TJ Steering Shafts and Bearings: What I Know
- Thread starter AndyG
- Start date
Literally cheaper to buy both the borgeson and the 97-02 crown and take the bearing off. Well, pretty close anyways.
For $95 this isn't a bad option.
https://redrock4wd.com/tjlj-skinny-steering-kit
I like it and it seems to work so far in mine.
https://redrock4wd.com/tjlj-skinny-steering-kit
I like it and it seems to work so far in mine.
Anyone have a loose bearing they could measure? I found an 1 1/8 ID before bearing from Timken last night. But I don't know the other measurements, so can't tell if it works or not. Also, it's just the bare bearing. The alignment pillowblock is not included.
The 97-02 crown shaft is 25% on Amazon right now. I just bought one to yank the bearing/block off of.
If I can track down a micrometer I'll measure the old one when it comes out.
Crown Automotive (52078705) Steering Shaft, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BYNL006/?tag=wranglerorg-20
If I can track down a micrometer I'll measure the old one when it comes out.
Crown Automotive (52078705) Steering Shaft, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BYNL006/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Here are some measurements and what I have learned.
As someone mentioned earlier both the bearing race and cage are split. I don't think this is meant to allow the bearing to wear in, since it is already completely tight fitting on a brand new shaft.
Bearing cage is made of plastic and is easy to pop out of the race.
Measurements.
OD of race is 1.309"
Height is 0.675"
OD of a brand new shaft is 1.094"
It should be easy enough to find a similar size bearing with plastic cage and cut it to size. Or source from someone like these guys:
https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...0.7724857.normal_offer.d_image.1dd86503qEHtIA
Reptar_Go_Mosh
New Member
I started to lose my patience trying to press the drift pin out on the new shaft, I stumbled over here looking for other options.
Anyone take a dremel to the U joint, remove the needle bearing caps, swap, and re ping?
Anyone take a dremel to the U joint, remove the needle bearing caps, swap, and re ping?
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Pulled mine apart and the bearing was good but dry. I also made a 1” rise for the support bracket.
I had some roughness and ratchet like feedback. I assumed that was a combination of dry bearing, lack of riser, and my front auto locker. All of it is gone now. It’s nice when a simple fix ends up working well.
I had some roughness and ratchet like feedback. I assumed that was a combination of dry bearing, lack of riser, and my front auto locker. All of it is gone now. It’s nice when a simple fix ends up working well.
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LONGJP2
TJ Expert
I recently installed a riser bracket. The steering does seem to feel a little tighter now.
Bearing was not dry, but I cleaned and regreased anyway.
My issue now is the firewall boot is creating some drag and noise.
I tried greasing the shaft, no help.
I only have a 1" BL. Anyone else have this issue?
Bearing was not dry, but I cleaned and regreased anyway.
My issue now is the firewall boot is creating some drag and noise.
I tried greasing the shaft, no help.
I only have a 1" BL. Anyone else have this issue?
Interesting. I had the exact opposite. Drag before, no drag after.
Before the riser and after
I guess there is no update on buying the bearing only? Just discovered I have play in mine, and since I'm located in Thailand ordering the whole shaft for $150 ads another $180 for shipping and customs, which makes it even worse. My shaft has no play at all, only that stupid bearing.
UPDATE: since all those parts come from china, which is like right next to Thailand, I gave it a shot on aliexpress and et voilà...
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005368297236.html
it's $90 including shipping to t-hailand instead of $300 and since I'll only use the bearing there should be no or low risk of dying ;-)
I've also found that one which is the Bearing only, but 2011/12 which I guess won't fit?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005544183932.html
UPDATE: since all those parts come from china, which is like right next to Thailand, I gave it a shot on aliexpress and et voilà...
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005368297236.html
it's $90 including shipping to t-hailand instead of $300 and since I'll only use the bearing there should be no or low risk of dying ;-)
I've also found that one which is the Bearing only, but 2011/12 which I guess won't fit?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005544183932.html
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LONGJP2
TJ Expert
Forgot to update.
Mine looked exactly like yours (before and after).
I didn't have the boot installed properly, it's fine now.
THREE-D
New Member
I didn't end up ordering it. It turned out that all that rattling & vibrations in my steering came from the loose airbag
at some point some plastic clips inside the steering wheel broke off and blocked the steering from turning.. nearly killed me.. when looking inside, the screws which are supposed to hold the airbag & horn in place, were completely loose. Since tightening this suckers down, no more rattling in the steering - and lucky to be still alive.
OP
I think we should look at this with fresh eyes- we are sort of fixated on the factory part- would be pretty easy to create a 2 part roller assembly to capture the shaft- could have adjustable tension as well.