Jeepnfm

Anyone ever hear a steering box make a "pop" noise? I took it to the local Jeep shop and they said it's the steering box. What happens is no matter what speed if the wheel is straight if you slightly turn right it makes a "pop" from the steering box area. Only on right turns, no tears in frame, bolts are tight, column is good and tight, front axle is solid, brand new track bar. It sounds like a wrench hitting the frame type noise... Any help/ideas?

JrRifleCoach

Can you feel some pressure when turning the wheel, then it pops and turns quickly?

If so its a spool valve problem.

Replace the box! It will get worse....

mrfajita

When you turn it hard and quick to the right? I have that exact same noise recently. I was going to take off my skid plate and check out the entire front end tomorrow because I think it may be the track bar.

Jeepnfm

It doesn't change pressure or any feel in the wheel, and it happens whether I turn the wheel slow or fast, and it does it without the vehicle running too, here is a video link...

wildspear

It seems to be binding and then releasing in the box itself. Are you able to get another box (junk yard, parts jeep, buddy)? If all it's doing is that knock then I dont think its a huge deal right now. But it will get worse over time so would at least start looking for a new steering box.

SeriousOffroad

There are 2 bolts that are often overlooked when searching for a mysterious knock associated with steering. Take a look under the drivers side motor mount bracket, you'll see them. Have your assistant start the heep and turn the steering wheel quickly from side to side while you put your finger tips on the frame rail just forward of the track bar mount. If those bolts are loose you'll feel a definite thump.

Jeepnfm

Thanks for the input guys, I'll check the bolts mentioned, I just sent two junk XJ's to the crusher yesterday but stripped all the drivetrain and steering parts, basically everything but the 2.8V6 motors that was in good or usable shape. I have heard about a company that makes heavy duty steering boxes and pumps, know anything about those items?

LongArmXJ

^ i will have to check those bolts too! Mine has started to do this last week. Comes and goes. I had a friend turn the wheel in the drive way and i put my hand on the steering box. We will have to look into the durango upgrade! lol

SeriousOffroad

AGR makes 'em but they aren't cheap.

Do a search for Durango Power Steering Gear Box. A very good upgrade fo XJ's.

dukie564

you'll enjoy my writeup

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/du...houghts-84046/

White92

If it only does it when you turn one way its most likely a spool valve.. If it need replaced you might as well upgrade to a durango box

jeepster1

Is the Durango box a dirrect boltup?

dukie564

read my writeup in post 10. It will answer all your questions.

Jeepnfm

If I understand right you used the original XJ pitman arm correct? I got a '99 Durango steering box today with the pitman, but I had them separate the pitman arm from the steering box. $150 at the junkyard. Need to order the C-Rok bracket still...

dukie564

correct. You cannot use the durango arm since the attachment is different to the drag link than the XJ. Use your XJ pitman arm.

And holy crap $150? i paid $35 for mine from the JY. Did you have them pull it or something? For that money you could have bought a brand new one.