Dando Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 So I have a 90MJ and it has the tilt wheel and column shift. There is noticeable slop, I'm talking about 1" in all directions. After some research I thought it was worth a shot to try and get to the bolts that hold the tilt tight, even though my slop seems to be at the wheel and not at the tilt. I ended up not using a steering wheel puller, as I am sure that a few parts are missing. After taking everything apart I found the inverted torx bolts tight and in no need of tightening. I followed this writeup: http://m.cherokeeforum.com/showthread.php?t=13641&styleid=15 In the first picture there is clearly the 13/16 nut that should be holding the steering wheel on and tight against the shaft. I am missing that nut. Any chance that once I install a new nut, the slop at the wheel will disappear? Or do I need a new to me column? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Dunno if you need an entire new column, but if you don't have the nut I suspect there are probably a few other parts missing, as well. I certainly think replacing the nut (and the missing pieces, if you can get them) would be first step, before undertaking a wholesale replacement of the entire column. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onlyinajeep726 Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 I'd be scared of that nut missing... Not likely the steering wheel could just pull off, but over time, it's possible and that would be horrible if you were in the middle of driving haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dando Posted February 2, 2014 Author Share Posted February 2, 2014 This is on a comanche that I'm not driving right now, so no worries there, trying to get it ready for a salvage inspection. I am going to replace the nut today, I don't seem to be missing anything else, at least it seems that way so far. If the nut doesn't tighten it all done properly are there bearings somewhere that could be allowing this slop? Steering shaft ujoints? What could this be? This is the only thing that is holding me back from passing a salvage inspection, I need to get this thing to pass so I can plate/insure it and start to do the 4wd conversion. Any ideas?? Maybe even an exploded view of the MJ tilt column, or even ideas of what I should do if the column needs replaced, as it is a column shift so I would think I will be hard to find a junkyard replacement, even though my budget dictates junkyard replacements as much as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dando Posted February 2, 2014 Author Share Posted February 2, 2014 Disassembled again just now, I am probably wrong but I really feel like a bearing right here would fix this issue. Why else would the previous owner have gouged this up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dando Posted February 2, 2014 Author Share Posted February 2, 2014 Ok so after going around with parts counter guys, there is supposed to be a bearing there. But of course none of them can get it for me, does anyone know where I can get an upper steering bearing? I really don't want to replace the column if I don't have to Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnj92131 Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 Wondering if this sounds like your original problem? A few years ago, I had lots of steering wheel slop. With the car parked, I had my hands on he wheel at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. When I moved my hands/arms back and forth (left forward/right back) the steering wheel rocked about an inch or so. Where ever I put my hands on the wheel I could rock the wheel the same way with no real effort. If this is your problem, it is quite common and the fix is not too hard. There are a number of posts on the web about how to fix this problem with the Cherokee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dando Posted February 2, 2014 Author Share Posted February 2, 2014 Wondering if this sounds like your original problem? A few years ago, I had lots of steering wheel slop. With the car parked, I had my hands on he wheel at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. When I moved my hands/arms back and forth (left forward/right back) the steering wheel rocked about an inch or so. Where ever I put my hands on the wheel I could rock the wheel the same way with no real effort. If this is your problem, it is quite common and the fix is not too hard. There are a number of posts on the web about how to fix this problem with the Cherokee.[/quote Thanks, I already found those, they were not the problem though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 P/n J8127850, UPPER BEARING ASSEMBLY COLUMN SHIFT, W. TILT http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Brakes-and-Steering/Steering-Column-Upper-Bearing-Assembly.aspx?t_c=65&t_s=510&t_pt=8295&t_pn=CROJ8127850 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 ^^ That's the upper bearing, but from the looks of that steering column you will need more than the bearing. But give it a go. If it's beyond repair, a column shifter replacement will be hard to find; they are rare. If I were you, I'd find an 86-96 XJ w. auto at the yard and pull the column and the floor shifter and swap them into your MJ. It's a bolt-in job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gogmorgo Posted February 2, 2014 Share Posted February 2, 2014 When you took the column apart, did you remove the lockplate (metal gear-looking ring) and a really stiff spring that puts pressure on it from behind? If you don't have that spring in there (or the lock plate) your steering wheel will wobble around a lot. That spring also puts pressure on the bearing to keep it in place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dando Posted February 3, 2014 Author Share Posted February 3, 2014 Yes I did remove the lockplate and the spring, am I missing anything other than the bearing? I'm going to the junkyard in the morning to try to find a new column, I really wish I could keep the column shift as I kinda like the bench seat w/column shift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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