I have perfect alignment, no drop pitman arm and steering is fine till you hit a bump, then it rattles or feels like it's loose in the steering box. I feel it in the steering wheel. It's been driving me crazy! Is that bump steer? How do I fix it?
Steering rattles when hitting bumps
- Thread starter JMT
- Start date
Ahhhh... You don't have an option other than using the stock Mercedes gear box, which is around $650 or so. The 97-02 used a different gear box configuration, and you can get gear boxes for it for around $200 at most. The 03-06 models though really screwed us with their Mercedes gear box, and the fact that there's basically no aftermarket replacements for it for any cheaper.
Unless you want to convert to the 97-02 style (which I think might be a good idea). @Jeepaholic wrote this helpful write-up on how to do it here:
How to install 97-02 steering gearbox in 03-06 TJ / LJ
You'll save a lot of money that way. Then you can go with a remanufactured unit such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZASQ4OI/?tag=wranglerorg-20
I believe @lxxtsy is using one of these on his.
jeepndogs
TJ Enthusiast
Check the intermediate shaft going from the box to the steering columm. There is a bushing it runs through that attaches to the left inner fender. If that bushing is bad it will do as you describe.
Check your sway bar links if you haven't already. I had a broken one that I could hear when I hit bumps. Didn't really feel it, but it wasn't completely broken yet either...
I have a 98 and while my steering didnt actually rattle it felt loose. Mine has a lot of miles on it, and the steering stabilizer looked stock. I replaced it with an old man emu, and it feels a lot tighter now. Since you fabricated your own disconnects, you probably have already checked yours, but thought it is still worth mentioning.
New stabilizer sitting in the garage. Decided to do the ZJ Tie Rod Conversion and Drag Link. It was on the list anyway. Hopefully get it all done by Friday. My stabilizer shows signs of leaking, so I'm sure it's shot. Thanks
Ahoragi
TJ Addict
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2016
- Messages
- 1,272
This. I have the same rattle and my upper portion of the shaft is rattling at the slip yoke. There is a rubber shock-like boot before the fire wall and a slip yoke inside of that. If I grab it there then I can wiggle it and create the same rattle. Unfortunately only Borgeson makes this upper shaft and it's a few pennies unless you want Mopar which is a few more pennies.
I read that this is a big issue with 4runners and Tacomas as well. People have tried to tack weld the slip yoke and it works but you get some awkward steering quirks from doing so it's not advised to do that.
Ok, I took a look at it. How do I check to see if the bushing is bad? Maybe crank it up and have my sons turn the steering wheel under load while I watch and feel? Also, my bushing is attached to the frame underneath by a bracket, not the left fender. It is close to the left fender though.
jeepndogs
TJ Enthusiast
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