Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Checklist for Steering Issues?

Dawnikens

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Joined
Jan 21, 2021
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3
Location
California
Hey all, first time poster here. I drive a 2004 4.0 LJ with 32" or sumn tires and no lift yet (I'm in college and barely working currently). I am aware of some rubbing from the tires. What my issue has been is that on occasion when I will be making a tight turn, it will completely lock up on me, killing the engine BUT the radio is still on. This has happened once on the trail making a 3 point turn, once at a gas station causing me to almost have a head-on with the pump, and once more today when pulling into the parking lot for class. The drive home from class was fine. My power steering pump is not leaking nor is it sounding aggravated when I play with the steering. I was told it could have something to do with my steering stabilizer bracket (?) among other things.
If you all could drop a checklist for things for me to check that could be causing me this issue, it would be GREATLY appreciated! Oh, also, I have not gotten a single code throughout this happening. Thanks so much :)
Some other info on the jeep: recently over 130,000 miles so just changed plugs and fluids
I recently had the rear axle seal replaced idk how that could affect anything but thought it would be worth mentioning
Replaced IAC & TPS sensor aswell
 
When you say it locks up, do you mean that the engine dies making the steering more difficult to turn or does it feel like the steering binds making it impossible to turn the wheel?
 
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I'd check the tie rod adjustment collar orientation on the driver's side and make sure it doesn't snag the sway bar link lower mount and then have a friend turn the wheel while you check for interference.

Barely working ....don't think I'd of said that...I know people with full time jobs doing that.

Hang in there, finish school if it's taking you somewhere and don't let the parties/fun derail you like I did, don't expect 6 figures when you graduate, thank your folks for helping you get the education and pay them back by being someone they are proud of.
 
Hey all, first time poster here. I drive a 2004 4.0 LJ with 32" or sumn tires and no lift yet (I'm in college and barely working currently). I am aware of some rubbing from the tires. What my issue has been is that on occasion when I will be making a tight turn, it will completely lock up on me, killing the engine BUT the radio is still on. This has happened once on the trail making a 3 point turn, once at a gas station causing me to almost have a head-on with the pump, and once more today when pulling into the parking lot for class. The drive home from class was fine. My power steering pump is not leaking nor is it sounding aggravated when I play with the steering. I was told it could have something to do with my steering stabilizer bracket (?) among other things.
What's up with your steering stabilizer bracket? Pics? Do you have stock wheels? If so, the 32x11.50" tires will rub the lower control arms when fully turned. This would bind up at low crawling speed and could possibly kill the engine. Just guesses without pics and more details.
 
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Post some good clear pics of the front end. Steering left side, middle, and right. Be sure to show the steering in full lock and centered. Pics of track bar and steering box. If you turn and suddenly the steering locks up and that load on the power steering pump is enough to stall the engine then you may have more than 1 problem under there. Have a buddy slowly turn the steering wheel back and forth, lock to lock while you look at all the linkage moving. Something is very odd for the engine to stall from steering input. Look especially for any wear Mark's where parts may be making contact. If the stabilizer is bolted in at a bad angle the clamp and/or ubolts may be grabbing another part of the linkage.
 
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When you say it locks up, do you mean that the engine dies making the steering more difficult to turn or does it feel like the steering binds making it impossible to turn the wheel?
It felt like the steering was completely locked up
 
I'd check the tie rod adjustment collar orientation on the driver's side and make sure it doesn't snag the sway bar link lower mount and then have a friend turn the wheel while you check for interference.

Barely working ....don't think I'd of said that...I know people with full time jobs doing that.

Hang in there, finish school if it's taking you somewhere and don't let the parties/fun derail you like I did, don't expect 6 figures when you graduate, thank your folks for helping you get the education and pay them back by being someone they are proud of.
It's on the checklist! Thanks!

And thank you for your words of encouragement, I definitely got sidetracked my first year of college but this pandemic (and getting sober and losing all my "friends") has been a slap in the face to kick it in gear.
 
I definitely got sidetracked my first year of college but this pandemic (and getting sober and losing all my "friends") has been a slap in the face to kick it in gear.
Nice to read, you're on your way to continued success when you're able to do that!! Sometimes the wrong crowd is definitely the wrong crowd like who I hung out with in high school... one can definitely learn from bad choices. 💪
 
Do you have stock wheels? If so, the 32x11.50" tires will rub the lower control arms when fully turned. This would bind up at low crawling speed and could possibly kill the engine.
That was my first thought also when he mentioned he's "aware of some tire rubbing".

OP, tires making contact with chassis components is pretty easy to spot. Just look for some shiny metal. Take some pics for us please.
 
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Nice to read, you're on your way to continued success when you're able to do that!! Sometimes the wrong crowd is definitely the wrong crowd like who I hung out with in high school... one can definitely learn from bad choices. 💪
beautifully said my father looked at me one day and said Son you need to get around some better people.


When you lay down with dogs you get fleas.
 
It's on the checklist! Thanks!

And thank you for your words of encouragement, I definitely got sidetracked my first year of college but this pandemic (and getting sober and losing all my "friends") has been a slap in the face to kick it in gear.
Don't let any of it bother you... At least not to the point of holding you back... One of the best things a person can do is figure out what doesn't work as fast as they can...and I hate to say it like this but that sort of looks like failing...but it is the absolute surest path to success I know of... Lasting success.
 
And thank you for your words of encouragement, I definitely got sidetracked my first year of college but this pandemic (and getting sober and losing all my "friends") has been a slap in the face to kick it in gear.
Been there dude. Really sucks at first but it gets easier every day so keep it up.

It felt like the steering was completely locked up
Like some others have suggested, post up some good pics of what you have going on under there, nothing that can't be figured out.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator