Steering

I've inspected my steering components to my best ability (limited) but there is some "slop" in it that I can't seem to find. The steering shaft u-joint and coupling seem to be in good shape and the gear box feels tight as well. The only thing obvious is the shaft bearing through the collum. Is this bearing replaceable? If so, what's the process? Could this be the cause of the afore mentioned slop?

Thanks

 

I have the same problem with my 73. I checked with the local jeep dealer parts man and he got out some old books and said they didn't make them anymore. So, he told me to tear it apart and and have a machine shop reproduce it. It appeared to be a large neoprene washer in the book. Not much help. Maybe someone else has had better luck.

Good luck.

 

I have the same problem with my '75, I have an idea I'm working on using a sealed bearing at the botton of the shaft. I will post pics when I tie up the loose ends and install it.

 

Go to McMastercarr.com. They have all sorts of pillow block bushings there. If you are talking about the bearing that is through the firewall on the engine side, I bought one of their 7/8 diameter ones and drilled out my own holes. Works good now.

High5

 

I also have a '75 which was developing sloppy steering. I thought that my steering box was tight, but replaced it any way. WHAT A DIFFERENCE !!!!! Now it goes as straight as it did when it was new !! I guess just a little bit of play in the box is amplified by the time it gets to the wheels,,

 

Did you reach up behind the box and try to rotate the shaft going in? It shouldn't have any play at all.

 

dont forget to ck the mounting of the box and frame. suspension and alingment can make a big diffrance in how it steers.

 

I did as fdcapt50 suggested. I could not find one thru a dealer, so I had a machine shop make me one. It was like $30. It was made out of a nylon block
I believe. It worked out good for me.

 

Steering slop can also be in any or a combination of all the moving parts in your steering and suspension. Tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings, shackle/spring eye bushings, proper length shackles, just to name a few...

In a 35 year old vehicle, none of these components should still be original. They all wear and as they wear the steering gets sloppier. Also you have frame flex and metal fatigue. A steering box brace is a great idea for intermediates. I played with my steering box/shaft for months. Nothing fixed it until I went through and replaced all of the above listed components. Now it steers great.