Does this 2006 TJ lower steering shaft look right?

[2006_LJ]

Is this gap suppose to be there on my lower intermediate steering shaft? trying to solve for a steering wheel play and noticed this beauty. It's right before where the shaft meets the steering box (Mercedes box I believe)

If you are interested in see the play that I speak of, here it is

Recently replaced: draglink/front trackbar/tierod ends/u joints, wheel bearings and had jeep aligned twice, new tires and wheels balanced also.

The play existed before all of this work, it's better now but obviously not gone completely as you can see from video. And, no the pitman arm nor the wheels move when I wiggle the wheel, also I am able to turn my steering shaft with my hands again, also w/o any movement in pitman

 

[L J]

Is this gap suppose to be there on my lower intermediate steering shaft?

Yes. It allows the collar to pinch the shaft down on the splines of the steering box. You may just have a worn out steering box.

.

 

[2006_LJ]

Yes. It allows the collar to pinch the shaft down on the splines of the steering box. You may just have a worn out steering box.

View attachment 248982.

Thank you for confirming. Yes looks like it, I found a reman Mercedes box at NAPA for $350ish, might go for that again, cannot afford the 900 dollar one.

 

[SvtLdr]

I too have a similar issue in the steering. What are the chances that the excess play is due to a worn U-joint in the steering shaft?

 

[2006_LJ]

I too have a similar issue in the steering. What are the chances that the excess play is due to a worn U-joint in the steering shaft?

There lies the problem, you never know till you try — and by the time you're done, you've darn near changed everything. I'm thinking lower steering shaft (IF i can find one for my 06) and the steering box at the same time.

 

[williambmac]

If you are going to stay with the stock mercede's box....go with a Lares box from Rockauto.
Part # 11356,

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8889468&cc=1432231&jsn=922
I would trust this before any reman from Napa, PepBoys, Carquest, etc. etc. etc.

The remans sold by the big box stores are from A1Cardone and are total junk.


Steering shaft is expensive AF.

https://www.moparpartsgiant.com/parts/mopar-shaft-intermediate~55315044aa.html

 

[williambmac]

The shop that just did all that work was unable to determine the issue before replacing all those parts?

 

[bucky]

Can you immobilize the end of the shaft and see if there is play at the steering wheel to tell if it’s the shaft or the box?

 

[2006_LJ]

If you are going to stay with the stock mercede's box....go with a Lares box from Rockauto.
Part # 11356,

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=8889468&cc=1432231&jsn=922
I would trust this before any reman from Napa, PepBoys, Carquest, etc. etc. etc.

The remans sold by the big box stores are from A1Cardone and are total junk.


Steering shaft is expensive AF.

https://www.moparpartsgiant.com/parts/mopar-shaft-intermediate~55315044aa.html

Thank you, I will look at the lares box.

 

[2006_LJ]

The shop that just did all that work was unable to determine the issue before replacing all those parts?

To be honest, I brought him those parts — knowing I wanted them replaced as they looked in rough shape. I figured they were part of a preventative maintenance — yes I have a bit of OCD :/

 

[2006_LJ]

Can you immobilize the end of the shaft and see if there is play at the steering wheel to tell if it’s the shaft or the box?

Please tell me more, im a noob at this. I would like to try.