Steering Problem in 92 YJ

[pezzo33]

Ok, was driving my Brothers YJ last night since he had a steering problem, and cannot figure it out.

When you start to turn the wheel, there is like a little nothc, then it loosens up, in either direction. There is also a whining coming form the engine bay, almsot like a loose belt.

it was dark out, so I could not investigate last night, but what should I look for. what could it be? We did check the power steering fluid, and it was fine. Any thing else that woudl jump out that I woudl want to check? I dont want this problem getting worse, and as an 18 year old college student, he does not have a ton of money to throw at it either.

Thanks
Pezzo33

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Check for any damaged steering linkage, like a bent tierod. Also check the condition of the steering stabilyzer.

 

[pezzo33]

thanks
it was just odd though, since the Jeep was fine, he stopped, and when he started up again, the steering was all mussed up. plain roads, in 2 wheel drive, not doing anything, and it just went like that!

thanks again
pezzo33

 

[pezzo33]

everything seems to check out straight and fine...any other ideas anyone?

 

[MudderChuck]

I was on a long trip with my 90 YJ, stopped a light and the steering wheel was a quarter of a turn off. The bottom bolt on the trac bar fell out. A year or so later, noticed the steering start to wander some, heard an occasional thunk. The top ball type joint in the trac bar was loose. I periodically grab everything under there and shake vigoursly and have someone turn the steering wheel left and right a few inches and look closely at all joints and connections (I usually find something).