Dodge Repair: popping on steering column, dodge durango slt, dodge durango

Question
I own a 2002 Dodge Durango SLT.  For a few months now, when I turn my steering wheel, it pops several times until I straighten the wheel.  I have spent $258 to replace the lower steering column because Daimler Chrysler had a technical service bulletin on this and the dealership went by this.  They said they checked the clock spring and it was ok.  My steering wheel stills pops.  What is wrong with my steering wheel?  

Answer
I don't know exactly what is wrong with your durango but I know on a dakota (similar column to yours) and on my Ram I've run across excessive play in the section of the column between the firewall and the steering gear.  This would cause a knocking/popping noise at different times.

Noises seem to be a pretty popular problem for folks on here this week but unfortunately my responses haven't been very helpful.  The reason is because until I actually hear I noise I wouldn't be able to tell you where I think it's coming from.  Alot of time where we percieve a noise to be coming from is far from where it's actually originating from.  As such... I can't be too helpful.

On Durango's I will tell you what I've found and maybe this will help point you pursue this.  Front Ball Joints.  Big problem, some recalled, some warranties extended.  This will be a heavy knocking/popping noise in the front suspension which can be felt through the floorboard and sometimes the steering wheel.

Steering column intermediate shaft.  Located in the area I described above.  MOST of the time it's felt in straight line driving goving over bumps since it's more or less a sloppy connection.  When you turn the wheel you're loading it up in one direction or the other.

Clocksprings typically have a clicking/ratcheting sound because it's wires that are physically broken directly behind the steering wheel, between the wheel and the shroud leading to the dash itself.

The service bulletin that they probably did on your durango was probably 19-011-01 but it only called for lubing this intermediate shaft.  We've seen enough of them fail to justify this as being a good possibility.  But the fact that the problem still exists is reason enough that they should not have left you high and dry while still having the problem.

Is it possible that the vehicle has any accessories added that could cause wires to be draped across the inside section of the column?
Doug