I was trail riding about a month ago when I hit a tree stump on the passenger side front tire I did not go over it, I just scraped the side of it. I was only going, maybe, 10 mph. After that, I realized my steering wheel was at a 90 degree angle (to the left; top of wheel was pointing at the driver door). It drives fine; I even drove it home, which was a 200mile trip. I took it to BelleTire, and they couldnt find out what was bent on it. They had me buy a right outer tie rod end to compare and see if that was bent, but it wasnt the problem. There are no scraps, bumps, gouges, etc. My steering is just messed up. Does anyone have any idea what it COULD be?

It drives fine and everything, but I do want it fixed. Also, when i turn to the left, I dont have the full range of a turning. Like I can turn a lot better when turning to my right (tighter turns, ie normal). That makes me think that maybe its just my steering wheel and shaft that is tweaked and I could just get them adjusted or replace. Any thoughts?

 

What part did you buy?

 

Well. I bought the Drag link in the picture, but I thought that eas called the Ouer tie rod end. At least that is what its called in Autozones database

 

They saw a a small niche in my left contorl arm and said that its there best guess as to why my alignment is like that. Like a serious small dent. That makes no sense to me

 

Quick thing to try, measure from middle of center cap to center cap on drivers side wheels, do the same on passenger side see what you end up with.

 

are you talking about measuring from the center cap from the back wheel to thr front wheel on both sides? what if they are different and what if they are the same?

 

turn steering wheel to keep front wheels straight.
Look if both front wheel are parallel to rear wheels and each other.
It is better if you use measuring tape to check toe.
If everything is fine, most likely drag link is bent.
Find another XJ and compare positions of pitman arms when steering wheels are straight.
You can solve the problem by adjusting drag link, but if it is bent, you should replace it.

 

Yes. If different LCA may be tweeked, but to be that far off (90° @ steering wheel) I think that would set up some serious vibes.

 

+1. There's got to be another issue.

 

it doesnt take much bend in the draglink to tweak the steering wheel. Adjust it so the steering wheel is recentered, be done with it. A perfect draglink already has a bend in it, so its hard to spot if its bent "a little more"

 

Is that something i could do, or i need to take it somewhere?

 

probably, theres 2 small nut/bolts that hold the draglink adjusting sleeve tight, loosen them. Jack the front up to take the weight of the wheels. With a pipe wrench or channel locks, rotate the adjusting sleeve, it will either shorten or lengthen the draglink and change the steering wheel position. I always get confused whoch way moves the wheel the direction I need, just some trial/error. I always do it alone, but someone spotting in the drivers seat would certainly help.

 

ok, thank u

 

Get a service manual. Haynes and factory

 

A guy posted a while back that his shaft from the wheel SLIPPED in some rubber or something. He wanted to warn everybody. He said he turned his all the way to the stop, he could still keep turning his wheel. With some mussel I suppose. Possibly yours slipped when you hit that?