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1996 Jeep Cherokee excessive play

Tiny
RBRANDT
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 145,000 MILES
My '96 jeep grand cherokee with 145,000 miles has developed excessive play in the steering. Do you have any idea what the problem(s) could be? Tires are good and have only 20,000 miles on the so I don't think that is contributing to the problem.
Monday, April 14th, 2008 AT 11:44 AM

8 Replies

Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
What I would be checking first is mechanical components of the front end. Jack the vehicle up and have a friend turn the steering wheel left and right fast while you feel the ends of the inner tie rods, outer tie rods, ball joints, etc.

And what are you considering excessive play? Have to move the steering wheel 1 inch each way inorder for the wheels to move? Or just sloppy like swerving on the road not keeping straight?
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Monday, April 14th, 2008 AT 11:52 AM
Tiny
RBRANDT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The excessive play is troublesome when driving. I estimate 2-3" of turn in steering wheel necessary to keep it on a straight line when driving at any speed.
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Monday, April 14th, 2008 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Go to an alignment specialty shop and have them adjust the steering box. Sector shaft is out of adjustment, or worn out completely.
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Monday, April 14th, 2008 AT 12:51 PM
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
Yes take it in thats alot of play.

Dont even bother checking for worn front components, they will not give you that much play.
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Monday, April 14th, 2008 AT 12:58 PM
Tiny
RBRANDT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
What should I expect to pay for a new Sector shaft or to have it adjusted (if that were possible).

Given that I'm a Minnesota farm boy with a mechanical background, I embarassed to say I don't know what a Sector shaft is.
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Tuesday, April 15th, 2008 AT 7:39 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
The sector shaft runs top to bottom and the steering part called the pitman arm attaches to it. An adjustment shouldnt be too expensive. A new box is! A used one may be an acceptable alternative.
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Wednesday, April 16th, 2008 AT 4:17 AM
Tiny
RBRANDT
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Tks, final question. Should I be going to an alignment shop for the adjustment/fix or take it to the dealer? I guess I feel like the dealer is more likely to try to sell me a new steering box than the alignment shop? Thoughts?
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Saturday, April 19th, 2008 AT 6:55 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Either place can do it, but you can only tighten it so much...if it's tightened too much the shaft can actually be sawed in half, at which point you loose steering! Make sure whereever you go they know thier stuff! You might want to think about a junkyard for this part...look for one that has no evidence of leaking...


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_Sectora_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_Sectorb_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_Sectorc_2.jpg

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Saturday, April 19th, 2008 AT 7:05 AM

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