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play in steering

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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 07:44 PM
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Year: 1997
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Default play in steering

any suggestions n how to get play out of steering?
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Old Feb 15, 2013 | 10:17 PM
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From: Houston Tx.
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Lay under the front of the Jeep so you can see all of the steering components. With the engine off, have a buddy turn the steering wheel slightly left and right. You will see what needs to be replaced.

If you're turning the an inch or two and the pitman arm is not moving, it's the steering box, if the pitman arm moves immediately, look to see if there is slop at the tie rod end or the pitman arm.
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Old Feb 16, 2013 | 08:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 95Cherokee
Lay under the front of the Jeep so you can see all of the steering components. With the engine off, have a buddy turn the steering wheel slightly left and right. You will see what needs to be replaced.

If you're turning the an inch or two and the pitman arm is not moving, it's the steering box, if the pitman arm moves immediately, look to see if there is slop at the tie rod end or the pitman arm.

thanks.. pretty sure ill be able to figure it out i just posted this so i was reassured before hand but thanks again
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Old Feb 16, 2013 | 08:46 PM
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From: Nazareth/Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
Year: 1989
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Engine: 4.0L 242ci I6
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Is there a way to adjust anything under there? I got some play in my steering too. Sorry to thread jack, haha.
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Old Feb 16, 2013 | 08:48 PM
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To remove play? Not really, just replace worn parts.
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Old Feb 16, 2013 | 08:54 PM
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Ahh, okay. I heard there was somthin that can be tightened up. Never really looked into it, just heard about it. I plan on replacing the pitman arm and some other stuff under there once it warms up.
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Old Feb 16, 2013 | 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by XJ.89.Limited
Ahh, okay. I heard there was somthin that can be tightened up. Never really looked into it, just heard about it. I plan on replacing the pitman arm and some other stuff under there once it warms up.


Here try this:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/pla...ng-wheel-8795/
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Old Feb 16, 2013 | 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by XJ.89.Limited
Ahh, okay. I heard there was somthin that can be tightened up. Never really looked into it, just heard about it. I plan on replacing the pitman arm and some other stuff under there once it warms up.
Thats if you have play in the steering box. Not really something to mess with.
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Old Feb 16, 2013 | 09:30 PM
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Overtightening the steering box will destroy it in short order. If you do decide to adjust it, do it with the steering centered (count turns lock to lock, set wheel to half), adjust in small increments and go for a drive in between adjustments. If the steering feels tight on center or stops centering itself again after a turn, you have it too tight.
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Old Feb 16, 2013 | 10:53 PM
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I just did mine per Radi's instructions with great results. First I needed to change a worn "end" on the Pittman arm. On mine just pulling the E-Fan gives acess to the 3/16 allen...I forget the nut size, on-top of the box.

Yes, as Gee O Dee points out, maybe not something to be taken lightly. Even with 40 years experience I was supper careful to not over do it.

(I'm sure when he said "turn", he meant a fraction of a turn)("sixths", might be a thought)

Last edited by DFlintstone; Feb 16, 2013 at 10:56 PM.
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 04:12 PM
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From: Nazareth/Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
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Thanks guys, I'll try that when it warms up. 26 degrees and windy right now, haha.
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Old Feb 17, 2013 | 11:21 PM
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Originally Posted by XJ.89.Limited
Thanks guys, I'll try that when it warms up. 26 degrees and windy right now, haha.
Yea its the same here right now...damn old man winter..
I need a garage!
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 02:20 PM
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From: Nazareth/Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
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Originally Posted by XJ607
Yea its the same here right now...damn old man winter..
I need a garage!
I got a garage, but it's full of crap at the moment. I gotta go to a friend's house, but that's a 40 minute drive. My closer friend is 3hrs away at college right now
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Old Feb 18, 2013 | 10:41 PM
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Originally Posted by XJ.89.Limited
I got a garage, but it's full of crap at the moment. I gotta go to a friend's house, but that's a 40 minute drive. My closer friend is 3hrs away at college right now
I can use a garage I just have to pick up everytime after im done so my grandma can put her can back in haha. Its cool for day projects. But anything big that will take a while (like the motor swap im trying to do) is kinda out of the question...
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Old Feb 19, 2013 | 07:49 PM
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From: Nazareth/Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
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Originally Posted by XJ607
I can use a garage I just have to pick up everytime after im done so my grandma can put her can back in haha. Its cool for day projects. But anything big that will take a while (like the motor swap im trying to do) is kinda out of the question...
Haha, it's more than what I got.
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