i took my xj to get an alignment yesterday since i lifted it and they also corrected the steering wheel.... for the most part..

it was pointed to the left when driving straight.. after i got it out of the shop and drove it to work, i realized it was now pointed to the right.. so i took it back to the shop today to have them re fix it... after about 2 hrs i get a call saying that my steering gear box is bad, and needs replaced. They say that they can can align everything up to specs.. but as soon as i drive it, it will throw my steering off and knock it out of alignment.. does the steering gear box really have anything to do with the "steering wheel" ?

it wasnt really that off, i just thought that if i paid to have it fixed... then it "should" be fixed...

is there a way(for myself) to really find out that the box is bad? they says there was play in it... how do you determine that? does anyone know?

they qouted me 505$ to repair.. and im not willing to pay that... worst comes to worse ill drive with the wheel off... i dont have the money to fix it. if it is truely off will it create problems down the road?

the shop said they didnt catch it the first time and will refund me the money i paid to get it aligned yesterday.. but then i sort of worry if i ask for my money back, will they "knock" it out of alignment.. if there is nothing wrong and they just want to get more money out of me..

what do u guys think?

 

i was also thinking if i tell them to refund my money then once i get it home just run a tape measure inbetween the front and rear of the front wheels and see if its the same distance? and if it is, then just keep an eye one it to see if it really goes out of alignment.

 

If your alignment is now good and the XJ feels good rolling down the road and your wheels turn when you move your steering wheel. I.E. wheels move as soon as steering wheel moves, no play. Then I would say it is just a steering wheel "centering" issue. You can adjust this yourself VERY easily. There is a collar on your steering draglink. It has 2 clamps with 15mm bolts. Loosen bolts and turn collar with pliars until your steering wheel is cnetered. Tighten clamps and you're done. I really don't believe that you have a bad steering box requiring this RIDICULOUS $500 repair.