Steering Play Numbers

[alparmer]

I would like to know how much play there is in your steering wheel. I managed to adjust the steering box and cannot get better than 1/2". Much much better than before which was like 3". Its not rack and pinion so there will be some play but would like to know what you guys and gals are driving with. Measure with your engine off side to side without moving the wheels. I used the leather stitch on the steering wheel for reference.

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[dpike]

how did you adjust it, with the bolt on top ?

 

[Bayrat]

I just had my aluminum box replaced under warranty for a cast box this week. My Rubicon went from a wandering gypsy on the road a race car compared to what it used to be. Ask your dealer about the service bulletin, it's free to those whom complain.

 

[Carolina Jeeper]

I would not invest much time in it if its the factory aluminum steering box. You'll be much happier with having the cast iron box installed under warranty. Not saying that the aluminum box can't be improved by adjusting it, but it's just not going to be as good as a cast iron box.

 

[m3reno]

His model is a 2022 and should already have the updated box. Did you manage to adjust the new box?

 

[Old Dogger]

The 2021’s, already had all of the steering updates. So his 2022 should be good to go. If not, a trip back to your Dealer is in order.

 

[Bayrat]

His model is a 2022 and should already have the updated box. Did you manage to adjust the new box?

Is there an adjustment screw and lock not similar to the old boxes?

 

[m3reno]

Yes, I just adjusted my box today and the wandering is 98% cured. I didn't want to push it any further as I am happy with the results. I made two adjustments 1/8 at a time. Originally the center screw was at the 9:00 position and now it's at 12:00. I have about 3/4 inch slack in the steering wheel either way vs 1 1/2 inches. I can now drive with just one hand without the constant correction needed to keep the vehicle in lane.

 

[Bayrat]

Yes, I just adjusted my box today and the wandering is 98% cured. I didn't want to push it any further as I am happy with the results. I made two adjustments 1/8 at a time. Originally the center screw was at the 9:00 position and now it's at 12:00. I have about 3/4 inch slack in the steering wheel either way vs 1 1/2 inches. I can now drive with just one hand without the constant correction needed to keep the vehicle in lane.

Thanks for the information. What you started with in slop, sounds similar to how my aluminum box has performed since new. The only complaint I have with mine now, is that the box feels a bit too tight. If it does not loosen with some use, I will back off just a bit.

 

[alparmer]

I would not invest much time in it if its the factory aluminum steering box. You'll be much happier with having the cast iron box installed under warranty. Not saying that the aluminum box can't be improved by adjusting it, but it's just not going to be as good as a cast iron box.

I do have the black box one. I wish it was the aluminum one so it could be fixed.

 

[alparmer]

Yes, I just adjusted my box today and the wandering is 98% cured. I didn't want to push it any further as I am happy with the results. I made two adjustments 1/8 at a time. Originally the center screw was at the 9:00 position and now it's at 12:00. I have about 3/4 inch slack in the steering wheel either way vs 1 1/2 inches. I can now drive with just one hand without the constant correction needed to keep the vehicle in lane.

Same here. About 98% cured. I still have a dead spot but I’ll take it considering how much I started with. I took a video to see if others are the same or if it should be totally corrected without any amount of dead spot. Not sure I can post the video.

So to get to 98%, adjusted steering box, installed longer lower control arms from the Mopar lift (1/4 inch longer), tires at 32 cold. I checked every suspension related bolt and all good. The 3/4 inch dead spot cannot be adjusted and everything else is good, so that bit of play is coming from the black box.
So, I am ready to except 98% unless someone has achieved 100%.

i think the video uploaded. I think I exaggerated a bit on how it was but it really was a lot.

 

[Carolina Jeeper]

I do have the black box one. I wish it was the aluminum one so it could be fixed.

Ok since you have the cast iron steering box I would verify that the input shaft coupling is tight (no play there) and verify the steering box to frame bolts are also tight. The torque specs are floating around in this forum.

I was able to reduce the internal play of my cast iron steering box after the dealership installed it. The procedure is not complicated but I had to apply heat to the adjusting bolt and lock nut since it has locktite that just doesn't cooperate. Small changes should be made to avoid going too far. 1/8th turns to see how much change you get at first. A small amount of play is ok. No play at all is too tight.

 

[alparmer]

Ok since you have the cast iron steering box I would verify that the input shaft coupling is tight (no play there) and verify the steering box to frame bolts are also tight. The torque specs are floating around in this forum.

I was able to reduce the internal play of my cast iron steering box after the dealership installed it. The procedure is not complicated but I had to apply heat to the adjusting bolt and lock nut since it has locktite that just doesn't cooperate. Small changes should be made to avoid going too far. 1/8th turns to see how much change you get at first. A small amount of play is ok. No play at all is too tight.

I checked the frame mounting bolts but not the input shaft. Are you at 0% play/dead spot? I had a CJ7 and it had no play whatsoever, but it did replace most suspension and steering parts. It is hard to believe that 50 years later, they ride like this off the lot.

 

[Carolina Jeeper]

I checked the frame mounting bolts but not the input shaft. Are you at 0% play/dead spot? I had a CJ7 and it had no play whatsoever, but it did replace most suspension and steering parts. It is hard to believe that 50 years later, they ride like this off the lot.

Looks like you have a good start on getting closer to the desired results.

Mine is around 3/8" of dead spot. I could get it closer and probably will eventually. It's so much better than the day I drove it home so I'm pretty satisfied.

Agreed, it's hard to believe where these Jeeps are on quality today.

 

[alparmer]

Looks like you have a good start on getting closer to the desired results.

Mine is around 3/8" of dead spot. I could get it closer and probably will eventually. It's so much better than the day I drove it home so I'm pretty satisfied.

Agreed, it's hard to believe where these Jeeps are on quality today.

I hope they come out with a fix because no matter how you look at this, it is wrong and could be dangerous. The attitude towards this steering issue seems to be, it’s a Jeep, deal with it. That’s fair to say on ride quality compared to other vehicles, but loose steering is not a quality of the wrangler. Maybe after umpteen miles playing with it.

So for now, I’m okay with it but can’t help notice that bit of a dead spot every time I drive. I’m going to give it time and go to another dealer to see what they have to say. However, I am sure they are all aware of it and have canned answers ready.

I am going to keep looking for the play in the steering input shaft, etc but I’m pretty sure the problem is in the black box.

I would love to hear from members that have, or have accomplished 100%.

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