Loose steering on 1996 ZJ

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Dec 18, 2012 | 01:01 AM

#46

Crazy4Wheelin

Junior Member

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 74

Likes: 0

From: Rapid City, SD

Year: 1996

Model: Grand Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by massarosareloud

Ok, so I started to adjust my steering box today. It made a difference, but I adjusted the nut at least 1 1/2 full revolutions and the steering is still loose (better than before), and its not binding at the edges. Can I continue to tighten down this bolt until I am satisfied, as long as there is no binding? Or do I run the risk of damaging something by tightening it anymore?

Did you replace the tire rod ends before adjusting the steering box?

Dec 18, 2012 | 06:05 AM

#47

dave1123

Old fart with a wrench

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 14,398

Likes: 740

From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY

Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo

Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)

Engine: 4.0L

Dude! Quit messing around and change the box! Even a junkyard box has got to be better than yours. You may find you don't need to panic replacing all the other parts and can do them at your leisure. Then again, that's just my opinion.

Dec 18, 2012 | 03:04 PM

#48

massarosareloud

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Nov 2012

Posts: 25

Likes: 0

Model: Cherokee

I did not replace the tie rod ends, I compared them to other similar Jeeps and mine behave similarly to those Jeeps, so I figured that couldn't be the problem. Track bar seemed good, everything seemed in line, only thing I hadn't tested was the steering box.

I'm not going to replace it if I can just adjust it back to the correct configuration. Seems like a waste of money and time to replace it if I can spend 20 minutes adjusting it. Also, I forgot to mention, I adjusted it without removing the fan.

Dec 18, 2012 | 05:17 PM

#49

dave1123

Old fart with a wrench

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 14,398

Likes: 740

From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY

Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo

Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)

Engine: 4.0L

Whatever blows up your skirt, man.

Dec 18, 2012 | 05:59 PM

#50

Bustedback

CF Veteran

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 12,367

Likes: 23

From: Oroville, CA

Year: 1995

Model: Grand Cherokee

Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter

Don't over do it with that adjustment screw, it will make the steering tight and not self center and it will also wear the steering box out really fast.

Dec 18, 2012 | 06:06 PM

#51

dave1123

Old fart with a wrench

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 14,398

Likes: 740

From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY

Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo

Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)

Engine: 4.0L

Thanks, Busted!

Dec 19, 2012 | 02:58 AM

#52

Crazy4Wheelin

Junior Member

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 74

Likes: 0

From: Rapid City, SD

Year: 1996

Model: Grand Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by massarosareloud

I did not replace the tie rod ends, I compared them to other similar Jeeps and mine behave similarly to those Jeeps, so I figured that couldn't be the problem.

Not to bust your bubble, but just because it behaves similar doesn't mean they are good. You can tell from the pics that they are extremely worn and can't hold grease, therefore they will be bad soon if you don't believe they are now. I'm not trying to be a PITA. Just trying to help. It sucks to have those end links fail while going down the road. Trust me, I've been there. Good luck and thanks for the updates.