Cherokee squirrely steering
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
Cherokee squirrely steering
[FIONT="Arial Black"][/FONT]
I have a 91 Cherokee Laredo with a 3 inch lift. I dont know what brand of lift it is. It was on the vehicle when I bought it.
My problem is the steering. It is very squirrely. The slightest steering wheel movement results in the vehicle darting right or left. The steering is extremely quick and unstable. I have had it in a specialized Jeep shop and spent bookoo bucks without satisfactory results
Problem #2: The brakes are very marginal at best. Again , I have had a mechanic work on them and even replaced the master cylinder/ vacuum boost unit with hardly any improvement.
Any ideas on either of these problems?
I have a 91 Cherokee Laredo with a 3 inch lift. I dont know what brand of lift it is. It was on the vehicle when I bought it.
My problem is the steering. It is very squirrely. The slightest steering wheel movement results in the vehicle darting right or left. The steering is extremely quick and unstable. I have had it in a specialized Jeep shop and spent bookoo bucks without satisfactory results
Problem #2: The brakes are very marginal at best. Again , I have had a mechanic work on them and even replaced the master cylinder/ vacuum boost unit with hardly any improvement.
Any ideas on either of these problems?
#2
Seasoned Member
1) The slightest steering wheel movement results in the vehicle darting right or left. What did you spend the money on? Did they align the vehicle, replace parts, or all the above? Sounds a little bit like a castor/camber issue. Just throwing that out there. I may be way off base but on the T bucket I messed with, it didn't have the castor/camber right and it was very touchy steering until it was corrected.
Problem #2: The brakes are very marginal at best. Again , I have had a mechanic work on them and even replaced the master cylinder/ vacuum boost unit with hardly any improvement. If your pads are good, calipers are good, and you have a new master cylinder, I would check the rubber brake lines themselves. If they have never been replaced and/or the wrong DOT fluid was used, the rubber could be swelling under pressure resulting in soft or weak pedal response.
There are others on here probably more qualified than me but I have had these issues on other vehicles.
Good Luck. Happy Jeepin'
Problem #2: The brakes are very marginal at best. Again , I have had a mechanic work on them and even replaced the master cylinder/ vacuum boost unit with hardly any improvement. If your pads are good, calipers are good, and you have a new master cylinder, I would check the rubber brake lines themselves. If they have never been replaced and/or the wrong DOT fluid was used, the rubber could be swelling under pressure resulting in soft or weak pedal response.
There are others on here probably more qualified than me but I have had these issues on other vehicles.
Good Luck. Happy Jeepin'
#5
CF Veteran
how is the condition of the frame at the steering box bolts? they tend to crack the frame around the bolt heads.
as for the brakes, i would suggest upgrading to a dual diaphragm brake booster from either a newer xj or zj. i think wj boosters work also.
as for the brakes, i would suggest upgrading to a dual diaphragm brake booster from either a newer xj or zj. i think wj boosters work also.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Dawson Springs, KY
Posts: 780
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1985
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 2.5L
If you are accustomed to the brakes on newer vehicles, then you will definitely think there is something wrong with the stock brakes on an older xj. On the older ones most of the power in the power brakes is located in your leg Even rebuilt with stock part number parts, they will still be weak. The upgrade booster or going the rear disk brake upgrade route is about the only way to make a big difference.