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Lots of play in the steering. please HELP!!

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Old Jan 11, 2016 | 06:55 PM
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Default Lots of play in the steering. please HELP!!

when i drive my 93 xj the steering has lots of play and it likes to follow every groove on the road.

IS this normal or is there something i need to replace to make this go away
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Old Jan 12, 2016 | 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by JeepCherokeeMan88
when i drive my 93 xj the steering has lots of play and it likes to follow every groove on the road. IS this normal or is there something i need to replace to make this go away
Possibly the steering stabilizer or ball joints
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Old Jan 12, 2016 | 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by white99
Possibly the steering stabilizer or ball joints
Has nothing to do with the stabilizer. It could be ball joints, any of the steering linkages, loose steering box.
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Old Jan 12, 2016 | 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by JeepCherokeeMan88
when i drive my 93 xj the steering has lots of play and it likes to follow every groove on the road.
Your ride is 23 years old, what suspension components have been replaced and when?
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Old Jan 12, 2016 | 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by toasterknight
Has nothing to do with the stabilizer. It could be ball joints, any of the steering linkages, loose steering box.
if steering stabilizer is worn out it could cause it to pull. But if has already been replaced its prob not. I might be wrong. But a mechanic has told me that it could be a possible problem when my xj was having the same problem of pulling
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Old Jan 12, 2016 | 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by toasterknight
Has nothing to do with the stabilizer. It could be ball joints, any of the steering linkages, loose steering box.
I agree it could be loose steering box. Common problem.
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Old Jan 12, 2016 | 08:10 PM
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Default Lots of play in the steering. please HELP!!

Originally Posted by white99
if steering stabilizer is worn out it could cause it to pull. But if has already been replaced its prob not. I might be wrong. But a mechanic has told me that it could be a possible problem when my xj was having the same problem of pulling
The steering stabilizer will not cause the steering to pull. a bad alignment will. all the stabilizer does is dampen vibration and hide problems if a mechanic told you that you need to find another shop.
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Old Jan 12, 2016 | 08:25 PM
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I had the same issue with my 98.

What it ended up being is a whole combo of things:
Bad ball joints on both sides
Steering Box had alot of play (adjusted via the set screw)
Bad u-joint on the drivers side
Bad wheel bearing on passenger side
Bad sway bar bushings
Bad track bar bushings
Bad rear upper shock bushings
And Bad front lower shock bushings.

Steering stabilizer was brand new and didn't even make a difference. EVERY bad component that I replaced only made a bigger and bigger improvement.

The ONLY remaining slop I have is from the steering box itself (I adjusted it as tight as I could before it started binding), and my drag link tie rod end.

Start by figuring out where you have actual play.
Steering box can be adjusted, and bushings can be easily and cheaply replaced.
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Old Jan 12, 2016 | 09:09 PM
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Anyone know if the 01's steering boxes are adjustable. Every steering component is new but I can move the steering wheel back and forth quite a bit without the pitman arm moving. Was hoping I could adjust it instead of replacing.
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 01:58 PM
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Default Thanks for helping yall

The stabilizer are new and heavy duty from rough country.

I check the tie rods and they don't seem to have bad ball joints. Have typical movement.

I think the issue is my steering box. Takes longer than i would like to respond when i turn the wheel. Should respond instantly a small bit but doesn't. Responds when i turn the wheel about 1/8 to 1/4 of a turn.

Gonna upgrade to dodge durango steering box. I 99% percent sure that will fix my issue.


anyone on here near frederick maryland. i looking for places and people to go wheeling with
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 03:54 PM
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I know on my '93 the flex coupler between the steering column and the steering box is bad. It causes about 1/8 to 1/4 turn of play.
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 04:45 PM
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Originally Posted by 65BAJA
I know on my '93 the flex coupler between the steering column and the steering box is bad. It causes about 1/8 to 1/4 turn of play.


can you show me what the part you are talking about looks like please
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 05:05 PM
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It connects from the input shaft of the steering box to the steering column at the firewall. The rubber coupler at the firewall end of the shaft fails. Thats where the play in mine comes from.
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by 65BAJA


It connects from the input shaft of the steering box to the steering column at the firewall. The rubber coupler at the firewall end of the shaft fails. Thats where the play in mine comes from.





Any recommendation on a upgrade and how to test if this my issue?
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Old Jan 14, 2016 | 06:15 PM
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Borgeson if you want to spend the coin. I think 4wp carries them. It was almost $300 last I looked though. Crown may make a new stock one too though for less.
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