For all you steering pro's

[jdub]

I have a question regarding the steering. I've been replacing certain items to try and resolve this issue with no luck.

The problem: When driving the '83 cj7 with stock steering box and pump it kinda meanders down the road. It's driveable but sometimes it gets scary. The only way I can describe what it's doing is the reaction you get from a trailer that is off balance or loaded funny. It doesn't just pull to one side, It will jerk a bit every other side, one side then the other and so forth.

Anyone know what this is???

I just had the ball joints done on the driver side, and the hydro hoses for the power steering were old and leaking. While this improved the drivability it still does the funky serpentine.

If it's sporatic does that mean the pump is going out? or could it be my tir rod ends wearing out?

It's a long shot but I also find it hard to believe that I'm alone in this. Please if you have any info/suggestions let me know.

Much apprieciated!

 

[AINT SKEERED]

If it's sporatic does that mean the pump is going out? or could it be my tir rod ends wearing out?

I would suggest checking the ball joints on the passenger side and trying to wiggle the intermediate shaft(connects the steering box to the wheel). If it wiggles the box is bad.

 

[I Lean]

Look first for loose things. Any play in any component could mess you up in the way you describe. If you lock the steering wheel, jack up the front end, and try to move the wheels back and forth. If you're able to, there's play somewhere--find it, eliminate it, and report back to us.

 

[DOSS]

Sounds like bump steer to me... I don't know how your steering is set up but you may want to look at your Toe on that...

 

[jdub]

Sounds like bump steer to me... I don't know how your steering is set up but you may want to look at your Toe on that...

That's occured to me but can bump steer occur on flat smooth ground?

 

[jdub]

I would suggest checking the ball joints on the passenger side and trying to wiggle the intermediate shaft(connects the steering box to the wheel). If it wiggles the box is bad.

From first glance and wiggling everything there's no loose connections. But I forgot to mention that there is a loose wheel bearing on the pass. side. That may be it. Even though I was told by my axle mechanic that it'll be ok. From what I could see that is the only loose part. Makes sense because it technically is closest to the box.

 

[forotacobra]

i ran into this on a customers jeep and it had worn out spring bushings changed them and all was good.

 

[Tacoma]

Look first for loose things. Any play in any component could mess you up in the way you describe. If you lock the steering wheel, jack up the front end, and try to move the wheels back and forth. If you're able to, there's play somewhere--find it, eliminate it, and report back to us.

I agree with Crooked Carl again. There is a lot that can make things happen like you say. Definitely be diligent in checking the steering box.

 

[jdub]

Is that the only way you can check? lift, lock, and wiggle? Will the loosness be evident in the pitman arm area?

 

[1993yj]

Looseness anywhere is bad when it comes to steering. And locking the steering wheel and then lifting the tires off the ground is the easiest way to check that I know of. 2-3 minutes

 

[ChestonScout]

Have you checked your caster angle since its been lifted?

 

[Cherokeester]

I would say check castor angle as well, that seems to be the culprit for most road wander.

 

[jdub]

I just hit the road after tightening up all the bolts on the steering assembly. Everything felt ok, but still tight on the rebound when coming out of corners. Pulls a bit when trying to go straight too. My issue still is that it's not safe. I got going about 35mph and it did a crazy death wobble. Not so bad that tires skidded but it felt like the lug nuts were all super loose. I checked every link that I could find and nothing, it all seems solid. I'm down to the loose wheel bearing. I'm sure that it's been loose for months and never felt this. why is it all the sudden causing this???

I recently installed a normal fan on the pulley wheel instead of a eelectric that croaked. But the belt to the fan isn't even touching the power steer pump pulley.

I'm taking it to get an aditional look to get another opinion. I'm out about $300 trying to solve this problem and still no luck.

 

[jdub]

Thanks for all your insight.

Looks like it can be anything that effects the steering.

Just hope that it's not too long till I find it.

 

[74highboy]

had a problem like this on a ford the other day turned out to be a steering dampner

 

[gijohn40]

after you fix the wheel bearing looseness then I would take it in and get a good alignement on it... have them check the toe in and caster and camber... all these do contribute to the death wobble you talked about...

 

[jdub]

I've taken it to my pops. He's been a mechanic since he was a toddler. He said "I don't even need to drive it, it's the steering box." So for all you guys who guessed the steer box you get two gold stars. It goes in Sat. I'll let you guys know how it "turns" out.

 

[jdub]

Well, lucked out on the steer box. Found one that was remanufactured. Problem is, as it was today on the re-install the input shaft is larger than the original. Happy to have the new box, Mad that the factory sent me a differint size that OEM. Six States is the only option I know of for a different size end for my steer shaft. I'll be chasing parts. If any of you know of another place that'd definatley help.

 

[jdub]

Six States built me a mini U-joint for the other end of the shaft. Fully serviceable!!!

Sat we'll see if it all works!

 

[waynehartwig]

I'd still replace that wheel bearing... There should be no play in them, and if there is, it's bad - period.