Hey fellow Jeepstr's. Picked up a 1998 Jeep Cherokee Limited over the weekend with 120k miles. She rides great. Brought back memories of my 1996 jeep cherokee classic. My question is in regards to steering. Its been awhile since i drove one but i wanted to know if this is a common characteristic of this truck or do i need to do further investigation.

Problem: Steering seems to have play. I dont know if i am use to sports cars but it seems like i can rock the steering wheel back n forth without affecting the direction in which the jeep is going. I had all 4 wheels balanced and alignment done. Mechanic said the front end was tight. I just put 4 monroe sensatrac shocks on as well.

If you have any feedback i would greatly appreciate.

Modifications willl start next week

 

Check the simple things first like is the track bar in good condition, are your tie rod ends good, are the control arm bushings good. If all the simple things are in order, there's an adjustment on the steering box to take out any play.

 

my 91 has some pretty significant play in it as well, but then again I have about 290K on the clock

 

Have someone turn the wheel L/R while you look underneath. Look for obvious movement in parts associated with the steering. The tie rod will rotate, but shouldn't move up and down, etc....

I had some play in my steering on the '96 SE and it was the track bar's greaseable joint end.

The steering on my '96 Sport is still dead tight at 160K miles with all original parts except for shocks and tires.

 

thanks for the replies.

I forgot to mention, when you turn the steering wheel you can hear like a hissing noise. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance