Clunking in steering

[Alatex]

So my Jeep has a noticeable clunk when turning the wheel. It’s not at full turn left or right and can be replicated by slightly turning the wheel left and right while stopped. I believe that I’ve trace it to the steering box.

It feels like it’s catching on something and just pops. Similar feeling to when you have a bolt you’re turning counterclockwise and when the threads pop and you know it’s set for you to turn clockwise to tighten it.

How difficult is the steering box replacement? Is any brand from a parts store acceptable? I don’t really see a need for me to do the Durango swap based on my current use.

 

[Granite]

Is there PS fluid leaking from the box or PS line attachment points?

The steering gear box replacement is not complicated. The tough parts you will run into are the pitman arm removal and the tangle of getting the lines out and/or new ones attached. I used Matt at BleepinJeep’s video as a guide:
I also sent my box to Matt for a rebuild. He has a video on that and a buddy (also named Matt) who does the work. It worked out really great for me to just have them do the rebuild instead of rolling the dice on a remanufactured box.
But in your situation I’d make 100% sure you aren’t just having some interference with the steering linkages, or something like a loose drag link end or stabilizer shock that is causing the clicking/popping. Good luck to you!

 

[TheBoogieman]

Are you positive it's not the track bar?

 

[Alatex]

Are you positive it's not the track bar?

I will check again but last night it seemed as though it was coming from the steering box. I visually watched all steering components as they moved with my wife turning the wheel. You cannot really hear the clunk outside of the vehicle, but you can feel it through the steering wheel and when outside of the vehicle through the steering box. I visually observed and put my hand in all of the connections on the steering shaft and it seems to be either in the steering box or at least where it connects to the steering box.

Maybe I should take the shaft out of the steering box and check it?

 

[gatertamer]

I will check again but last night it seemed as though it was coming from the steering box. I visually watched all steering components as they moved with my wife turning the wheel. You cannot really hear the clunk outside of the vehicle, but you can feel it through the steering wheel and when outside of the vehicle through the steering box. I visually observed and put my hand in all of the connections on the steering shaft and it seems to be either in the steering box or at least where it connects to the steering box.

Maybe I should take the shaft out of the steering box and check it?

Go with boogieman ...exact same thing just happened to me two weeks ago....dry steer it. And watch the frame mount at the track bar.... almost a guarantee

 

[LHC30]

I had what seems a similar clunk awhile back on my ‘01. After chasing suspension bits and steering box and linkage, I found the problem was a slightly loose fit at the end of the steering shaft where it mated to the first coupling inside the firewall. I took it all apart and there was no obvious wear point and the pinch bolt was in place and tight - but it still had movement

I am almost ashamed to admit this, but my fix was to slide a small piece of zip tie into the joint then snug the pinch bolt down.

 

[jjvw]

Get your hand in there and feel all the steering and suspension connections while your wife turns the steering between 10-2 with the engine running.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I am almost ashamed to admit this, but my fix was to slide a small piece of zip tie into the joint then snug the pinch bolt down.

Almost ashamed? You should be ashamed! You stole my "poor man's" fix for almost everything. Other larger problems (like axle u-joints) require duct tape, zip ties and Gorilla glue.

 

[Rickwhoo]

I noticed a light clunk in mine yesterday... I felt it in the gas pedal too??? That was strange to me. I will check it out today and see what is worn.

 

[Alatex]

UPDATE:

Axle-side track bar bushing is shot, not sure how I missed it before. Thanks for the encouragement to recheck everything. As always this place is a very great resource.

 

[Granite]

Glad you found it!

 

[drewninetyseven]

I noticed a light clunk in mine yesterday... I felt it in the gas pedal too??? That was strange to me. I will check it out today and see what is worn.

Sorry to bug you, what was that popping you had? I feel it too, in my feet. Thank you sir

 

[Rickwhoo]

Sorry to bug you, what was that popping you had? I feel it too, in my feet. Thank you sir

It may have been something to do with the aftermarket cruise control I put on my Jeep. All I know is I don't feel it anymore.