2019 RAM Classic - Hard Steering Issue - Intermediate Universal Joint Shaft problem

[Eneto-55]

I put this up almost 2 weeks ago on a Dodge PU discussion forum, 38 views, 0 responses.  Thought I'd see if the folks here think I'm nuts for doing what I did.  (I'm always willing to learn, and be corrected.)

 

I hadn't even had to fill the gas tank after purchasing our 2019 RAM Classic before it started getting some really hard spots in the steering. I thought it was the rack going out - not what you want to find when you just bought it. After watching some on-line videos, I started to suspect the universal joint, so to see if that's what the car lot guys had done to sell it, I sprayed it with WD-40. A bit better right off, then it smoothed right out. So I pulled the left wheel & tire, and tried to get it off, to replace it. Rather rusty up in there. Decided that since there doesn't seem to be any play in it, I would just get it cleaned up really well, then install a boot on it. Wire brush, then an old toothbrush dipped repeatedly in old ATF. Turn the steering wheel a bit here and there, and scrub some more. Filled the whole joint with wheel bearing grease, then sewed on a leather boot. (I had saturated the inside of it with grease before I started sewing it closed, and then pumped a bunch more in there before I put the pull tie on the top end.)

 

I thought that I had taken a picture of it, but apparently didn't.  Anyway, do you all think that was a good move?  I just did that job on the 23rd (September), so it's not been a long time, but it sure steers smoother than it did.  It was like manual steering on a hay truck.

Edited October 10, 2023 by Eneto-55

[Los_Control]

oops had to edit that.

Edited October 11, 2023 by Los_Control

[Dave72dt]

Apparently it's a common issue.  I might have used CV axle grease or cornhead grease, something that flows a bit better than wheel bearing grease.