Hey what's up everyone. I've been searching but not sure how to describe it so I decided to post. I have a 2000 xj with like 150k on Ot and my front end doesn't feel right. I replaced my steering stabilizer so far. So when I hit bumps the truck pulls. And if I make a right or left turn at slower speeds into a parking lot etc I have to straighten the wheel back it doesn't on its own and the steering wheels like moves like left to right. Not a lot but you can feel it. No sure where to start looking to get it riding nice again.

 

Is your 4wd disengaged properly? The only time my steering wheel acts like that is when I am in 4wd. Jack up the front, turn the steering wheel all the way to one side then spin the tires and wheels by hand and check for anything that may be binding, then turn the steering the other way and check again. Might be time for new axle u-joints.

 

You know someone else mentioned 4wd but it don't feel as severe as that. It's similar but not as bad and I also noticed it seems worse when I make a right compared to a left.

 

Mine had the same symptoms (minus the pulling). Turned out to be a seized U joint on the front. I did replace both U joints. The other one wasn't as bad.

Here is the axle shaft out of the housing... It is not supported on the end...



Here are the U joints... more like the remains...



Here is after the new U joint was installed...

 

Yea I've been thinking ujoints. Are they hard to do? Any special tools? Im gonna do research now

 

Well have some good weather out after work I tried to see if there was play in the front ujoints. Without jacking the truck the drivers side had some play and slight click or pop. Passenger side didn't seem to have any.

 

U joints can be a pain but you can do them at home. Having a big vise helps but you can also used a hammer and some sockets to pound them out

 

Anyone happen to screw down the preload adjustment on top of the steering box? This is exactly what happens if it's too tight, the steering won't self-center and doesn't want to stay on-center when you are driving straight, keeps bumping left or right. If that's OK, might be a simple alignment issue. Caster in particular:
http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoAlignment.htm

 

I've read about some people adjusting the steering box when I was doing some research. Can it tighten up over time on its own? Most of the time people said theirs was loose and they had to tighten it.