Friday2322

Hello everyone, I've got 85K miles on my JKUR and the other day when I was doing my oil change I was checking out my steering components and noticed that the adjustment collar on the drag link has a lot of play in it. I haven't noticed any steering issues but the amount of play seemed excessive. It's hard to describe but it feels like one end of the drag link isn't screwed into the adjustment collar far enough, maybe a few threads, and it allows the drag link to flex or move where the two come together. The bolts on the adjustment collar are tight, the steering wheel is centered and I haven't messed with adjusting it for a few years. It really doesn't seem "normal" and I wondered if there is an easy fix or do I need to replace the whole thing?

Thanks in advance for any input.

resharp001

How did it get like that? If you think the DL in general is fine, just unbolt one end (the knuckle end is probably easier), and adjust the collar so both ends generally have the same amount of threads in the collar. Then, adjust the collar appropriately so you can reinstall at the knuckle. As long as you don't touch the steering wheel and the jeep is on the ground, you shouldn't have to adjust the steering wheel at all.

Friday2322

Well, that's the million dollar question, I don't recall it ever being that way and when I installed my lift I had to adjust it a couple of times to get the steering wheel centered but that was it. Okay, I wondered if I could do what you advised or if it was just worn out and needed to be replaced. I'll give it a try and see what happens. Thanks

resharp001

Since that is the free option, that is what I would try first at least, then keep a close eye on it. Probalby not a bad idea to use a paint pen to mark it so you can notice any movement afterwards.

Friday2322

Good idea, thanks.