Do I need a new rack and pinion 03 SLE = PICS.

[Villainville]

I have a 03 SLE and Advance Auto Parts keeps giving me inner tie rod ends for magnetic steering. I was told that the SSEI is the only model with magnetic steering. I'm having a problem with a clunk'n noise when moving my steering wheel back and forth slightly.It seems to click even when the car is moving slowly and not even turning the wheel./ I checked the inner and outer tie rod ends and they seemed OK. I have a pics.
Is there any way the play in this shaft can be removed or adjusted? Please let me know ASAP

[ddalder]

Can't answer your second question but no, the SLE doesn't have Magnasteer.

[00Beast]

The clunk is your Intermediate steering shaft. It can either be replaced or lubed. Mine only clunks when braking at full lock, like in parking lots, etc. Hasn't annoyed me enough to do anything.

[Villainville]

The click'n noise is coming from this shaft in the pics moving up and down. If I turn my steering wheel slightly left to right this shaft makes a clunk'n noise. When I hold this shaft with vice grips (rack and pinion) the clunk'n stops when I move the wheel. Please let me know ASAP. Thanks, Bob.

[grandprix104]

The intermidiate shaft is a very common problem. I had the same issue and the clunk could be felt when you grabbed the steering column under the hood. My step dad (mechanic) and I thought it was a chipped tooth in the rack. I had my bodyshop look at it too (my car was in a fender bender) and they fixed the intermidiate shaft. I no longer have any clunk in the steering. In the techinfo section there is a writeup on how to lube it. I would recommend that as a first step so you don't spend any money you don't have too.