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Author Topic: Loose steering  (Read 1286 times)

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OH-YJ

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Loose steering
« on: October 30, 2009, 10:09:03 AM »
I'm sure this is a novice question, but my steering is really loose and I don't know how to fix it. Is there something in the steering box that needs tightened?
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C.Redbeardd

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Re: Loose steering
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2009, 10:13:21 AM »
what do you mean by loose? You have to steer the wheel even more than usual to turn the wheels?
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OH-YJ

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Re: Loose steering
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2009, 10:17:13 AM »
Quote from: C.Redbeardd on October 30, 2009, 10:13:21 AM
what do you mean by loose? You have to steer the wheel even more than usual to turn the wheels?

Yes
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Offline neale_rs

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Re: Loose steering
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2009, 11:18:50 AM »
You need to check all the moving parts for play.  The intermediate shaft that links the steering column and the steering box often has play in the u-joints.  This shaft can be easily replaced and is not very expensive.  You also need to check the tie rod ends (all 4) by looking or holding them while someone moves the steering wheel for you.  If replacing any loose ones does not eliminate the play then you can start looking at the steering box.  It can be adjusted but many mechanics suggest it should only be adjusted as part of a rebuild.  Many jeepers just get another box that is in better shape and swap it in.

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'95 YJ, 33 x 12.5 mud tires, RE 4.5 ED lift, Atlas 4 speed, rear D44, ARBs front and rear, 4.56 gears, 8000# winch

Offline sharpxmen

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Re: Loose steering
« Reply #4 on: October 30, 2009, 11:30:05 AM »
Quote from: OH-YJ on October 30, 2009, 10:09:03 AM
I'm sure this is a novice question, but my steering is really loose and I don't know how to fix it. Is there something in the steering box that needs tightened?

there is a screw that can adjust how much the worm gear and the gear are meshing, however if the play is in your steering box that means those 2 are worn out and you should replace the box (but this depends on how much play is there now) - the way to tell is to rotate the steering column left/right and watch the pitman arm when it starts to move then approximate the angle at the column between the 2 - not sure of the safe limit on this particular box but my best best guess if it's more than 5 to 10 deg you should replace it.
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'95 YJ, NSG370 6spd / Hurst shifter, Dana 300 + 4:1 Doubler / tri-stick, Custom skid, Super D35 / Auburn LSD / 4.88, 35x12.5x15 BFG KM2, 64mm t/b, 1.7 RollerRockers, MkVIII e-fan, Dual Diaph Booster
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Offline mrcabinet

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Re: Loose steering
« Reply #5 on: October 31, 2009, 08:39:17 AM »
Why is everyone so gun shy about adjusting the steering box? That adjuster was put there for a reason - to compensate for wear over time! The Saginaw type boxes are one of the easiest to adjust. I've done it the way an old-timer mechanic showed me over thirty years ago with no problems whatsoever. Its worked on Jeeps, Land Cruisers, Land Rovers and Chevy pickups.

While holding the screw with an allen wrench, back off the lock nut. Turn the screw clockwise until it JUST TOUCHES. Back the screw off 1/8 to 1/4 turn, then tighten the lock nut. This will return it to factory tolerances. It made a world of difference on my TJ.
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Offline sharpxmen

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Re: Loose steering
« Reply #6 on: October 31, 2009, 03:02:24 PM »
Quote from: mrcabinet on October 31, 2009, 08:39:17 AM
Why is everyone so gun shy about adjusting the steering box? That adjuster was put there for a reason - to compensate for wear over time! The Saginaw type boxes are one of the easiest to adjust. I've done it the way an old-timer mechanic showed me over thirty years ago with no problems whatsoever. Its worked on Jeeps, Land Cruisers, Land Rovers and Chevy pickups.

it depends on the wear - it's not about being gun shy. Let me put it this way: if you break a tooth on the R&P in your axle the worst that can happen is to have the vehicle towed, if you do the same in the steering box (or even if it wedges in and stops rotating) you might damage an electricity pole which is not a nice experience (or even worse end up on the opposite traffic lane) - i guess that's why past a certain point of wear it is better to overhaul it, replace it or at least take it apart and inspect it. Most of the time in normal wear circumstances it is safe to adjust, at some point even if you try it will only last for a little while which means the tip of the gear teeth are bottoming out and wear fast, so in that case you should replace the steering box immediately.
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'95 YJ, NSG370 6spd / Hurst shifter, Dana 300 + 4:1 Doubler / tri-stick, Custom skid, Super D35 / Auburn LSD / 4.88, 35x12.5x15 BFG KM2, 64mm t/b, 1.7 RollerRockers, MkVIII e-fan, Dual Diaph Booster
Latest: Corbeau BajaRS heated seats :dance: keeping warm the rear end

Offline dwtaylorpdx

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Re: Loose steering
« Reply #7 on: October 31, 2009, 06:15:20 PM »
I adjust until its obciously ineffective then swap them out.

Usually you can tell when you adjust them if its over worn.
it should only tighten up a 1/8 to 1/4 turn. At the lease you
can pull the box every 150000 and check it :)

Dave
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94 YJ - 2.5 Hesco Cam B&B Ported - AX5 Trans w/Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch - 4" Rough Country Lift W/Skyjacker Shocks - D44 Rear/ARB - D30/ARB - ARB Compressor - Warn M8000 in Custom Bumper - Reunell Rear Bumper - Metalcloak 6" Body Armor Kit - Tuffy Console - 265x85-16 Tires - 2M Radio

drunkencityworker

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Re: Loose steering
« Reply #8 on: November 06, 2009, 04:50:58 AM »
Dont forget. Jack the jeep up one wheel at a time. And grab the tire aand shake side to side and up and down. If loose side to side oyu need tie rods if up and down it needs ball joints. Also with the hood up check how your steering linkage feels by grabing the rod and trying to twist feeling for slack. In my opinion I would check all that before messing with the steering box
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