Steering Wheel problems of the 1999 Chevrolet Blazer

I heard a clicking like my turn indicator was on but it wasn't. Smoke came out of the steering column. A CO-worker of my father's has had this component replaced twice (same symptoms) in his 1998 Blazer and the gentleman's sister-in-law has had this component replaced once. Also, another CO-worker of my father's had it replaced once (under warranty) on his 2001 Blazer. I would think that this is a safety issue since smoke came otu of the steering column.

Steering wheel column had a lot of play inside of the wheel. Dealership replaced the steering wheel once. Complaint was that when driving vehicle experienced a thunking and bumping noise.

Steering wheel locks up, driver unable to steer vehicle. Dealer has seen vehicle 2 times, and cant solve problem.