Sloppy steering problem

[Rottwheeler]

So my LJ has been tracking / driving perfectly until returning from Moab last week. There's now ~3" of slop in the steering wheel. I've had the tires rotated and balanced... and the front end re-aligned... with no improvement. I'm now thinking its a problem with the steering box... what do you think?

[Lurch]

Have some one shake the steering wheel back and forth while you look at all the steering connections. Most likely something is just worn out.

[scumby]

What's your schedule like tomorrow? I can give a hand looking.

[Wrench]

Check and see if the bottom bolt on the track bar came loose.

[Rottwheeler]

Check and see if the bottom bolt on the track bar came loose.

Funny that you mention the track bar... It appears the bushing is damaged and that the bolt is no longer centered. Strange that I didn't notice it before.

Scumby... I get home around 5:30p and live in SE Kennewick. I can PM you my address if that's not too late. I do believe the trackbar joint is the probable culprit.

Thanks to you both!

😃

[scumby]

I'll probably be back in my neck of the woods by then, I'm off tomorrow as well.

[Livin4Today]

Track bar, track bar, track bar.... Is what my guess would be, having screwed my steering all around on my JKU...

[Rottwheeler]

It appears the bushing that attaches the track bar to the pitman arm is trashed. Waiting for a new bushings to arrive from Rubicon Express, any day now, to effect repairs. Will now have a spare in the tool box.

Thanks to all for your help.

[OldGreen]

There's your problem . .the track bar doesn't attach to the pitman arm!!

I'm guessing it is the tie rod end at the pitman to the drag link?

[Lurch]

I think I would find a different shop to do your alignments. They shod have caught that!!!!