before recommending a full rack replacement.