JimmyMcDuff

Hi, I am new to this site. I apologize in advance if I have posted this in the wrong section.

I have a 1992 Cherokee Laredo and the steering shaft appears to be loose just at the universal joint. I have video so hopefully that will help visually.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1DZ0...ature=youtu.be

I am not sure what to do to fix the issue (properly).

Radi

The isolator is slipping. That section just before the joint is injection-filled with plastic and it's lost it's grip on the shaft. The only correct fix for that is to replace the shaft.

JimmyMcDuff

Is this a major safety concern or can it wait about 2 weeks (when I get paid again)

Also, what is the technical name for the steering shaft I need to replace? I want to make sure I am ordering the correct piece.

Thank you.

bloddy mud

Is it the shaft coming from the steering wheel to the gear box?

bloddy mud

If that's the shaft it's a intermediate steering shaft. That could be bad if those u-joints give in that. You wouldn't have any steering and the Jeep would go where ever it wants. Mine the u-joint closest to the fire wall is starting to seize up. I have knots in the steering unless I spray pb blaster on it these it loosens up. I would get changed asap. Around here new they run bout 120 dollars

JimmyMcDuff

Yes, it's the one right by the firewall, not the gear box. Thank you btw

bloddy mud

Your welcome that's intermediate steering shaft for sure

JimmyMcDuff

I think I found a simpler fix. It cost less than $5 to fix the slipping.

Radi

Ingenious...but drilling two holes a significant portion of the shaft's diameter has probably weakened the steering shaft significantly. I think I'd fix it by replacement.

ChilliXJ

With your universal joint loose like that, is your steering when driving straight very sloppy or wanders? I would replace the shaft.

JimmyMcDuff

The universal joint was never loose. The metal connector sleeve (don't know proper name) was slipping on the shaft. Refer to the sloppy picture below. The bolts and shaft are holding up fine. I did a strength test just to be sure. The fix is holding with no issues. Steering is straight and immediately responsive now. Does not wander at all anymore.

SeriousOffroad

Not a good idea at all.

Do you understand the purpose of the slip-joint?
As normal function it allows for some fore and aft movement as the vehicle twists/flexes. Disabling it places more stress on the steering box and steering column.

In a collision your XJ (like all cars/trucks) is designed to crumple. This absorbs energy and protects you. The slip shaft is supposed to collapse (slide together) in a head-on collision. By bolting it together you prevent this from happening.

Get a new replacement from your favorite parts house, or even from a JY in your area.

JimmyMcDuff

The whole reason for doing this was to be able to drive the car till I got paid. So for now, yes it is working.

JimmyMcDuff

And I thought the telescopic shaft was responsible for collapsing

Radi

You are probably better off than you were with the isolator slipping...if that lets loose you can lose your steering entirely. But I'd change the shaft as soon as you can. A good shock load will likely snap the shaft where it's been drilled and you've lost one line of defense against a frontal impact. (there are several points where the shaft is designed to collapse while still retaining the ability to steer, the collapsible upper section is just one of them.)
Please replace it as soon as you can.