Steering wheel play

[Cajuncrawler]

I have 1.5” play in the steering wheel of my 2006 Rubicon. There is about 3/4” of rotation at the steering box input shaft with no movement of the pitman.
I replaced the steering gearbox with “new” Lares. No change. It was as bad as the original. So I warrantied it for a second “new” Lares. Same result.
I brought it to a shop thinking maybe I am missing something and they recommended a new gearbox.
So I will probably attempt to warranty for another one. I doubt I can just get my money back at this point.
Am I expecting too much? I hate the play in the steering wheel. My 1999 TJ was solid. Has anyone else had this issue?
Has anyone found a Mercedes gear box replacement that does not have excessive play?

 

[macleanflood]

I've got the older Saginaw on my 97. I went with a Redhead. It's generally all a gamble unless you buy a PSC.

My gamble was successful...but I feel your pain...hard to source good parts these days.

-Mac

 

[Leexiong]

I have 1.5” play in the steering wheel of my 2006 Rubicon. There is about 3/4” of rotation at the steering box input shaft with no movement of the pitman.
I replaced the steering gearbox with “new” Lares. No change. It was as bad as the original. So I warrantied it for a second “new” Lares. Same result.
I brought it to a shop thinking maybe I am missing something and they recommended a new gearbox.
So I will probably attempt to warranty for another one. I doubt I can just get my money back at this point.
Am I expecting too much? I hate the play in the steering wheel. My 1999 TJ was solid. Has anyone else had this issue?
Has anyone found a Mercedes gear box replacement that does not have excessive play?

did you ever get this fixed? I'm thinking of buy a Lares box aswell.

 

[JMT]

did you ever get this fixed? I'm thinking of buy a Lares box aswell.

You must like to gamble.

 

[macleanflood]

I've got the older Saginaw on my 97. I went with a Redhead. It's generally all a gamble unless you buy a PSC.

My gamble was successful...but I feel your pain...hard to source good parts these days.

-Mac

And mine now has play in the box after hitting Sand Hollow...so is it gambling if all you do is lose?

-Mac

 

[Leexiong]

You must like to gamble

Fuck lolx I guess i'll have to drop 1000+ on a steering gear box then.was hoping to save some money on more upgrades

 

[JMT]

Fuck lolx I guess i'll have to drop 1000+ on a steering gear box then.was hoping to save some money on more upgrades

Well, you want the upgrades to count. In the long run you'll save and have more upgrades. The Lares box very likely wouldn't be an upgrade anyway.