Extreme Steering Slop Issue
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Lawton, OK
Extreme Steering Slop Issue
Long time board lurker here reaching out to the Jeep community for help.
Long story short, I was in a wreck about a year and a half back that partially ripped off the front axle. The axle housing was replaced along with damaged control arms, knuckles, track bar, pitman arm and steering gear box as well as a Fox ATS 2.0 steering stabilizer installed. The problem that I am having is that an uninsured vehicle hit me, and my insurance provider is effectively done helping me solve this issue as I was not carrying uninsured motorist at the time.
The reoccurring issue is that multiple dealers and mechanics haven’t been able to figure out is why the steering wheel loosens up over extended travels (2.5 or more hours) ranging from minor to excessive slack (see video below). The Jeep still drives straight under normal, daily conditions and will only loosen with extreme winds out here in Oklahoma. When it does loosen, traction control will eventually come on disabling cruise control and the ABS will engage when the steering wheel turns left. The steering will tighten back up after a day of in-town driving or if put in reverse for 5-10 feet (just found this out).
Error Codes over the last year: C123F (steering angle sensor comparative performance), C123C (dynamics sensor mounting/ installation performance), C1035 (right rear wheel speed comparative performance), C1044 (right rear tone wheel performance), and C1032 (right rear wheel speed sensor signal erratic performance).
I’ve recently had a 4-wheel alignment, new Moog ball joints and Moog drag link which tightened everything up on a day-to-day basis but has not mitigated slop on long trips/ excessive wind. I have also recently replaced the rear passenger ABS Wheel Speed Sensor (Dorman 695-179) which has reduced the frequency of slop/ ABS/ traction control engaging.
I am running a Metalcloak 3.5 Game-Changer suspension, Fox 2.0 ATS steering stabilizer and 37” KO2s on 3.73 gears with a 6-speed standard transmission.
Is this stemming from electrical, the power steering pump, steering box or something else?
Long story short, I was in a wreck about a year and a half back that partially ripped off the front axle. The axle housing was replaced along with damaged control arms, knuckles, track bar, pitman arm and steering gear box as well as a Fox ATS 2.0 steering stabilizer installed. The problem that I am having is that an uninsured vehicle hit me, and my insurance provider is effectively done helping me solve this issue as I was not carrying uninsured motorist at the time.
The reoccurring issue is that multiple dealers and mechanics haven’t been able to figure out is why the steering wheel loosens up over extended travels (2.5 or more hours) ranging from minor to excessive slack (see video below). The Jeep still drives straight under normal, daily conditions and will only loosen with extreme winds out here in Oklahoma. When it does loosen, traction control will eventually come on disabling cruise control and the ABS will engage when the steering wheel turns left. The steering will tighten back up after a day of in-town driving or if put in reverse for 5-10 feet (just found this out).
Error Codes over the last year: C123F (steering angle sensor comparative performance), C123C (dynamics sensor mounting/ installation performance), C1035 (right rear wheel speed comparative performance), C1044 (right rear tone wheel performance), and C1032 (right rear wheel speed sensor signal erratic performance).
I’ve recently had a 4-wheel alignment, new Moog ball joints and Moog drag link which tightened everything up on a day-to-day basis but has not mitigated slop on long trips/ excessive wind. I have also recently replaced the rear passenger ABS Wheel Speed Sensor (Dorman 695-179) which has reduced the frequency of slop/ ABS/ traction control engaging.
I am running a Metalcloak 3.5 Game-Changer suspension, Fox 2.0 ATS steering stabilizer and 37” KO2s on 3.73 gears with a 6-speed standard transmission.
Is this stemming from electrical, the power steering pump, steering box or something else?
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 509
From: Calgary, AB, Canada
That is bad. The repair to the Jeep is what I suspect. What I would do is build a device to hard lock the tie rod to the chassis, install it with the wheels close to straight and then with it chocked get under it running and simulate that 1/4 turn slop with the PS assisting and look at everything. Then remove the hard lock and turn the wheel with engine running and observe the rest of the system. Start with track bar and mounts and also look at the rear track bar as well.
Last edited by Sixty4x4; Jun 3, 2021 at 08:15 AM.
JK Jedi
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 11,362
Likes: 2,089
From: Willow Park, TX
Gosh, I have to think that is originating with the box itself, but it's still just a guess. I don't see how that kind of slop could be coming from any of the other components.that seems like something between the steering wheel itself and the sector shaft (ie, the box) that would then translate movement down to pitman, DL, and TR.
No clue why that would only loosen up over extended drives though.
No clue why that would only loosen up over extended drives though.
Former Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 706
Likes: 142
Wow that is weird! Since it drives ok most of the time you would think mechanically it is OK especially if you go in reverse and it fixes it. Seems like it has to be something electronic but I don't know. When it happens, is it possible to stop and look under the jeep while someone turns the steering wheel so you can see if anything looks like it got loose or maybe is just wrong compared to when the problem isn't there.