[?] steering column plastic / intermediate steering shaft question

[localhost127]

my steering wheel column has been "loose" and makes noise/rattles whenever i hit small bumps at slow speeds (parking lot). research says it is likely the ISS. i haven't had the ISS replaced yet (purchased a new one but not capable of installing it myself) ... and while i was under the column doing some inspection i noticed this small green plastic component has a large crack in it.

is this benign, or is this a source of problems as well that needs to be addressed?

Photo Album - Imgur

 

[BillBoost37]

Are you sure it's a crack? I forget if that bolts on or not.

 

[ronaldgtp]

hi the green part is called lower bearing. part number 26041864 gm.hope you bought a gm shaft, not a dorman. tried two dorman shaft were so loose could hardly drive the car had to buy a gm shaft. the shaft is not hard to change just take your time. Parts like 26041864 take a look at this site.

 

[Scottydoggs]

that green part looks cracked, not sure on how to change it, but ive changed the shaft before, watch you dont slice your hands up inside the boot around the column, its sharp as hell for some reason.

 

[localhost127]

yeah i will not be attempting this myself - just waiting for my mechanic to get some free time.
unfort i purchased the "dorman" from rock auto some time ago - probably too late to exchange now. damnit.

 

[localhost127]

is there any impending failure that could be caused by these components? ..or is the ISS more cosmetic ("no more clunking") of a fix than anything? is there a high priority to address these issues?

 

[Scottydoggs]

the likely hood of it failing completely is slim. you can try spraying white lithium grease in the shaft while your that deep. helps keep the clunking at bay.