Steering Slop Wander Play Measure Box?

[rstoomanyhobbies]

Any Tech’s or Jeep mechanics know how a dealer should measure steering box play? My ‘23 2-dr Rubicon bought new has wandered really bad since new. Has 13k miles now. No better. No worse. Dealer has verified alignment etc etc and of course says it’s normal but I’ve had other JK and JLs and drove another 2dr ‘24 recently and it was solid. With engine running I’ve got about 1-2” of steering slop each way before tire movement sitting still. Same while driving. All other steering components are tight with no movement when I move the steering wheel that 1-2”. It’s got to be the steering box right? Just wondering if there is a spec. or method they can actually measure if I go back. I’ve read the threads about adjusting the box tighter but I’m not doing that for reasons. Thanks.

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[58Willys]

So, when you turn the steering wheel an inch in either direction, the pitman arm doesn’t move at all? If that’s the case, then yes it the steering box, unless the pitman arm/nut is loose. Check pitman arm nut for proper torque. Have someone turn the wheel slowly and follow movement/slop, eventually you’ll find the problem.

Disclaimer: I’m not a Jeep tech, just an old mechanic.

 

[Roky]

Any Tech’s or Jeep mechanics know how a dealer should measure steering box play? My ‘23 2-dr Rubicon bought new has wandered really bad since new. Has 13k miles now. No better. No worse. Dealer has verified alignment etc etc and of course says it’s normal but I’ve had other JK and JLs and drove another 2dr ‘24 recently and it was solid. With engine running I’ve got about 1-2” of steering slop each way before tire movement sitting still. Same while driving. All other steering components are tight with no movement when I move the steering wheel that 1-2”. It’s got to be the steering box right? Just wondering if there is a spec. or method they can actually measure if I go back. I’ve read the threads about adjusting the box tighter but I’m not doing that for reasons. Thanks.

Based on what you’ve stated, the box needs adjustment, but if you’re not going to do that for whatever reason, then you’ll have to live with it.

The dealership has already deemed it normal…there’s no avenue there for a fix now…..you can try another dealership, or change out the box, adjust the box, or trade it in, but that’s pretty much it…..

 

[coljl]

It's a Jeep thing - I have a 21 2dr JL that had a warranty fix for the box but it still has the play in it you describe.

 

[Odyssey USA]

So, when you turn the steering wheel an inch in either direction, the pitman arm doesn’t move at all? If that’s the case, then yes it the steering box, unless the pitman arm/nut is loose. Check pitman arm nut for proper torque. Have someone turn the wheel slowly and follow movement/slop, eventually you’ll find the problem.

Disclaimer: I’m not a Jeep tech, just an old mechanic.

I was going to suggest the same. I’d look at the outer end of the drag link while I was there.

To the OP, what’s toe set at? For a 2dr with a short wheel base, a set of the very inexpensive Mopar lower control arms will make hwy driving less twitchy and it’ll return to center better with about 1° more caster.

 

[Hard Rock Jeep]

I have adjusted the lash in the steering box of a JK and got some of the looseness out. Do a bit of research on this. It was pretty easy to do. You should do small increments at a time and see if it is helping.

 

[Camaroboi13]

This would be a good place to start

 

[rstoomanyhobbies]

Thanks guys. I’ve seen the video and know the box can be adjusted but for now, I was just hoping someone might know a factory measurement and method spec. New stuff is subject to be bad. I had two new Dana rear axle assemblies due to zero lash but the 3rd new one is good. The service manager is going to meet with me vs the service writer so I can go over my steering box situation vs new ones on the lot. So we’ll see if they’ll replace it or not.

 

[Aquastream]

Thanks guys. I’ve seen the video and know the box can be adjusted but for now, I was just hoping someone might know a factory measurement and method spec. New stuff is subject to be bad. I had two new Dana rear axle assemblies due to zero lash but the 3rd new one is good. The service manager is going to meet with me vs the service writer so I can go over my steering box situation vs new ones on the lot. So we’ll see if they’ll replace it or not.

Hey. did you ever get your issue sorted out? With your steering slop and steering box?

 

[Odyssey USA]

This would be a good place to start

I tried that. Did it in old muscle cars. It didn’t work on the Jeep.

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