Steering Box Bolts Sheared Off!!!

[awg]

Originally Posted by HamishW96

Any way to make sure this doesn't happen?

based mainly on my inspection of the one broken bolt..

it showed classic fatigue crack, half the snapped fastener surface was brown, the other shiny metal...this means the crack had been developing for some time

I suspect a proper inspection would reveal fatigue cracks, so removing and inspecting one at a time..under magnify and bright light

it would then make more sense to just replace them with new Grade 8 bolts, if they are readily available??

I asked the fellow if he had noticed any sloppiness in steering beforehand,
(as he already had a broken bolt), and he admitted he had

however, as noted by others all 3 bolts can snap at once

can anyone state the thread size and length?..I'm sure its here somewhere

I can call a Fastener Specialist that is local to me

noted in this thread a poster put longer bolts with nuts, cant see any advantage with using nuts

adding a couple of plates outside the chassis to distribute flex would help

that item listed in previous post looks effective

from another forum via google

"7/16-14UNC x 3.75" LG.

Although the bolt measures 4" Lg. the threads clearly stop at 3.75" and the remaining 1/4" is an undersized point for install alignment. Maybe this will help someone in the future. "

[awg]

"7/16-14UNC x 3.75

bolts available at 4" or 4.5" $3.80 each

https://www.hi-tensilebolt.com.au/

I am thinking to simply place some 1/8" sheet alongside the frame rail, and use the slightly longer bolt

my presumption being this will reduce the concentration of stress upon the frame rail around the bolt head, and distribute it more evenly

reduce risk of frame rail cracking is my goal here

anyone disagree?

[eksjay]

It looks like a great product Rustynuts, so who would install this if I had no mechanical experience? Is it a steering and suspension specialist? A mechanic? I might suspect some will not want to install non OEM or equivalent aftermarket products for liability reasons....

Also, how long is the stock steering box good for? Mine is 23 yo, and is coated in rust, but the steering is fine. Has anyone installed an aftermarket steering box? If so, what brand is it, and are you happy with its performance?

[HamishW96]

I'll get under and check, may replace the bolts with grade 8 or 10 for safety..... my XJ has 150k on it now so it hasnt been used much, I'll keep an eye out though.

[Scorechild]

Can anyone elaborate on steering box bolt specifics for XJ TD please?

I bought replacement bolts from C-ROK - http://www.c-rok4x4.com but they're too short to make it through my frame & reinforcement plates (C-ROK's own). I realise TD wasn't a US spec vehicle, but you wouldn't expect bolt length to change.

Don't have mine to hand to measure unfortunately - but seem to need to be longer than 3.5" / 4"..... ?

[awg]

Originally Posted by Scorechild

Can anyone elaborate on steering box bolt specifics for XJ TD please?

I bought replacement bolts from C-ROK - http://www.c-rok4x4.com but they're too short to make it through my frame & reinforcement plates (C-ROK's own). I realise TD wasn't a US spec vehicle, but you wouldn't expect bolt length to change.

Don't have mine to hand to measure unfortunately - but seem to need to be longer than 3.5" / 4"..... ?

I doubt they would be different to the petrol XJ, which are 3.75" long + 0.25" tip

therefore, if any plates are fitted that add additional width, a longer bolt would be needed.

I would measure & compare everything

You could email C-Rok and ask what is the go...they may have just sent you the wrong bolts

or order the 4.5" bolts from the source above I quoted (or obtain locally)

[eksjay]

My 95XJ Sport has been owned since new....

Although the recall was completed along time ago, I still have reservations about my steering box due to its age, the age of the bolts, the rusted over nature of the box, not to mention the fatigue on the body. Basic wear and tear over 23 years of ownership.

Lets say I replace the steering box (due to age if nothing else), and the box is bolted to whatever reinforcement Chrysler Jeep Australia performed in 1997, I could add the Ironman steering brace as an extra measure right?

Would a regular mechanic do this, or would they shy away from installing any non OEM piece on the car due to legal liability reasons in the event of failure0?

My other alternative is to take it 200km into Sydney to a trusted Steering and Suspension specialist that I have used before...