TJ Steering Problem--Wandering All Over the Road!!

Snowman01TJ · 02-25-2009, 07:34 PM

I have a 2001 TJ with a 3 inch lift and 33x12.50 BFG AT KO's.

I installed the lift 5 years ago and had no problem. I would drive my Jeep 6 hours to Georgia @ 70mph twice a month for the first 2 years after installing the lift and tires and didnt have any problems. Now I would not drive it 1 hour to the beach because I fear I or my wife will not make it home.

I installed a MM 10,500 hydraulic winch 1 year ago. About 6 months ago I noticed the jeep would track or jump all over the road following the ruts or almost loose controll if a big truck passes in the opposite direction. I have changed the track bar, linkage ends, and steering box and no change. I have bypassed the winch and still have the problem.

Is it possible it could be before the steering box in the steering shaft?

Please help and thanks in advance for your input.

Snowman

**fatmanontwowhee** · 02-25-2009, 08:10 PM

Have you checked your steerig stabilizer?

MoJeeper · 02-25-2009, 08:34 PM

Mine wanders all over to..It did it before, and after the lift..I've been told my alingment is off, which I've checked and rechecked,(its was fine) but nothing has made a diffrence. I haven't replaced my steering stabalizer yet, but thats my next option.

**brunosplace** · 02-25-2009, 08:51 PM

Check all front end components, including ball joints, tie rod ends, drag link, unit bearings (hubs) there is excessive play in something. I had similar trouble with mine. Thread about it here. Mine was finally cured when I replaced the axle with a hp30 from a 99 Cherokee. I don't believe the original axle was the actual problem, I think it was the unit bearings since the were the only thing that hadn't been replaced already, I just put the axle in since I got it for a steal.

**durango-bob** · 02-25-2009, 08:55 PM

Start with some diagnostics. Lay under the front of the Jeep and have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth so that you can see what moves and what doesn't. You are looking for the place or places that have movement on one side and none (or less) on the other side. Things like steering gear, drag link ends, tie rod ends, etc. Also, you said that you replaced your steering gear - was it a new one or a rebuilt one that the auto supply stores sell. I have not had good luck with the rebuilt steering gears. Most have had more play in them than the one I removed.

unlblkrubi · 02-26-2009, 06:47 AM

I've just picked up the "Wander" also lately and it's bugging the hell out of me, can't find the reason either. I think the TRE at the pitman arm is my culprit.

jeepthrill85 · 02-26-2009, 06:57 AM

A combination of the steering shaft u-joint at the column and alignment issues was my problem. Steering stabilizer should have nothing to do with it, a good stabilizer only masks the real problem.

wireman508 · 02-26-2009, 07:45 AM

Check out the welds on your upper control arm brackets at the axle. Mine had broken loose 75% on the upper pasanger side and it was a death trap on the interstate untill 4WP's finaly found the problem after over $1200.00 worth of parts and labor changing out other parts.

Dennis

MoJeeper · 02-26-2009, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepthrill85

A combination of the steering shaft u-joint at the column and alignment issues was my problem. Steering stabilizer should have nothing to do with it, a good stabilizer only masks the real problem.

I'll take a mask over not finding anything.

04WranglerX · 02-26-2009, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeepthrill85

Steering stabilizer should have nothing to do with it, a good stabilizer only masks the real problem.

Truth. A good steering setup shouldn't need a steering stabilizer. This isn't your problem.

Dravintoad · 02-26-2009, 08:01 AM

Check your alignment make sure it's still good.
Check your track bar and make sure there is no movement especially at the axle end.
Lift the front tires and wiggle them back and forth, up and down to check you ball joints and bearings.
As mentioned before have someone get inside the jeep and turn the steering wheel back and forth, this can help you figure out where the slack is.

**TheBoogieman** · 02-26-2009, 08:13 AM

Make sure your toe in is set perfectly.

jeepthrill85 · 02-26-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04WranglerX

Truth. A good steering setup shouldn't need a steering stabilizer. This isn't your problem.

You know it! I'm at almost 300k miles 4" lift with the original stabilizer, basically it's there for looks. Running worn 32's I've got no wandering issues, after I fixed the above mentioned stuff. Bigger tires= faster wear on steering components especially TRE's and hubs.

TJMunky · 02-26-2009, 08:19 AM

maybe you need to also check your control arms and bushings. i have shot rear bushing in the rear and it wanders like you wouldnt believe and it was a lot worse before i replaced the front ones with some poly bushings. check those out as well.

goodbri · 02-26-2009, 09:06 AM

Both I and my uncle had problems with this. We found out it was the tires. MTs, or any softer rubber tire grips cracks and groves in the road better and can cause your steering to "wander." Putting the winch on added weight to the front end, maybe it just increased the grip of the tires on the road.

Just a thought. Mine wanders a little bit with MTs but didnt with street or ATs.