Bronxborn

Hello, I recently got my steering system checked at the mechanic due to vibrations when driving (around 50 mph). Recently having snow encased in the tires didn't help either. He said that the Right front axle u-joint is rusted and bad (he proceeded to show me that it had play in it). He wants to replace the U-joint with a CV joint. I use the XJ as a daily driver, I don't do anything rough with it, and its just for driving from A to B (highway too) and to be able to handle the roads during a tough winter (like now in new york post blizzard).

1. Should I replace the U-joint with a CV joint? Or is it economically better to replace it with another U-joint considering what I use the xj for?

2. Does the U joint being bad affect my steering in 2 wheel drive as well?

Next thing he said was that the steering damper was shot. Is it better I replace it with a heavy duty steering damper or just have it replaced with a factory one? How big of a difference will a high quality damper have over a low quality one?

Lastly, he said that the sway bar links were old and loose. Should I replace the entire sway bar and links or just the sway bar links itself?

*Mileage is 94000, but it also sat for 2-3 years.

**Please note I am still new to vehicles and especially jeeps. I've done a lot of research on how the vehicle works but it is also reassuring when I can ask a question and have very knowledgeable people on this forum answer.

*** Off-topic but my Oil pressure sending unit went bad and it was showing I was at 80 oil pressure constantly (even before starting the engine). It leaked oil as well. After a few days it started working again and stopped leaking oil... and there is no noticeable difference in engine performance. Should I replace it myself or just leave it as is?

Thank you for taking your time to read!

Tsaani97xj

You arent in too bad of shape.

Just replace the ujoint. Yes a bad ujoint can cause vibes.

OEM or equivalent damper is perfectly fine.

Replace the end links, cheap and easy to do. While at may as well replace the sway bar bushings as well also easy.

Once these are done it will steer and handle much better.

Radi

Agree.
A u-joint is $15 and you are paying labor either way. There is no advantage to the CV joint, IMHO. Plus you can do the u-joints as needed. The CV switch you'll have to do both sides.

Yes it'll affect your steering in 2WD because the front axle is always turning, even in 2WD. There are no hub disconnects, only the driveshaft disconnects at the transfer case.

I didn't know my steering damper was bad until I saw it leaking oil, if that tells you anything about how little they actually do.

The oil pressure sender is an easy job. You'll see it screwed into the housing where the oil filter attaches. Unscrew and replace.
Make sure they give you the sender for a gauge and not the switch for an idiot light.
It probably dried out from sitting, I'd change it as soon as practical lest it blow completely and leave you with a big oil leak. Might be fine, but I wouldn't trust it since it's already leaked. It's cheap.

XJGHZ7ST

Man, U - Joints can be changed in my driveway. Change them babys!

extrashaky

So you're telling him to bring it over to your driveway?

Radi

I think he also offered to change babies.