Steering Gearbox Adjustment Writeup - Page 3

spiicytuna · 12-15-2008, 01:36 PM

SonofSam02: great info I followed your instructions today with no problems.

ccooper · 03-01-2009, 11:14 AM

I haven't tried this yet, but I just bought my second YJ and had a CJ before that (so it's not a matter of just not knowing how a Jeep should feel vs. everything else) and it doesn't have a bunch of play, however, when you barely turn it REALLY turns. It makes it super squirly on the highway when trying to make small compensations for wind, pavement, etc. Someone suggested that the previous owner might have tried this fix to prolong the gear box life and that might be what's causing the super sensitive steering. Has anyone here experienced this? Trying not to have to buy a new gear box, but it may just be time. Thanks in advance.

the_mork · 03-01-2009, 11:43 AM

When I tightened up the steering on a ZJ it did exactly that so I would take the time and try loosening it just a bit. If it is not binding then keep in mind that it is close and keep a less is more mentality. 1/16 of a turn should make a significant difference, otherwise if that doesn't help you may want to check your alignment.

If you do need to get a new steering box then you may want to do some research on a Durango or Wagoneer box as I believe these are bolt in boxes that are stronger without any real increase in price.

rob1208lv · 03-28-2009, 04:59 PM

quick question before I do mine,

do I leave the steering wheel locked or unlocked or does it matter??

rmwhite · 08-15-2009, 04:31 PM

THAT just saved me ALOT of money. Thanks!

Dfosco · 02-20-2010, 10:37 AM

I have adjusted the steering gear and it feels good but what I noticed is that the bottom shaft comming out of the steering gear has some side to side play when turning the steering gear so I bought a new steering gear and the paperwork that came with it says its normal to have side to side play at that shaft does that sound correct to you guys?

EmptyInTheHead · 05-02-2010, 08:34 PM

I just bought a 98 TJ. The steering was WAY too sensitive. I figured it was either caster or steering box adjustment, but it seems to track alright, so I adjusted the steering box allen nut on top about a 1/4 turn counter clockwise. That definitely solved the sensitivity problem, BUT now I notice the steering box is leaking. I'm sure it wasn't dripping at all before cause I've had it parked in the same spot in the drive for 3 days and there wasn't a spot until I adjusted it. OR I went 4 wheeling today (before the adjustment) and worked it out a bit. So, maybe it was always leaking but I wasn't driving it very hard?

So, my question is, is there any chance that adjusting the steering box could cause it to leak? And, what's it take to rebuild a steering box. I'm pretty adventurous mechanically, but I've never done anything like that. Do I need any pullers or anything? BTW: I"ve got power steering. I assume that matters.

EDIT: Looks like the rebuild is a PITA. I'll probably go for a rebuilt one. (I know should'a used search FIRST!) But I'm still curious if the adjustment could cause a leak...

SonofSam02 · 05-02-2010, 08:42 PM

Are you sure you tightened down the nut on top all the way?

It is a lot easier to just buy a replacement box rather than rebuild it.

EmptyInTheHead · 05-02-2010, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SonofSam02

Are you sure you tightened down the nut on top all the way?.

The nut is pretty darn tight. I didn't use a torque wrench but I hand tightened it at least as tight as it was, maybe 25-30fp?

**weidmaier** · 01-19-2011, 08:04 PM

Can any one tell me what the wire/metal thing behind the gear bod does? not the circled bolt but the wire that is held in by the clip. i bent mine a lot and i wonder if it affected my steering.

**Randonexplosion** · 03-07-2011, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weidmaier

Attachment 181983

Can any one tell me what the wire/metal thing behind the gear bod does? not the circled bolt but the wire that is held in by the clip. i bent mine a lot and i wonder if it affected my steering.

It won't affect your steering but you might not be able to stop as easily!

**sebastian22** · 03-07-2011, 04:15 PM

yeah that would be a brake line. if its bent it might not be a big deal, if its pinched, its bad! post up a picture if you can.

**Randonexplosion** · 03-07-2011, 04:50 PM

Sorry I wasn't trying to be an a**. I was about to edit my post to include some useful advise but he beat me to it. I'm still getting to know what things are on my Jeep after owning it for 6 mos. and workin on almost everything

adrianboehm · 12-22-2011, 02:57 PM

nice job man..
im going out right now to fix mine, hope it gos smoothly

beetlepunk21 · 12-23-2011, 05:11 PM

great post. The pics help a lot! thanks