Hey Guys

I've used search and read many other posts about similar issues but I thought I would share this to see if anyone has some ideas. I apologize in advance for the long windage and my lack of articulation - I'm no mechanic and this is my first jeep but I'll try my best.

I had my dealer install a 4 inch RC and 37" BFG KM2 on my 4 dr. JK Rubi. The first week it ran perfect. Around day 8 we go out wheeling and at the end of the day I notice that power steering fluid is leaking - down onto the track bar area. Also there is vibration above 50 mph - the whole truck shudders a bit. I take it into the dealership and they replace the power steering gear or power steering box. I don't actually know I havent had a chance to call them yet and they had gone for the day when I picked up the truck. They also did another wheel alignment because I noticed the steering wheel was "off".

I get the jeep back and the only comments on the receipt are "the steering wanders more than usual" and that the rear driveshaft boot is torn, has a dent in it, and that may be causing vibration.


Now that I've driven it a little more I realize the wheel "alignment" / steering is really screwed - the steering wheel is never actually straight when I'm driving straight. It's either turned left about 20 (EDIT: MORE LIKE 40) degrees from center or its turned right about 20 (EDIT: MORE LIKE 40) degrees from center. It seems to "skip" when I take a corner. Does that make sense? It's as if the steering wheel "flops over" when turning and it actually feels pretty dangerous - i.e. for a moment while turning the steering wheel there is no response, and then all of a sudden it grabs and the wheels turn. But it has this very limited range of about 20 degrees either side of straight and level.

Now, normally I would believe what their Jeep techs tell me but they didn't notice the MAJOR steering issue after driving it 3 times while doing the wheel alignment so I'm wondering if they actually know what the hell they are talking about.

Is it possible that the vibration felt above 50mph could be caused by a dented driveshaft? It is more likely the vibration is coming from a more serious steering issue? What would be the cause of the steering slippage?

Thanks for any help I really want to go back to the dealer with a to-do list and tell them what they need to fix or look at.

 

A dented driveshaft is a very common cause of driveline vibration.

You can recenter the steering wheel yourself. It easy, there is a step-by-step procedure in the Write Up section.

"Skipping" does not sound right. It could be a bad joint on the steering linkage.

 

20 to the left and 20 to the right, sounds about right. watch the crown of the road if it is pulling away from the crown it's all good. a lifted Jk will feel like it is skipping or wandering at times.

drive shafts should of been changed with a 4" lift, if it was all suspension. if they weren't change them. no worries it's a jeep, not the space shuttle.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yep I've read the write up on it but it doesnt seem to me that this is as simple as re-centering the wheel.

 

totally appreciate where you are coming from, but it doesnt explain why everything was working fine for the first week. anyone have any other experiences with spline issues, intermediate steering or ?? I'm willing to look at anything but this just isnt normal.

PS and now that I think of it, its more like 30 or 40 left and right - not 20.

 

I wouldn't trust that dealer to fix your problem. Sounds like they did not install right to begin with. I would find a local 4x4 garage or off-road club and have them look at it and fix it right. I installed my 4" lift in my driveway and it drives perfect. No issues like you're describing.

Regarding your slipping steering, did you check your pitman arm nut to make sure it's tight? Just a thought.

Good luck.

 

Sorry, I don't subscribe to the "it's a Jeep" philosophy. I am on my 7th Jeep - JK, TJ's, CJ's, Cherokee & Wagoneer and I've NEVER had a wandering, skipping, slipping, leaking or other issue with any. Not even one's that were old with high miles and engine swaps. I did have to have our '97 TJ seals replaced last year with 112k miles but that's not a "problem".

You'll see from my signature that I don't always drive "stock" Jeeps. If you have quality equipment, properly installed and maintained, your Jeep will last you a lifetime without issues. You'll notice that almost all Wrangler issues occur to Jeeps that have had modifications. These modifications - done correctly with the correct equipment - should remain trouble free. If the dealership installed your equipment, and you haven't damaged it, then politely demand they find and correct the issues you are having. YOU have to be involved at times by sticking around and riding with them, or driving them around, until the issue is oberved and acknowledged. Oh yeah, and get a loaner until they correct the issues caused by their install.

 

Pastor Steve I agree. When things are installed correctly and maintained properly you should always have a fine tuned machine. I wouldn't want to drive that thing over 50 if you feel that its "dangeros at times". Have someone else look at it preferably a local 4x4 shop, or check back with the dealer and get them to see the problem. Also, inspect it yourself and make sure nothing looks to out of the ordinary. Id check all your bolts on your steering components.

 

Have someone turn your steering wheel while you visually inspect all the components, that should help narrow it down.

 

Why do drive shafts need to be replaced with 4" of lift?