Now 13-19 years out of production , the steering shaft threads seem to be getting more common .
I bought an 03 Rubicon with 20,500 miles to avoid weird wear and tear and hear is all I have learned -
First , this part can affect the vehicles handling far more than you may realize..if it's worn, you can replace everything component and get the best alignment that any shop can offer but you're not going to get near new driving characteristics if this part is worn... It allows the wheels to wander ever so slightly and creates a need to constantly countersteer more than a track bar/coil spring vehicle should need against road crown .
If you can grab it and feel movement....it's worn.
1. Mileage doesn't matter ..I've seen that with 100,000 miles be near perfect,and mine was loose at 20,000 plus
2. Big tires work these parts harder. Sorry,it's a fact of life.
3. The big needle bearing is
the first to go. It can't be bought alone . You have to get the entire lower assembly ..and you should .the shaft wears in the bearing collar and the u joints tire.
4. Borgersen makes a heavier duty replacement shafts, upper and lower -DONT WASTE THE MONEY ..you can nearly buy 3 for what these cost ..3 that work.
I have had the u joint loosen in less than 5000 on two lowers, , the bigger part of the lower shaft that goes in the bearing mics smaller than my stock ..not cool.
5. A Jeep liberty bearing will fit in the stock housing , and bearing suppliers can also source a bearing .
6. The OEM replacement is not greased well . Pack it .
7. Keep degreaser and pressure washers away from this part and the u joints .
8. Prepare to center the wheel if you work on this and lock the wheel with the seat belt straight or you will kill a clock spring.
Will add anything I think of.
AndyG
This part can be cleaned and greased. A grease fitting would be excellent if possible, but don't drill into the rollers .
I bought an 03 Rubicon with 20,500 miles to avoid weird wear and tear and hear is all I have learned -
First , this part can affect the vehicles handling far more than you may realize..if it's worn, you can replace everything component and get the best alignment that any shop can offer but you're not going to get near new driving characteristics if this part is worn... It allows the wheels to wander ever so slightly and creates a need to constantly countersteer more than a track bar/coil spring vehicle should need against road crown .
If you can grab it and feel movement....it's worn.
1. Mileage doesn't matter ..I've seen that with 100,000 miles be near perfect,and mine was loose at 20,000 plus
2. Big tires work these parts harder. Sorry,it's a fact of life.
3. The big needle bearing is
the first to go. It can't be bought alone . You have to get the entire lower assembly ..and you should .the shaft wears in the bearing collar and the u joints tire.
4. Borgersen makes a heavier duty replacement shafts, upper and lower -DONT WASTE THE MONEY ..you can nearly buy 3 for what these cost ..3 that work.
I have had the u joint loosen in less than 5000 on two lowers, , the bigger part of the lower shaft that goes in the bearing mics smaller than my stock ..not cool.
5. A Jeep liberty bearing will fit in the stock housing , and bearing suppliers can also source a bearing .
6. The OEM replacement is not greased well . Pack it .
7. Keep degreaser and pressure washers away from this part and the u joints .
8. Prepare to center the wheel if you work on this and lock the wheel with the seat belt straight or you will kill a clock spring.
Will add anything I think of.
AndyG
This part can be cleaned and greased. A grease fitting would be excellent if possible, but don't drill into the rollers .
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