Steering issues.....

[Asu]

There is a lot of slack in the sterring when i am driving it is this becuase it is an 1987 or something i can fix. It also makes a weird grumbbling noise on the right (passenger side) when i turn left. ehat could it be..... thanks

[fredjacksonsan]

You would probably benefit from some new front end steering parts and perhaps a steering box as well. How many miles on?

You didn't say if 4wd or 2wd, but the rumbling could be either a wheel bearing on that side (2 or 2wd) or the universal/CV joint (4wd).

If you have a bad bearing, then that could make it wander while going straight; I'd check that first.

[Asu]

its 4 wheel drive 147,000 miles. I went whelin and i was trying to pull my friend out and i made the stupid mistake of hooking it to this bar running a cross the front and i bent it i think this could be the cuase of the noise but not sure.

[dave92cherokee]

Well that bar going across the front is the tie rod. That's what links the steering wheel which is the passenger wheel to the driver's wheel making them both turn the same amount when the steering wheel is turned. You will need a new tie rod and tie rod end's as they are most likely damaged from the abuse to them. Also check all the other steering linkages while you're down there to make sure none of them were damaged at the same time.

[Asu]

Alrgiht thanks for the info. Ill make sure not to do stupid stuff likt that again.....lol

[MagicRat]

It is possible to adjust the steering box, to remove some slack, instead of installing a new one.
It's best to leave this adjustment to a mechanic, because any mistake in doing so could lead to a dangerous lack of steering control.