Slack in the steering wheel
11-14-2011, 05:35 PM
#1
JK Super Freak
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Slack in the steering wheel
realized I was jacking someone elses thread and that wasn't going to help either of us, so, my own thread!
First off, how much play should there be in the steering wheel? For a big heavy truck, I assumed the steering wouldn't be precise, but it seems I was wrong. So since I've lifted my jeep, I've noticed that I have alot of play in the steering wheel. I seem to be able to move it about .5-1" in either direction before noticing any response. I noticed this especially last time I was wheeling, when I got stuck in the mud and couldn't really get my wheels to turn much in either direction while I was trying to get unstuck. Any ideas? Also, took a look under, this is what my steering stabilizer looks like. It's stock, and I'm assuming the boot is just stuffed full of mud, but this might also be showing some other problem so I'll post a picture of it.
So, I'm assuming I have too much play, and I'd love to know how to fix it. Or at the very least, know what to go to a dealership and tell them to fix. Jeep is brand new, 3500 miles
First off, how much play should there be in the steering wheel? For a big heavy truck, I assumed the steering wouldn't be precise, but it seems I was wrong. So since I've lifted my jeep, I've noticed that I have alot of play in the steering wheel. I seem to be able to move it about .5-1" in either direction before noticing any response. I noticed this especially last time I was wheeling, when I got stuck in the mud and couldn't really get my wheels to turn much in either direction while I was trying to get unstuck. Any ideas? Also, took a look under, this is what my steering stabilizer looks like. It's stock, and I'm assuming the boot is just stuffed full of mud, but this might also be showing some other problem so I'll post a picture of it.
So, I'm assuming I have too much play, and I'd love to know how to fix it. Or at the very least, know what to go to a dealership and tell them to fix. Jeep is brand new, 3500 miles
11-15-2011, 02:50 AM
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I don't think it would be your steering stabilizer. Some people even run without them. And did your stock one mushroom? I'm sure someone more mechanically inclined will chime in soon with a better answer
11-15-2011, 04:36 AM
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JK Super Freak
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Yeah I'm assuming the stock one got stuck full of mud (see my avatar) and somehow mushroomed. But most of my jeep knowledge comes from the internet, and I hav'nt found much advice on this issue, besides utilizing an adjustment screw on the steering box; and it sounds like if the box is covered by warranty its better to have a shop do it because the box needs to be taken apart.
But I'm hoping for someone to chime in
But I'm hoping for someone to chime in
11-15-2011, 05:48 AM
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first off, your steering stabilizer will not effect the amount of play you have in your steering wheel unless it's binding up. have any doubts, remove it completely and test your steering wheel again.
regarding the slack you feel, some slack is normal but if you really feel that it's excessive. here are somethings to check:
1. make sure that your drag link turnbuckle bolts and mounting bolts and track bar bolts are all tightend to torque spec.
2. check your pitman arm to see if it's loose or if there's any movement on the splines as you turn the wheel back and forth.
3. open your hood and check to see the firewall isolator has dropped down too far or out completely.
regarding the slack you feel, some slack is normal but if you really feel that it's excessive. here are somethings to check:
1. make sure that your drag link turnbuckle bolts and mounting bolts and track bar bolts are all tightend to torque spec.
2. check your pitman arm to see if it's loose or if there's any movement on the splines as you turn the wheel back and forth.
3. open your hood and check to see the firewall isolator has dropped down too far or out completely.
11-15-2011, 05:58 AM
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JK Super Freak
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>.> well see, it's posts like that that remind me how little I know about my jeep. Is there a picture diagram or something for any of those so I know what to go look at? I think the pitman are is the only one of those I actually know....
And thank you for the info, I have the day off so I will go take a look and see what I notice. Is there an easy, even if mcgyvery, way to check for movement by myself? Say a strap around the steering wheel or something?
oh and i guess I found the ever popular diagram of the steering components. still not sure on the firewall or turnknuckles, but I'm just going to go tug on things and see whats loose!
And thank you for the info, I have the day off so I will go take a look and see what I notice. Is there an easy, even if mcgyvery, way to check for movement by myself? Say a strap around the steering wheel or something?
oh and i guess I found the ever popular diagram of the steering components. still not sure on the firewall or turnknuckles, but I'm just going to go tug on things and see whats loose!
Last edited by sneck; 11-15-2011 at 06:01 AM.
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11-15-2011, 07:03 AM
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so there I am, checking the wheels, seeing how much play there is. Turns out, its not as bad as I thought. I put the think to max left and suddenly my engine is covered in red fluid. Awesome. I'm off to the dealership, if anyone has any ideas let me know!