I’ve been having a problem with my steering on my JK. Couple things I’ve been noticing.
The steering wheel has a lot of play
When driving in a lane, the Jeep goes from one side of the lane to the other with no movement of the steering wheel.
If I turn the wheel slightly nothing much happens but then all of a sudden the Jeep will turn harder than expected in that direction. So then I have to compensate and bring the Jeep back the other direction. If you are behind me, it looks like I’m swerving in the lane.
When taking a slight curve on the highway (like Thurbers) and hit a small bump it feels like the wheels go a different direction which makes the Jeep jump to one side (which is very scary especially if there is another vehicle on the side). It almost seems like the steering wheel and wheels aren’t connected. Like you could hold the front wheels straight and still move the steering wheel.
Could this be from a worn drag link? 2011 JKU auto
There are many answers on the net related to this symptom.
Best way to diagnose it is to have someone in the jeep with you in front and have them turn the wheel side to side maybe one full turn. On turning of the wheel, observe the components moving before the wheel does. This will help you target what is loose or bent or broken or worn.
In a perfect world, the wheel turns and the wheel match with no play or lag.
If you do this and determine that there is no play, next check out the connections between your front axle and frame. This includes the control arms (bushings too) and track bar.
Last, I would investigate alignment and lift setup (if any).
I have been down this road, and I wish I had gotten this advice, it would have saved me time and parts I bought that didn’t fix my root problem.
I’ve done this a few times. Only thing that seems odd is I can feel a slight clunk in my drag link. Pitman arm seemed strong so it may be the drag link.
Track bar, tie rod assembly, steering stabilizer, bolts, and front lower control arms are all new. It isn’t lifted. I may need to have a shop check the upper control arms.
I had play in my steering box that caused the same symptoms. Tightened the steering/worm gear and it corrected the issue. Be careful not to over-tighten it. Best to do it with the front wheels off the ground. Several great articles online on doing this.