Steering rack

Renegade · **Posted:** Wed Sep 09, 2009 3:51 pm

I had to replace the steering rack on my 2003 Renegade at approximately 68,000 miles. Now, at 129,000 miles, there is a small amount of play in the steering wheel and the dealer said that the steering rack is failing again. This vehicle is not beat on and spends 99.9 % of the time on pavement. Has anyone else had steering rack problems? This cannot be normal. I drove my 1993 Grand Cherokee for 178,000 miles with any steering problems, and the guy I sold it to is still driving it after 200,000 miles without incident. Is there something else going on here that I am not aware of? It would seem to me that a steering rack should last hundreds of thousands of miles.

Xodius · **Posted:** Wed Sep 09, 2009 4:03 pm

Just my 2 cents but check the bushing. Mine was jumping a bit and the bushing was...lacking, lol. I just installed some rubber washers similar to Drybones. Works better than new now.

KJ Willy · **Posted:** Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:38 pm

I have had 2 steering racks put in mine, first one in Mar 09 at 67,000 miles next last week at 82,000 miles.

Back in March it was leaking from the bushings, but this last time it was from the bushings and at the inner
tie rods ends, both times almost $1400.00 parts and labor. Thank goodness I got the extended warrenty.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:50 pm

A '93 Grand uses a recirculating ball steering box which is almost always stronger(and usually lasts longer) while the KJ uses a Rack&Pinion steering box which by it's nature wears out faster since there is more force applied on the "rack" which wears out the bushings and seals faster.

phxtoad · **Posted:** Thu Sep 10, 2009 2:37 pm

Looky: http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=45830

So far over a 1,000 miles and no issues...

TL

Fouros · **Posted:** Thu Sep 10, 2009 10:12 pm

well instead of starting a new thread i will hijack this one

does anybody know if the seal where the steering shaft goes into the rack is replaceable

here are the picks

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Sep 10, 2009 10:15 pm

Fouros wrote:

well instead of starting a new thread i will hijack this one

does anybody know if the seal where the steering shaft goes into the rack is replaceable

here are the picks

It sure is,sadly you have to purchase the rest of the remaned rack along with it.So basically any leak on a R&P you need to replace the whole rack to fix the leak besides a pressure in line or out-bound return line leaking.

Fouros · **Posted:** Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:39 pm

BUGGER

thanks T

djui5 · **Joined:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 1:38 am **Posts:** 536

Fouros wrote:

BUGGER

thanks T

Got the same problem

I'm just gonna let it leak. One of these days I might try to find a way to keep it from leaking without replacing the whole rack, but for it it's gonna just have to leak. :lol:

djui5 · **Joined:** Tue Jun 17, 2008 1:38 am **Posts:** 536

Fouros wrote:

well instead of starting a new thread i will hijack this one

Fixed the leak, and didn't have to replace the rack!!!!

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=49225

RED_KJ_666 · **Posted:** Sat Jan 30, 2010 7:07 pm

I've had 2 Racks fail, and 3 pumps last year. I have a spare rack pump and full set of lines including the cooler on hand now lol. and that top rack seal was my issue both times it failed then it fills the system with water then it's all wrecked up.

Steering rack

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