manahicktownjeep
Trail Rider
Pavement?! I don't need no stinkin' pavement!
Posts: 41
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Post by manahicktownjeep on Aug 10, 2008 8:36:14 GMT -5
The CJ is running nicely. I've just been doing some around town driving. The steering feels really loose. It's kinda like driving a boat... constant corrections, drifting, etc. What could be the cause? I know that a lift and large tires affect steering, but I don't think it should be this bad. Any advice/suggestions? Thanks, Aaron
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Post by blackrubi on Aug 10, 2008 13:08:44 GMT -5
there are many things that can cause this. You need to start at the steering wheel and work your way down the steering shaft to make sure everything is tight there. if it is old enough, you could have bad joint in the steering shaft. Then you need to check all of the ball joints including the ones on the steering bar. Sometimes it helps to have some one work it back and forth while you watch underneath. Also make sure tires are on tight and properly inflated. I had similar issues with my TJ and finally found it was the ball joint that goes into the pitman arm.
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Post by Founding Father on Aug 10, 2008 13:10:16 GMT -5
you have just expierienced DEATH WOBBLE do you have a steering stabilzer ? ( a shock on your tie rod ) is the front end greased ? check ball joints ? jack it up and shake the wheels and other parts see if anything is loose
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Post by GrassRootsPR on Aug 10, 2008 16:55:55 GMT -5
After installing a big lift you should definately have it realigned and the toe in, castor adjusted. I'd take it to a specialty alignment shop and have them adjust it.
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Post by Rock2pus on Aug 16, 2008 15:19:14 GMT -5
I agree with checking for any looseness first, and definitely the toe-in is the sinngle biggest factor when it comes to that constant need for corrections. I generally run mine at 1/8 to 1/4 inch toe-in. Any lift regardless of height will affect that. Now, given the age of the vehicle, a good check of all front end components is definitely in order. Have a friend saw back and forth very lightly on the steering wheel and look closely at everything before taking it for an alignment, otherwise the shop may end up replacing parts that dont need it. Most shops I've ever dealt with act as though alignment is some kind of secret Black Art that only they can do right, which is crap. I also roadrace with the SCCA , and have been doing my own alignments for years with little more than a couple yardsticks, a tape measure, and a caster/camber guage.
Rich
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