2000 TJ steering slop

[Macari7755]

Finally got a Jeep. It’s a 2000 TJ no lift 31” tires. I have what I describe as steering slop and I can’t find the cause. I have 1+ inch of freeplay before the wheels start to turn. All the linkage under the front end is tight, steering shaft u joints appear tight, tires rotated, alignment confirmed, steering box has been tightened until the steering wheel was not returning to center then I backed it off (that helped slightly).
I feel the problem is in my steering box or the lower steering shaft going into the box. The steering shaft turns uniformly but the first inch or so of turn goes into the box and does not come out.
I’ll attach some videos. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Macari7755]

Video

 

[leo.bach.MOZ]

i got the same... if i tight the gearbox will help? also how do i do it on a rhd?

 

[LittleGiant]

Thought I would revive this post hoping you got the issue fixed and if so, what was the cause?

I have replaced my steering gearbox, upper and lower shafts, tie rod ends and everything else that I can think of.

Still have a solid inch of play left and right. I put the wife to work and had her turn the steering wheel while I was under the hood to take a look. (Yes, I know that sounds dirty. haha) I see that the upper steering shaft moves a bit but lower does not so it leaves me to believe its the upper. Doesn't make sense though because I just replaced it and don't recall any slop in the u-joints prior to install.

Also checked the steering wheel bolt and that is rock solid.

I'm perplexed. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

 

[AndyG]

I’m going to mention a few things that I’ve experienced and forgive me if I’m being redundant, I’m not trying to talk down to you or anything like that either-

If your upper steering shaft is acting funny in any way, it will contribute to noises and strange handling

The bearing that is in the clamshell assembly mounted to the fender well is replaceable and we have the part number

It is generally considered off limits to try to tighten a gearbox - I know I did it once and it didn’t go good.

The dry test is invaluable to determine linkage excess play-

Stay after it, you will get results.

Andy

 

[LittleGiant]

I’m going to mention a few things that I’ve experienced and forgive me if I’m being redundant, I’m not trying to talk down to you or anything like that either-

If your upper steering shaft is acting funny in any way, it will contribute to noises and strange handling

The bearing that is in the clamshell assembly mounted to the fender well is replaceable and we have the part number

It is generally considered off limits to try to tighten a gearbox - I know I did it once and it didn’t go good.

The dry test is invaluable to determine linkage excess play-

Stay after it, you will get results.

Andy

Much appreciated.

Talk to me like I’m a 5 year old please.

“The bearing that is in the clamshell assembly mounted to the fender well is replaceable and we have the part number”

^^ the lower shaft goes into the gearbox. I don’t understand.

 

[LittleGiant]

Much appreciated.

Talk to me like I’m a 5 year old please.

“The bearing that is in the clamshell assembly mounted to the fender well is replaceable and we have the part number”

^^ the lower shaft goes into the gearbox. I don’t understand.

I think I know what you’re talking about. It’s essentially in the middle that holds the upper in place right?

 

[KennethS]

Yes, it is a support for the shaft.

 

[AndyG]

I think I know what you’re talking about. It’s essentially in the middle that holds the upper in place right?

Yes, you’re correct and remember any component can basically transfer the slop to something further down the line so trust nothing, suspect everything and once you figure it out you’ll be really pleased with how good these little rigs can drive- they were designed to drive better than their predecessors and they will do that. The problem at this stage of the game is either the age and mileage and or the modifications done to the vehicle most of the time…. and of course you can throw in the term lack of maintenance. Don’t accept the saying that it’s a four-wheel-drive Jeep and that you have to live with a terrible or unsafe driving and handling- that’s just not true. CJ 5 was not a dream but everything from 1997 forward was built to perform safely at highway speeds.

 

[LittleGiant]

I think I fixed it, When I had slop before I replaced basically everything. I did the ole "throw money at it and hope it works". Luckily I kept the old upper and lower shafts and I threw the upper back on because I could see the movement didn't go past that and the bracket. I had already replaced the upper steering shaft. I can't remember what brand of where I got it. I have a spreadsheet somewhere. Anyways, I drove it around the neighborhood and surface streets and it's a lot better.

Could balancing and rotating tires help in anyway?
It does seem that it has a little more give to the left for some reason. If I remember correctly I replaced the tie rod ends and other components underneath.

 

[KennethS]

Could balancing and rotating tires help in anyway?

Yeah, definitely. Out of balance tires will cause shimmy and shake.

 

[LittleGiant]

I don’t have a shimmy and shake

 

[AndyG]

I don’t have a shimmy and shake

Well, maybe if you listen to us and keep trying, you will…..