Steering

[redwrangler02]

Hey everyone, i had a question which i hope i can get answered and/or fixed! I bought my second tj around 5 months ago after someone totaled my first, and this new jeep already came with 33 inch tires and some amount of lift (not really sure how much). I noticed that the steering felt different than my previous stock wrangler, which I suspected was from the modifications which were on the jeep when i bought it. The steering on my new wrangler, a 2002, always felt loose, i guess is how i would describe it. some play in the steering wheel or something of that nature. Recently, its gotten worse, so as when Im slowing down at a light or something, the steering wheel is jerked back and forth is my hands, and i have some trouble keeping it from running into oncoming traffic. Anyway, I'm not sure what exactly it is and was hoping i could find some advice! Thanks!

 

[Jeeper99]

The gears my need tightened up in the steering box and possibly a new steering stabilizer. just a thought.

 

[Utah_jeepster]

There are several possibilities here that need to be looked at, if you have two good jack stands you can locate the problem, or you will need to take it to a shop that has a frame lift. With the front end in the air and drooping (supported by the frame rails), grab one tire and try to turn in left to right several times. if there is play try to locate where its coming from i.e. loose steering box, worn gears in the steering box, a bad ball joint. if you don't find it there then try moving the axle itself side to side with your feet on the tire. I.e. looking for worn track bar bushings. With a good bar now try twisting the axle front to back looking for any play, (bad cam bolt or loose). Now check your lower and upper control arms for twist-able play, looking for a worn bushing.

Hopefully this helps you in locating the problem, if you can find it nor do you have the said good jack stands to get your jeeps front end air born, and good mechanics shop worth there salt would be willing to do this for free with high hopes that you would get them to do the repairs.

 

[redwrangler02]

Has anyone else had problems like this? Would the tires and lift have cause it? I'm goin to have to take it somewhere as I don't have the tools or know how to really figure out what's wrong with it. Unless there's someone living in Lubbock who really know's their stuff and is willing to help out a fellow jeeper!

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

I'd watch every component of the steering as well as the trackbar while somebody else turns the steering wheel back and forth. Be sure to bounce the steering wheel back and forth against full lock to really see the condition of the components.

 

[redwrangler02]

What exactly am i looking for? Just loose parts or what?

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Yes, you'll see the lateral movement of tierod ends if they're worn, and watch both ends of the front trackbar when bouncing the steering wheel off full lock.