Loose steering feels like it has play and drifts

[WrangleThePanda]

You would need to contact the person who posted it for pictures at https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...ering-is-normal-for-the-jl.31971/post-1119694

The bolts at the bottom of the sway bar links shown in the photos are what I loosened. They are not LOOSE mind you. They’re not going anywhere (I put some breakable loctite in there) and there is no clanking when I go over bumps. But they are not super tight to allow the bushings to move and flex as intended.

I admit to having a Fox steering stabilizer on as well but that did not fix the problem. It’s been good for adding some weight to the steering but did nothing for the loose feeling, dead spot, and wandering.

Hopefully some other wanderers can give this a shot and see what they think. If it works for you as well as it did for me then you have a free and easy fix! Let the subjectivity test ensue...

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[grandsrus]

I am sure you could completely get rid of the steering gear slop if you adjusted enough. I did make 2 adjustments 1/16, test drove, then went to 1/8. I was fine with the steering at that point so I didn’t try any more. Mainly because some people here have said that the steering “lock up” issue may be due to lack of slop. If you have only 1” of overall, I would say you are better off than most owners with the issue. I am at 1” now but I was at about 3” overall.

I agree. Before box tightening I was at 3" and now about .5-1" which ill take over what i had any day. For me the new aftermarket trackbar and drag link, tightening ball joints to spec made a big difference as well. I still have some light wobble at speeds on washboard roads and will be installing the Mopar longer LCAs this weekend.

 

[grandsrus]

The bolts at the bottom of the sway bar links shown in the photos are what I loosened. They are not LOOSE mind you. They’re not going anywhere (I put some breakable loctite in there) and there is no clanking when I go over bumps. But they are not super tight to allow the bushings to move and flex as intended.

I admit to having a Fox steering stabilizer on as well but that did not fix the problem. It’s been good for adding some weight to the steering but did nothing for the loose feeling, dead spot, and wandering.

Hopefully some other wanderers can give this a shot and see what they think. If it works for you as well as it did for me then you have a free and easy fix! Let the subjectivity test ensue...

What are the specs here? What was the torque you found vs what it should be from the factory?

 

[wolf]

I agree. Before box tightening I was at 3" and now about .5-1" which ill take over what i had any day. For me the new aftermarket trackbar and drag link, tightening ball joints to spec made a big difference as well. I still have some light wobble at speeds on washboard roads and will be installing the Mopar longer LCAs this weekend.

Interesting. I was thinking about a complete update of drag link, track bar, stabilizer, etc. (Any ideas ) Thinking of going steer smarts, plus a complete hydraulic system by psc. can any one think of compatibility issues? I believe from reading this forum, that should head off any problems that might arise in the future. There are some very intelligent individuals on this forum and they do offer some real life info for the JL but you have to listen. Thanks

 

[Rdmitch]

The bolts at the bottom of the sway bar links shown in the photos are what I loosened. They are not LOOSE mind you. They’re not going anywhere (I put some breakable loctite in there) and there is no clanking when I go over bumps. But they are not super tight to allow the bushings to move and flex as intended.

I admit to having a Fox steering stabilizer on as well but that did not fix the problem. It’s been good for adding some weight to the steering but did nothing for the loose feeling, dead spot, and wandering.

Hopefully some other wanderers can give this a shot and see what they think. If it works for you as well as it did for me then you have a free and easy fix! Let the subjectivity test ensue...

This is perfect...I think since today is a bit nicer in Northeast Ohio I will loosen these just slightly and see what happens.
My problem is not a major issue and the newer Jeep is far better than the previous one. But anything I can do to help is a positive thing. I'm getting ready to upgrade the track bar and tie rod as well with a little beefier version.

 

[grandsrus]

Interesting. I was thinking about a complete update of drag link, track bar, stabilizer, etc. (Any ideas ) Thinking of going steer smarts, plus a complete hydraulic system by psc. can any one think of compatibility issues? I believe from reading this forum, that should head off any problems that might arise in the future. There are some very intelligent individuals on this forum and they do offer some real life info for the JL but you have to listen. Thanks

Dont know why you imply i am not listening. I am definitely listening and on many threads on this issue as i dont simply want to trade my JLUR in. The problem is there are many variables to the loose, wandering, dead spot, slight wobble issue.

 

[WrangleThePanda]

What are the specs here? What was the torque you found vs what it should be from the factory?

The factory specs call for 59 ft. lbs. of torque. Mine are at <5 ft. lbs.

 

[df007]

The factory specs call for 59 ft. lbs. of torque. Mine are at <5 ft. lbs.

This is pretty interesting. I could certainly see how this could help a directional pull. Did you have that issue too?

Having a hard time understanding how this could help a dead spot, but will be curious to know if anyone else tries. Glad to hear that you are happier with yours.

 

[wolf]

Dont know why you imply i am not listening. I am definitely listening and on many threads on this issue as i dont simply want to trade my JLUR in. The problem is there are many variables to the loose, wandering, dead spot, slight wobble issue.

Did not imply anything to you.

Dont know why you imply i am not listening. I am definitely listening and on many threads on this issue as i dont simply want to trade my JLUR in. The problem is there are many variables to the loose, wandering, dead spot, slight wobble issue.

Did not imply you'er not listening. Not intended for anyone, just stating there is some very talented jeepers on the forum and some good information to listen to. Also if the steering box and electrical assist and computer are the culprit from what I have read the best solution(although expensive) is the psc full hydraulic system would get rid of both problems. New steering box and no electrics, and upgrade as stated before. Thanks

 

[WrangleThePanda]

This is pretty interesting. I could certainly see how this could help a directional pull. Did you have that issue too?

Having a hard time understanding how this could help a dead spot, but will be curious to know if anyone else tries. Glad to hear that you are happier with yours.

I was experiencing pretty severe bump steer and “directional pull” and this has lessened that behavior a lot. I agree about the dead spot mystery, perhaps that is a placebo effect but it certainly seems to help in a perceptible way.

I actually look forward to driving it now.

 

[grandsrus]

I was experiencing pretty severe bump steer and “directional pull” and this has lessened that behavior a lot. I agree about the dead spot mystery, perhaps that is a placebo effect but it certainly seems to help in a perceptible way.

I actually look forward to driving it now.

Man i hope to get where you are someday, lol.

 

[Rdmitch]

well..my torque wrench didn’t work at all. Bit I loosened these up and then retightened till they felt snug.
gonna go for a little ride in a bit and see if i notice any difference. Again, thanks for the pix...made it super simple to identify the right parts.
and I for one listen to everyone’s ideas and very much appreciate the great input and help i get here from people much smarter on these matters than me.
Big thanks to all you here !!!!

 

[Goosed]

The factory specs call for 59 ft. lbs. of torque. Mine are at <5 ft. lbs.

Do you mean you torqued them down to 5 foot pounds or 54 foot pounds?

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