loose/sloppy steering
#1
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Year: 1999.
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0, I6
loose/sloppy steering
hello all iv had issue after issue with my steering in my xj and have now gone through 3 different setups and still have sloppy steering, my current set up its otk 1ton steering with an iro trac bar, oem steering box with both rustys and jcr braces, im lifted 6.5" with no sway bars. could this issue just be my steering column is shot? or maybe something continueously is loose? in the past it would tend to be my lower trac bar bolt but i checked it n its pretty tight for just using a ratchet, ill trying using an impact gun once i can get to my buddys who has power tools. but any other ideas on why my steering could be so sloppy? i can wiggle the steering wheel prolly 1/4 of a turn left or right while driving straight and not have it affect the direction of my tires, this isnt a big issue when driving around town but at high speeds or when wheeling on rocks where i need persision for my tire placement this can become quite the issue. any thoughts/opinions/suggestions would be great thanks
#2
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Hate to state the possibly obvious, but have you have a helper turn the wheel L-R to "load the steering, and YOU go underneath with a BRIGHT light and watch all and every pivot point (to include the trabar and mount)? Addiionally, some loosness can't reall bee seen, because it is so slight, but can be "felt".
Example, I couldn't see where the clunk was coming from, even with a bright light doing this to my XJ, but the moment I pushed hard with my hand, on the track bar (axle end), the clunck went away. My RC joint wnet bad. They replaced it for free and sent the replacement right out. I didn't even have to return the crap one.
Example, I couldn't see where the clunk was coming from, even with a bright light doing this to my XJ, but the moment I pushed hard with my hand, on the track bar (axle end), the clunck went away. My RC joint wnet bad. They replaced it for free and sent the replacement right out. I didn't even have to return the crap one.
#3
Senior Member
Definately have someone help you while you look underneath, its the only real way to figure it out. If i had to put money on ot tho, id bet its your steering box. They don't like larger tires and wear out quickly once you start wheeling it.
#4
If everything you listed has been replaced and is in good order and torqued down well then I would look at the steering box being worn out. Obviously check all other components again for any play and see what happens, but if you already have I'd look at the steering box.
#7
Seasoned Member
It is amazing how a new gear box will make your steering feel like a new and completely different vehicle. If you can, upgrade to a bigger Durango steering gear box and make sure you re-inforce it.
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#10
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#14
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thats what i was wondering!! iv heard from a few it could be my steering column giving me these issues, but the majority of people swear that it cant be the steering column and that it hasta been loose steering or a bad box
#15
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
have you have a helper turn the wheel L-R to "load the steering, and YOU go underneath with a BRIGHT light and watch all and every pivot point (to include the trabar and mount)? Addiionally, some loosness can't reall bee seen, because it is so slight, but can be "felt".
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