Loose steering solved

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Sep 6, 2011 | 01:34 AM

JrRifleCoach

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 231

Likes: 0

Year: 1992

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 6

Loose steering solved

Been chasing a sloppy steering feel for some time.
All joints had been replaced along with the PS pump and steering box.
Alignment (toe) double checked after replacing the track bar.

The wheel always felt loose. In a straight line, the wheel had a good 1/8 turn neutral/dead spot that made towing a real chore in the mountains.

So today I tightened the steering box adjustment by 3/8 turn clockwise. I made 1/4 turn changes until the resistance was too much. Then backed off 1/8 turn changes until it felt right and the dead spot was minimal.

Viola!

There is now a slight resistance (good feel) to steering inputs and the dead spot is gone.

Sep 6, 2011 | 12:07 PM

Xjtim

Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 566

Likes: 1

From: riverside,ca

Year: 2001

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L

I have the same thing going on...good to know I will adjust mine when I get home....

Sep 6, 2011 | 03:13 PM

xj wheeler

CF Veteran

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 1,845

Likes: 3

From: S.E. Tx

Year: 1992

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 I6 firepower ignition, cat-back w/ magnaflow muffler, poweraid tb spacer, optima blue top

I tried, but couldn't get a big enough tool there to turn it. Maybe i wasn't doing it right.

Sep 6, 2011 | 03:45 PM

96_xj

Honorary Moderator

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 8,135

Likes: 16

From: Gilbert AZ/Las Cruces NM

Year: 1996

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 upgraded

Quote:

Originally Posted by xj wheeler

I tried, but couldn't get a big enough tool there to turn it. Maybe i wasn't doing it right.

nope, it only takes a small driver.....

and I am weary of doing it because if over adjusted can ruin a steering box very quick. altho a $40 dodge durango box are easy to come by and they are an upgrade