Lots of play in the steering. please HELP!!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 24
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From: Hagerstown,MD
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 6Cyl
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
IS this normal or is there something i need to replace to make this go away
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 66
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From: Northern Va
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,508
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From: Oregon Coast
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Northern Va
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
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
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Northern Va
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 5
From: Oregon Coast
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
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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CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,097
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From: Tarpon Springs, FL / Denver, CO
Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
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.
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.
CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 26
From: North canaan Connecticut
Year: 01, 99, 98, 98,98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 24
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From: Hagerstown,MD
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 6Cyl
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
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
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 24
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From: Hagerstown,MD
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 6Cyl
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Shingle Springs
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Hagerstown,MD
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 6Cyl
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Shingle Springs
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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.



