Steering issues

[kelshm]

I have the '89 Cherokee Laredo 4x4. The steering seems to be extremely loose and will also wander on the highway. I had it in today for a front end inspection and they told me that everything was tight, no bad bushings, etc. The only thing they could find was tire pressure a bit low...and yes it was and yes it helped some but has not resolved the issue. It still wanders and there is about 4-6 inches of play in the steering wheel. Any ideas?

Just FYI, to the many people with starting issues....If my Jeep won't start (turns over but no fire) I will jiggle the wiring to the computer (above the accelerator pedal) and the problem is gone for awhile. I've tried making a better connection there but it doesn't help. I just have to do this every now and then so not too concerned but hope that this helps somebody.

[kelshm]

I might also mention that the steering box is new and also repeat that none of the steering components (tie rod ends, bushings etc) have any play in them. Many have been replaced in the last year to tackle this problem...all helped but the problem is still there.

[kelshm]

LOL....OK...one other thing...the tires on the Jeep are new BF Goodrich's. They definitely made a huge difference in the drive-ability but the problem was there before I had them installed.

I also notice that when stopping it will pull to one side or the other, not necessarily the same direction 2 times in a row. This is not severe but I'm sure it could be related.

[fredjacksonsan]

I'd check the wheel bearings; if everything else is tight, that's where your play is likely to be happening.

Did the mechanic also check all the bushings that hold your axle in place? Those can wear over time also and contribute to "the slop".

I imagine with an '89 you have plenty of miles on....

[kelshm]

I'll check the wheel bearings tomorrow. The bushings are all new in the past year...and they were BAD before.....really bad. I'll let you know what I find.

[LittleHoov]

If you havent already, check out the track-bar. Its the metal bar that runs from the passenger side of the front axle up to the driver-side frame.

It normally fails at the frame side, youll want to check for any up and down movement, mine was shot and had a lot of wandering like you describe.

The bolt at the passenger side can get, sort of wallowed out too, but thats not quite as common.

If your 89 is still on the original trackbar, it might be about time.

[kelshm]

Checked and there is no wheel bearing play. The track bar is about 6 months old. I may just have to take it to a different shop that has a better track record than this shop. Of course I didn't KNOW they had a bad track record until after I took it to them.

Up next....rear main seal!