sloppy steering

[wannabejeep]

I finally registered the jeep the other day and I noticed the steering has quite a bit of slop in it. No death wobbles or vibes though so I'm pretty happy about that. I'm wondering if my bent drag link could cause this, and if an alignment would help my issue.

[MdgtRac]

sounds like it is in the steering shaft to me, check the joints in the column to make sure there is no play. Does it click or its just really loose?

[Wide-J]

I dont think the bent drag link would cause slop. Definitely check the steering shaft and make sure the steering box itself isn't loose/moving. How are the tie rod ends? I'd also make sure that when you turn the steering wheel the tie rod isnt rolling over the ball joints.

[wannabejeep]

the box is out of my old xj and it's tight to the unibody, but it is an old box. I'll be sure to check the steering shaft tomorrow. For whatever reason I really didn't think of that. As for the tie rod and ball joints, they were also on my old xj and I never had a problem. That doesn't mean they aren't bad though.

[OWEN]

With the key off (engine not running, no power steering) turn the wheel. If you can move the steering wheel a lot, then check your steering shaft for wear

If you can round up a friend, have them turn the wheel back and forth and see if the things happen, such as the steering linkage moves, but the tires don't (may indicate a worn component)

If you have a bent drag link, you probably want to get an alignment. When I first got my Dodge I fell asleep at the wheel and hit a guard rail and bent my drag link very slightly, but it caused a significant amount of teo in which felt like it was wondering. If you bring it for an alignment they will be able to tell you if you have a worn comonent as well.

but it is an old box.

lol

[clean4drxj]

I have this problem as well but I'm almost positive thats it's my steeringbox