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Steering concern
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=90643		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  ekj [ Mon Nov 18, 2019 2:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Steering concern
Not quite sure I want to call it a problem yet, but the steering is acting a little weird. After turning, while going forward, the wheels (and steering wheel) should self-correct to center. Mine just stays turned or very weakly attempts to self-correct. It seems like there might be a little play between the steering wheels and wheels too. On a couple of occasions, switching lanes on the interstate felt off. Instead of a smooth transition, it was more abrupt. I can't quite describe it, but the feedback from the wheels doesn't feel quite right.

Any ideas what the most likely culprits are?
Author:  iakj11 [ Mon Nov 18, 2019 7:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering concern
Sounds like a potentially dangerous problem to me. The front end could be out of alignment. Getting an alignment at a competent shop will hopefully fix the problem or at least uncover the underlying cause.
Author:  GordnadoCRD [ Tue Nov 19, 2019 6:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering concern
Really could be anything from steering knuckles to ball joints to hub bearings, and since driving precision has already been compromised, you could be one pothole away from veering into oncoming traffic, or some pedestrian along the road. Don't mess with this one thinking you can schedule it a month or two ahead. Park it or get it to a shop now. Our opinions and guesses aren't going to fix it, and driving it like that could cost lives, your own included.
Author:  ekj [ Tue Nov 19, 2019 8:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering concern
Thank you, gentlemen. Appointment scheduled.
Author:  ekj [ Thu Nov 21, 2019 12:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering concern
Upper control arms and lower ball joints. $2,200 total. :cry:
Author:  GordnadoCRD [ Thu Nov 21, 2019 1:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering concern
Expensive, but I'm glad you found it before complete failure.
That would likely be much more expensive yet.
Author:  APC9199 [ Fri Nov 22, 2019 5:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering concern
ekj wrote:
Upper control arms and lower ball joints. $2,200 total. :cry:


I don't know how capable you are at working on these things, but it can be much cheaper than that if you order the parts and do the work yourself. You can rent ball joint presses at auto parts stores, or have a shop with a hydraulic press do them for you once you have everything disassembled. The lower ball joints are relatively easy once you have the knuckle removed, and MOOG sells a greasable version with a MUCH longer than OEM life expectancy. It is best to buy a complete replacement upper control arm and just swap it. I seem to remember that they aren't replaceable? In any case, here are some part numbers...

Upper Control Arm: MOOG Problem Solver: CK3198 (x2)
CK3198, ROCKAUTO

Lower Ball Joint: MOOG Problem Solver: K80767 (x2)
K80767, ROCKAUTO

Ball Joint Press: AutoZone
Ball Joint Press, AutoZone

One of these can be helpful if you have a stubborn ball joint that gets stuck part way coming out. Many recommend against using these because they can damage the mating surface that the ball joint sits against if you're not careful. In my opinion, it helps to have a little extra leverage there if you need it, and its free if you return it in one piece!
Ball Joint Separator, AutoZone

When I did mine, I used a big brass hammer and a couple of blocks of hardwood to hammer the ball joint out...but I'm redneck like that. If you're not confident in your wrench skills I would definitely recommend having the shop take care of this one. These are critical components that can cause some serious damage if they fail suddenly, as you have already gathered from others' posts. I just wanted to let you know of the alternatives. Good luck!
Author:  02LibertyRacer [ Wed Apr 01, 2020 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering concern
https://creative-steel.com/shop/jeep/kj ... -bushings/

Mevotech TTX upper control arms: oversized heavyduty ball joints, greasible with boot checkvalve, forged steel arm.
Mevotech lower joints: improved design, greasible.
Creative Steel poly rack bushings: Improved steering feel, unaffected by atf or coolant.
Total: $293.72.
Use Lucas Red grease regularly and these ball joints will probably outlast the Jeep.

Extra note, Moog poly sway bar bushings and endlinks for improved cornering, $50.
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