Chevrolet Repair: Cavalier steering clunk, home mechanic, intermediate shaft

Question
My daughter just bought a 2001 Cavalier 2.2 with 4-spd auto.  It has 30,000 miles and she paid $5,500.
It has a clunking when the steering wheel is turned.
Searching past posts has turned up a problem with the intermediate shaft not being factory lubricated.
Is this dangerous?
Can a home mechanic fix this?
What happens if it goes unfixed?
I saw a post that says to properly lube it has to be taken out.
Can I do that?
Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks,
Victor


Answer
Hi Victor,
I don't know about the clunk, but I'd bet you can fix it.
One thing that I have seen cause a clunk is where the rack and pinion assembly bolts on to the under side of the car. There are some bushings, and if they wear out, it can move and clunk.

Van