Loose steering feels like it has play and drifts

[Aceman]

I don't think that's the steering box.

Nope, that's definitely not the steering box. That's the differential case.

Sponsored

 

[HoundDude]

FYI for those who are out of warranty...
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/2021-steel-steering-gear-upgrade.58920/

 

[jmcdtucson]

So got my 2018 JLUR back today after 08-074-20 and I'm underwhelmed. To those that know more than me...does it pass the smell test?

Edit: Apparently I don't know what a steering box looks like! Updated.

That's the blinker fluid reservoir.
No, that looks perfect. Parts match my install.

 

[TheEddie]

CHECK CASTER which can (did for me)improve the handling dramatically. I have an early build 2018JLU Rubicon. The caster was at 4.2. and wandered all over the Freeway. I purchased some adjustable front lower control arms took the Jeep to a highly respected/quality alignment shop and and adjusted caster to between 6-7 degrees .....

Now drives straight as an arrow down the freeway. I did this after I went to two different dealerships to resolve without any assistance ... they used the “drive like a Jeep.” ..I knew they were full of it.

Good advice here. You can buy the mopar extended lower control arms for like $40 each (look around the forum for a link)and toss them on, made a noticeable tracking difference on our JLUR. It will not fix a dead spot though.

 

[FlashGordon]

Good advice here. You can buy the mopar extended lower control arms for like $40 each (look around the forum for a link)and toss them on, made a noticeable tracking difference on our JLUR. It will not fix a dead spot though.

@TheEddie...good advice. I just ordered the Mopar Lift LCAs 2 days ago and already shipped. Can't wait to install and see the difference with more caster paired with the new steel steering box. Total $62 and free shipping using the code and vendor mentioned in this thread. Cheap and relatively easy mod. https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/mopar-lca-swap.22474/

 

[Obi.Wan.Shawnobi]

So i attempted to adjust my steering gear lash but the adjuster will not move in either direction. all the factory paint lines match up, so i don't thing its been previously tampered with. has anyone tried to adjust the lash?

 

[cosmokenney]

So i attempted to adjust my steering gear lash but the adjuster will not move in either direction. all the factory paint lines match up, so i don't thing its been previously tampered with. has anyone tried to adjust the lash?

You heated it? It can be a real bugger to loosen bolts that have been locktited with red (permanent) Loctite.

 

[Obi.Wan.Shawnobi]

You heated it? It can be a real bugger to loosen bolts that have been locktited with red (permanent) Loctite.

So it has a lock nut, then the adjuster. I cannot imagine it is internally sealed with lock tite. At any rate, I cranked on it with at least 70-90 ft lbs torque (guessing)

 

[cosmokenney]

So it has a lock nut, then the adjuster. I cannot imagine it is internally sealed with lock tite. At any rate, I cranked on it with at least 70-90 ft lbs torque (guessing)

Just an FYI, but every description I've read of the process to adjust that thing says to heat it due to loctite.

 

[HoundDude]

So i attempted to adjust my steering gear lash but the adjuster will not move in either direction. all the factory paint lines match up, so i don't thing its been previously tampered with. has anyone tried to adjust the lash?

you need to apply heat because there is red loctite on the locknut threads. 60 seconds with a micro butane torch will work. don't force it or you will strip the head of the adjuster screw.

 

[Wolfy]

Edit: Apparently I don't know what a steering box looks like! Updated

That IS the steering box (or sometimes referred to as the steering gear).

 

[JL Dude]

I know this is an older thread but I was wondering if I could get an opinion on my track bar. Intercept installed a synergy sector shaft brace and track bar brace but I have noticed my drag link is loose so I’m probably going to replace it with a synergy drag link but I came across my track bar and I see movement in it. I’m not sure what is normal and what is not so I’m attaching a video I took today on a blacktop driveway. If your curious what I’m running it’s rc 2.5 inch lift with BFF k02 35’s.

 

[Jeepileptic]

I know this is an older thread but I was wondering if I could get an opinion on my track bar. Intercept installed a synergy sector shaft brace and track bar brace but I have noticed my drag link is loose so I’m probably going to replace it with a synergy drag link but I came across my track bar and I see movement in it. I’m not sure what is normal and what is not so I’m attaching a video I took today on a blacktop driveway. If your curious what I’m running it’s rc 2.5 inch lift with BFF k02 35’s.

This is normal for the factory track bar. Get a heavy duty aftermarket one and enjoy.

 

[Obi.Wan.Shawnobi]

you need to apply heat because there is red loctite on the locknut threads. 60 seconds with a micro butane torch will work. don't force it or you will strip the head of the adjuster screw.

Ok, perhaps we are missing each other on this. I can break the lock nut loose (even remove it off the adjuster screw but the actual adjuster (that has a hex head) will not move. I cannot see any loctite on it and cannot believe it is internally sealed with loctite.

 

[HoundDude]

Ok, perhaps we are missing each other on this. I can break the lock nut loose (even remove it off the adjuster screw but the actual adjuster (that has a hex head) will not move. I cannot see any loctite on it and cannot believe it is internally sealed with loctite.

yup, you are correct, I misunderstood what you stated... the loctite is usually (but not always) applied to the threads of the locknut, but since you can remove the locknut, this is not your issue. I have no idea why you cannot turn the adjuster screw. there was one report in this thread (about a year ago) by someone claiming the adjuster screw broke (sheared off) while attempting to turn it. I feel like the hex head would round out first, but do be careful with yours - perhaps loctite was incorrectly applied to the adjuster threads instead of the locknut, or there is some other mechanical issue...

Sponsored