Steering shaft joint replacement to fix steering slop?

[CreepinDeth]

Im trying to assess and replace EVERYTHING to fix my steering issues. I have at least 2”+ of play which is annoying and I cant let my kids drive this still.

What Ive done so far
All new ZJ upgraded and HD steering components
That did not resolve. Now I am admittedly leary of doing the tightening of the worm gear on the steering box. So I have been looking at anything else it could be.

What is everyones opinion on the steering shaft u-joint wearout and replacement? Keep in mind my Jeep is a 4.0L 2003 with 250K.

This guy shows a fix he put in play that he claims is a good improvement. The steering shaft joint is unbolted on the forward end, and cut off at the back end. New one bolted and welded on
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M3SZKSV/?tag=wranglerorg-20
The repair begins @ 6:52 mark



Now I did see a 2016 thread here showing an alternate recommended Billet solution for $100. Just askin if anyone has done this repair and can share their results
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...la-google-_-shopping-_-srese1-_-flaming-river

 

[tr21triton]

my 94 bronco had excessive play in the steering. I replaced the shaft with a new shaft after replacing the steering box and tie rods trying to correct it. replacing the rag joint finally corrected the problem. so yes I'd go with that and if that doesn't fix it you'll need to either adjust or replace your box. adjusting the box is no big deal just dont go more than 1/8th of a turn at a time.

 

[jjvw]

Is the steering shaft u joint worn out or are you avoiding replacing the steering gear?

 

[CreepinDeth]

Is the steering shaft u joint worn out or are you avoiding replacing the steering gear?

I just saw this with my coffee at work
So I cant visually confirm yet

Just checking if its a common repair in higher mileage Jeeps and if its helped others. Once I get home Im gonna have my son turn the steering wheel to see how bad it is

 

[CreepinDeth]

. replacing the rag joint finally corrected the problem.

interesting
Ok so this is saying this is the TJs rag joint
Maybe I will look more at this also

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/borgeson-rag-joint-flanges/prod6450001

 

[NashvilleTJ]

Why fire the parts cannon? Steering slop is easy to identify with a dry steer test. You just have to look at everything - including the steering shaft and all of the connections. Any movement at all is a problem.

Also, no adjustment to the steering gear will help. If it is worn, it is worn and will need to be replaced or rebuilt. If it is out of adjustment (unlikely) the only way to properly fix it is to pull the box and adjust it on the bench.

 

[tr21triton]

interesting
Ok so this is saying this is the TJs rag joint
Maybe I will look more at this also

[URL]https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/borgeson-rag-joint-flanges/prod6450001[/URL]

see if you see any movement in it when you wiggle the steering wheel. it really could be either the box, joint or both worn out !

 

[NashvilleTJ]

see if you see any movement in it when you wiggle the steering wheel. it really could be either the box, joint or both worn out !

To be clear, you can’t always see the movement. The way to detect movement is to place your hands on every joint and connection while your partner is turning the wheel back and forth. You can feel movement long before it is large enough to see.

 

[CreepinDeth]

Yeah I have never chased loose steering this bad

Why fire the parts cannon? Steering slop is easy to identify with a dry steer test. You just have to look at everything - including the steering shaft and all of the connections. Any movement at all is a problem.

Also, no adjustment to the steering gear will help. If it is worn, it is worn and will need to be replaced or rebuilt. If it is out of adjustment (unlikely) the only way to properly fix it is to pull the box and adjust it on the bench.

Im just not the most savvy with chasing loose steering.
So Im firing blind at options.

Appreciate the input, will need my son to get involved while I hold parts myself

I looked at a steering box rebuild video and I can already tell Im not gonna even attempt it. I know my limits of patience will not succeed there. Figured I would try EVERYTHING else before thats dead last as an option to replace

 

[jjvw]

interesting
Ok so this is saying this is the TJs rag joint
Maybe I will look more at this also

[URL]https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/borgeson-rag-joint-flanges/prod6450001[/URL]

Perfect. Let us know where you end up putting that.

 

[jjvw]

I just saw this with my coffee at work
So I cant visually confirm yet

Just checking if its a common repair in higher mileage Jeeps and if its helped others. Once I get home Im gonna have my son turn the steering wheel to see how bad it is

Do the steering test. The input movement into the steering gear should be an immediate output movement at the pitman arm. If there is a delay between movements, that indicates a worn steering gear.

If you care to you can also take a look at the shaft u joint during the test to look and feel for sloppy input output movement.

 

[CreepinDeth]

Perfect. Let us know where you end up putting that.

So that search result is not accurate…..

 

[jjvw]

So that search result is not accurate, ok

It might be worthwhile to look at your steering.

 

[Rickyd]

Do the steering test with the weight on the ground.using a hand on the connections is a good idea