Could this be why my steering is so loose?

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Mar 16, 2010 | 01:08 PM
  #1  
was under the jeep lookin around and came across this
def need some new bushings all 4 of them.. prolly just buy the new sway bar itself that one looks like its seen better days...
what do you think?



which one of these would you guys recommend
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACO-516/?rtype=10

http://www.summitracing.com/search/D...k%7CAsc&page=5


thanks
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Mar 16, 2010 | 01:44 PM
  #2  
That wont affect your steering. Your steering could be a loose gearbox, bad tierod ends, trac bar, hubs, etc. Also look at your frame mount where the box bolts up, make sure it isn't cracked, if it is, fix it ASAP. Not safe.

As for the sway bar, new bushings should cure the movement.

EDIT: Just looked at the links. Go to a wrecking yard and grab a front sway bar off of a V8 ZJ. Big as the Addco's and cheaper. Get the bushing as well.
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Apr 3, 2010 | 01:42 PM
  #3  
Looks like you're just missing the clamps that fit just inside the bushings. x2 the recommend to just get a new one, esp off the ZJ: lots tougher (as big as some really expensive aftermarket ones) and easy to get. make sure when you do though besides just the bushings, see if the factory bushing clamps come off (I've forgotten the proper term for them), and grab them as well. If you're crawling, you might want to grab the sway bar links as well, since you'll probably break one eventually.
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Apr 3, 2010 | 05:02 PM
  #4  
Quote: Looks like you're just missing the clamps that fit just inside the bushings. x2 the recommend to just get a new one, esp off the ZJ: lots tougher (as big as some really expensive aftermarket ones) and easy to get. make sure when you do though besides just the bushings, see if the factory bushing clamps come off (I've forgotten the proper term for them), and grab them as well. If you're crawling, you might want to grab the sway bar links as well, since you'll probably break one eventually.
its just the bushings... and i have sway bar pin disconnects already.. its just the bushings that are bad
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Apr 18, 2010 | 12:31 AM
  #5  
Quote: That wont affect your steering. Your steering could be a loose gearbox, bad tierod ends, trac bar, hubs, etc. Also look at your frame mount where the box bolts up, make sure it isn't cracked, if it is, fix it ASAP. Not safe.

As for the sway bar, new bushings should cure the movement.

EDIT: Just looked at the links. Go to a wrecking yard and grab a front sway bar off of a V8 ZJ. Big as the Addco's and cheaper. Get the bushing as well.
Quote: Looks like you're just missing the clamps that fit just inside the bushings. x2 the recommend to just get a new one, esp off the ZJ: lots tougher (as big as some really expensive aftermarket ones) and easy to get. make sure when you do though besides just the bushings, see if the factory bushing clamps come off (I've forgotten the proper term for them), and grab them as well. If you're crawling, you might want to grab the sway bar links as well, since you'll probably break one eventually.
A small update on the ZJ swaybar; measure the one on your XJ before you take the time to pull one from a wrecked ZJ. I've went to install my ZJ bar and it was the same diameter as the one I already had. I went to pick'n'pull today to grab a front prop shaft and while I was there I measured some bars. All V8 ZJ's had a 25mm front bar, some Cherokees did as well. Mine is a 'Country' package, I also noticed some 'Sport' Cherokees had the larger bar. Others had a 23mm bar. So, if you have the smaller bar, you can benefit from the ZJ bar or a larger XJ bar. Just measure yours before taking the time to pull one, save the headache for something else.
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Apr 18, 2010 | 09:58 AM
  #6  
Quote: its just the bushings... and i have sway bar pin disconnects already.. its just the bushings that are bad
sway bar is not your steering issue
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Jan 4, 2011 | 08:54 PM
  #7  
Howdy gents-new jeep owner here. Just bought a 2000 GCL. Been driving for about a week now and the steering is definitely loose. Read some of your posts,good info here. Besides all the checks on tie rods linkage and ball joints is there anything else I should look at on the 2000 GCL?
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Jan 4, 2011 | 09:04 PM
  #8  
Quote: Howdy gents-new jeep owner here. Just bought a 2000 GCL. Been driving for about a week now and the steering is definitely loose. Read some of your posts,good info here. Besides all the checks on tie rods linkage and ball joints is there anything else I should look at on the 2000 GCL?
If all the linkage is tight, check the box. Open the hood and look down at the steering shaft, and you should be able to see the pitman arm below it. Have a friend turn the wheel back and forth a bit. If you have movement of the shaft without much or any at the pitman arm for more than a few degrees of wheel movement, the box is worn. Trust me, I checked it on my wandering beast.
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Feb 10, 2011 | 06:58 PM
  #9  
Steering
I bought a '99 Cherokee with 120,000 miles on it and when I'm on the freeway the steering wheel needs correction a lot to center it. I'm used to small cars with rack and pinion quick steering though. Is it normal for these Jeeps to have loose steering?


Quote: If all the linkage is tight, check the box. Open the hood and look down at the steering shaft, and you should be able to see the pitman arm below it. Have a friend turn the wheel back and forth a bit. If you have movement of the shaft without much or any at the pitman arm for more than a few degrees of wheel movement, the box is worn. Trust me, I checked it on my wandering beast.
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Feb 10, 2011 | 07:28 PM
  #10  
Quote: I bought a '99 Cherokee with 120,000 miles on it and when I'm on the freeway the steering wheel needs correction a lot to center it. I'm used to small cars with rack and pinion quick steering though. Is it normal for these Jeeps to have loose steering?
It will never feel like a rack and pinion, but no, that isn't normal.
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Feb 11, 2011 | 05:52 PM
  #11  
update on 2000 GCL
took it down to the wrench. he figured it would be the tracker arm? He said I've got a newer set-up that has links and bushings that were worn out along with a steering stabilizer. had it all done,along with 2 new front tires and an alignment. Now that baby steers and holds the road like it should, though not as tight as rack and pinion as stated in another post. But hey its a jeep!
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Feb 11, 2011 | 07:13 PM
  #12  
I popped the hood with the motor off and twisted the steering shaft and it feels pretty tight not much play in it.


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Quote: It will never feel like a rack and pinion, but no, that isn't normal.
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Feb 11, 2011 | 07:42 PM
  #13  
Quote: I popped the hood with the motor off and twisted the steering shaft and it feels pretty tight not much play in it.

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Might be in the linkage then.
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