I have a 1989 XJ. What years of steering columns will interchange?
I think it will be faster and easier to swap columns than tear mine apart.

 

whats wrong with your column that you have now ?


Marc

 

ive worked on the column on my 88 and 94 and i dont see any differences its GM for those years as far as i know after 96 there are differences.


Marc

 

know Tons of play at the Tilt joint. I assume it is the four bolts that are known to be a problem.

I am curious if any Cherokee column that is non-airbag will work. I can get one and drop it in for about $50. Either that or I tear mine apart with the hope that I can fix it.

 

I'd think as long as you stayed pre 96 you'd be OK. I swapped one years ago in an 87 that I had... don't remember the donor year though. The wiring was a bit different, but we made it work easy enough.

 

Pre-95

The 95's have a driver's side airbag but the 94's do not.

 

if thats all whats wrong with it i would try and fix the current one, little bit more into the column you can tighten 2 of the 4 bolts without taking it apart too much. laborwise i think you will spend the same amount of time either swapping or fixing it.


and if your planning on swapping it why not give it a chance ?



Marc


edit: nickintime on youtube has a good video on how to step by step 89 cherokee steering column repair

 

Petty easy fix once you break the unit down, needs a tool you can buy most auto part stores (10 bucks or so). Easy to fab too. Good directions in the Chiltons.

 

Breaking it down is not my concern. Getting it back together in a timely manner is. My wife's Forester is on it's last legs and I don't want to be caught without a vehicle.
Also, I have never torn apart a steering column and question if I am up to the task. I am somewhat mechanically inclined but have zero formal training. I do have my limits.

 

Your limits will be tested by using a Chilton or Haynes manual. They are full of useful information, some of which is flat wrong.

 

I do agree with you about the chiltons/haynes manuals fot the most part, but in the case of my 86 xj column replacement I followed the chiltons for the saginaw unit and it did appear to be the most direct way to do it. I have done replacements in many GM autos and trucks (style used in most 80s GM cars) and have discovered my own way of doing it. Haynes are far worse in my opinion.

 

Ive used my Haynes more as a pillow and something to sit on while wrenching in the driveway, than as a repair manual. Thats how useful its been for me.

 

Considering I don't own any repair manual at all, this should be loads of fun.

 

just take your time, when you get pissed off just do something else for a bit


if you have to force something your doing something wrong


hehe


good luck