(Not) another steering problem... Real Help needed !

[58Willys]

Sounds like the steering box lash needs to be adjusted. I know it’s been replaced, but I’d check the lash before proceeding with anything else.

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[Tech Tim]

SYMPTOMS :

With no changes on the Jeep, I started to feel a rough sensation in the steering wheel.
Not the common play.
Not a death wobble.

... but a rough sensation of a multitude of micr-plays in the steering wheel when changing direction and a "tick" feeling before normal boost.

It happens when the Jeep is moving or not (from 0 to 60mph+)
It happens mostly when the steering wheel is close to 0 degree position.
It happens when I change the sens of rotation fo my steering wheel rotation.
Even from 1 degree to correct the direction, and doing it slowly is worse than doing it in a quick movement.
Sometimes it drives fine for maybe 10 km and then suddenly start to do it. When it starts then it remains like that.

We had one last month that had some weird stuff go on with it. The steering box and pump were both replaced along with many other components.

The solution ended up being a new clock spring. The old clock spring was causing some weird feedback. Once replaced, it cleared up and no more issues.

Not saying that is your problem, but it is worth taking a look at.

 

[POL]

We had one last month that had some weird stuff go on with it. The steering box and pump were both replaced along with many other components.

The solution ended up being a new clock spring. The old clock spring was causing some weird feedback. Once replaced, it cleared up and no more issues.

Not saying that is your problem, but it is worth taking a look at.

Thanks Tim !

what is the main role of the clock spring ?

 

[Tech Tim]

Thanks Tim !

what is the main role of the clock spring ?

The clock spring has many roles, including telling the computer where the steering wheel is in relation to the steering centerline. On the one we had, we're guessing the clock spring had a connection going out, which was confusing the computer, telling it the steering angle was off, so the computer was trying to adjust pump pressure to correct it.

 

[POL]

The clock spring has many roles, including telling the computer where the steering wheel is in relation to the steering centerline. On the one we had, we're guessing the clock spring had a connection going out, which was confusing the computer, telling it the steering angle was off, so the computer was trying to adjust pump pressure to correct it.

Perfect ! Thanks for the explanation. It will first try with it since I feel it really close to the steering wheel and seems an easy change.
does it need to be flashed in a Jeep Dealer when you do the replacement of the clock spring ?

 

[Ratbert]

Perfect ! Thanks for the explanation. It will first try with it since I feel it really close to the steering wheel and seems an easy change.
does it need to be flashed in a Jeep Dealer when you do the replacement of the clock spring ?

You're going down that path AFTER doing the other simple tests suggested here, right?

 

[WillysMeow]

I was going to say steering box, then also check the adjustment of it...not too tight which will destroy the recirculating balls, and not loosey goosey. Balljoints are definitely suspect, and the clockspring can break, had one break on my Subaru and Toyota but neither caused any steering problems...horn would not work.

 

[POL]

You're going down that path AFTER doing the other simple tests suggested here, right?

sure !

I go to the mechanic next week to pick it up.

I will do all the inexpensive tests first.

And the next things on the list start from intermediate shaft up to steering column + spring clock.

then I will have change every single part of this infernal steering.

ball joints are also on the list but considering what I feel that seems really close to my hand, and having vibrations even at 0km/h I suspect more something close to steering wheel

 

[POL]

I was going to say steering box, then also check the adjustment of it...not too tight which will destroy the recirculating balls, and not loosey goosey. Balljoints are definitely suspect, and the clockspring can break, had one break on my Subaru and Toyota but neither caused any steering problems...horn would not work.

when steering box was changed we also did some tests tightening and loosening it. my mechanic did it right but that had absolutely no effect on the weird feeling in the steering wheel.

 

[Wabujitsu]

It is. Thats why I asked the caster question. I had some of the oddest steering when my caster wasnt above 6°. I really dint think thats the issue here but it never hurts to confirm.

As a sidebar, may I ask what was odd about your steering? I am curious, because I run my caster well above 7, and my steering is perfect.

 

[Tech Tim]

does it need to be flashed in a Jeep Dealer when you do the replacement of the clock spring ?

The steering angle needs to be reset.
Typically you gotta go to a dealer for that. But a high level scanner or Wiitech tool could do it too.

I've heard it can be done via JScan, though I haven't tried it.

 

[Dyolfknip74]

As a sidebar, may I ask what was odd about your steering? I am curious, because I run my caster well above 7, and my steering is perfect.

I was at like 5.3 I think. With RR knuckles and MC Baller joints and it would wander like crazy but in such a weird way. Going nice and straight and just shift 6" laterlly at like 100kms.

 

[POL]

 

[POL]

So, I just picked up my JL from the shop and reviewed what is still wrong.

Here a video of how it was before we put the Synergy Brace. And the mechanic told me the brace solved that problem.


But is this play normal in the steering box ? The steering box is a brand new cast one and was replaced by Jeep since I had the aluminium one. And the play was already there with the aluminium.


I feel the “bumps/inputs” in the steering wheels from 20 to 70 km/h.

No more strange things at 0 km/h.

nothing strange at high speed like on the highway.

The strange feeling starts sometimes with a small bump on the road, then does not stop, even on a straight line on perfect road.

sometimes I can’t notice it for 10 km, then starts again.

I feel it really close to the steering wheel. Like if the shocks inputs
20cm behind the hand.

So, I plan with an other 4x4 specialist to check the intermediate steering shaft.
Would like to replace it.

or maybe the pitman arm ?

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