Steering Is Tight problems of the 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis

Tl-the contact own 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving at various speed the steering wheel was hard to turn. There was an abnormal clicking noise emerging from the vehicle. . There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted and vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but did not assist. The failure mileage was 175,000. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA campaign number 13v850000 steering. Ap.