TJ Steering Woes

[C0xy]

The front end on my TJ has been a bit skittish for a little while now but nothing too bad but lately it has gotten so bad the wheel shakes, the steering has a lot of play in it before it does anything and i get horrible bump steer.

What should i be checking? all the bushes seem ok no cracks or signs of damage but i can grab my steering damper and move the entire track bar by pushing it back and forth. is this normal?

it has gotten worse since my last time out wheeling and just feels a bit dangerous now

[wes]

Definitely not normal - you should be able to grab the tie rod, track bar and drag bar with both hands and try to give them a really good shake and have absolutely no play.
I'd say your tie rod ends are shot.

[krawlinboy]

Have someone move your steering left to right left to right and you keep your eye on the trackbar both the chassis tie rod end and diff end where the bolt goes through the bushing. You'll prob find your problem either end matey..

[B-RAD]

Steering box may need adjusting

[C0xy]

Cheers guys

[Sifter]

Track bar bushes, TRE, Ball Joints, tyre balance and alignment

[Rosie]

TJ Steering boxes are prone to failing.

Fil on hère used to rebuild the older ones. I've got the later Mercedes box and had to pay something like $700 for one from a wreckers. Best money i've spent though.

They can usually be adjusted up easily enough.