Steering play on 4.0L XJ 1998
- Thread starter Mike1
- Start date
MudderChuck
New member
Most times it´s not in the steering box. What you should do is to get a freind to turn the steering wheel left and right a couple of inches and check each joint in the steering parts closely.
Play is usually in the trac bar, sometimes the tie rod ends, sometimes in the steering column U-joints, sometimes the steering box itself.
Trac bar upper joint is usually most of it. Steering box will usually start leaking a little fluid near the pitman arm when the sector shaft gets loose. Proper adjustment, isn´t easy, just about have to remove the steering box to get it right and even then it´s a pain. I did it once and tightened it a little too tight and almost crashed, now I order a rebuild.
Play is usually in the trac bar, sometimes the tie rod ends, sometimes in the steering column U-joints, sometimes the steering box itself.
Trac bar upper joint is usually most of it. Steering box will usually start leaking a little fluid near the pitman arm when the sector shaft gets loose. Proper adjustment, isn´t easy, just about have to remove the steering box to get it right and even then it´s a pain. I did it once and tightened it a little too tight and almost crashed, now I order a rebuild.
Merry Christmas to me
I'd have to agree with MC Mike.
I had a pretty sloppy front end for a bit and have tried tweeking and playing a bit, but it gets frustrating!
I did just change my sway bar bushings and I am FREAKIN AMAZED at the difference. I had no idea that $20 worth of bushings (and thats poly) made such a difference!
Even if thats not whats causing your issue, its worth the 1 hour do it yourself project to try.
All you need for tools is a 5/8" deep socket, a larger sized torx socket(don't remember the size, sorry) floor jack & stands. It helps to have a bench vise to press in the lower link end bushings but you can do it with rubber mallet just as well!
Again it may not even be close to your issue but it certainly made my XJ a smoother handle!
I'd have to agree with MC Mike.
I had a pretty sloppy front end for a bit and have tried tweeking and playing a bit, but it gets frustrating!
I did just change my sway bar bushings and I am FREAKIN AMAZED at the difference. I had no idea that $20 worth of bushings (and thats poly) made such a difference!
Even if thats not whats causing your issue, its worth the 1 hour do it yourself project to try.
All you need for tools is a 5/8" deep socket, a larger sized torx socket(don't remember the size, sorry) floor jack & stands. It helps to have a bench vise to press in the lower link end bushings but you can do it with rubber mallet just as well!
Again it may not even be close to your issue but it certainly made my XJ a smoother handle!
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