terryt Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 Okay so i took everyone's advice and i found the clunking noise is in the u joint on the steering shaft it looks like a bear to replace any ideas? And could that cause my vibration? I don't see how it could but i am not a great mechanic, Also the motor mounts seem okay to me when i use a pry bar i can move the motor but not excessively Also do i just replace the u joints on the shaft or do i replace the whole shaft? 1990 MJ 4.0 2WD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghetdjc320 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 You replace the whole shaft. Rock auto has a few that are pretty reasonable. Borgesson has one as well if you want the best. Search for a first gen XJ Cherokee (84-96) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 To confirm, the shaft from the steering gear box to the steering column? I could cause issues if worn out. I did buy a Borgesson, yet I haven't installed it yet. I don't think the ones I 'replaced' or took out and put back in was terrible. Probably Video instruction on the web somewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terryt Posted April 4 Author Share Posted April 4 Yes that shaft i can move up and down and has a clunking sound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghetdjc320 Posted April 4 Share Posted April 4 To remove the stock shaft, it’s easiest just to pull out the steering box. There are two retaining bolts on the shaft itself, one on each end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terryt Posted April 4 Author Share Posted April 4 Really? is that hard to remove? should i replace it if i have to remove it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted April 4 Share Posted April 4 I generally, remove the bolt at the steering box. Get a prybar in there and push off that end. The end in the cab is a bit more challenging. I think more because I have to flip on my back. Still, I remember a bolt or two. There is a rubber seal on the firewall. I remember it being different for the earlier models. So up to '95. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gojira94 Posted April 4 Share Posted April 4 Loosen the steering shaft to column shaft coupling on the engine side of the firewall first. Then tackle the stuff inside. Last, uncouple the steering shaft from the steering gearbox. Inside, the column flange to firewall bolts are 14mm 13mm if I recall correctly. The prevailing torque nuts for the upper column support are 15mm. The brace bolts are also 15mm. Just loosen them enough to drop them out of the way. Rest the column/ steering wheel on the seat while you disconnect the old/ connect the new shaft at the steering gearbox end. It helps to have an extra pair of hands getting the column and steering shaft together next, but can be done by yourself if necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle_SX4 Posted April 4 Share Posted April 4 4 hours ago, terryt said: Yes that shaft i can move up and down and has a clunking sound It may be that your bolts are just loose try tightening the bolts on either end of the shaft before you replace it. I have seen that happen a few times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghetdjc320 Posted April 5 Share Posted April 5 Why are you guys doing anything inside the cab to remove the steering shaft? All you need to do is loosen both bolts and the steering gear box. There is no need to loosen the steering column for this job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zomeizter Posted April 5 Share Posted April 5 I bought the 40 buxer amazon special XJ/MJ steering shaft a while back and it was actually aight...I later got a couple more for my K5s, an upgrade for these beasts :) Any who, carry on... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 'Why are you guys doing anything inside the cab to remove the steering shaft? All you need to do is loosen both bolts and the steering gear box. There is no need to loosen the steering column for this job' Its been a few years sine I did this. So, yes a fuzzy memory. Still, I don't remember having to take off the steering gear box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ghetdjc320 Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 1 hour ago, 75sv1 said: 'Why are you guys doing anything inside the cab to remove the steering shaft? All you need to do is loosen both bolts and the steering gear box. There is no need to loosen the steering column for this job' Its been a few years sine I did this. So, yes a fuzzy memory. Still, I don't remember having to take off the steering gear box. You could loosen it and wiggle it out of place, I suppose, to get the steering shaft to come free but there is still no need to do anything with the actual column Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limeyjeeper Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 These shafts were collapsible so in the event of an accident the steering column didn't impale you. It shortened itself. However, over time the shaft stops sliding into itself. If you can get the shaft to slide, then you are fine. If the sleeve won't budge, then, as stated above the easiest method is to remove the steering box. Pretty simple job. Just be careful when refitting the steering box not to cross thread the bolts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gojira94 Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 I guess I never knew better lol. First one I ever pulled in the boneyard was for my 92 Chevy C1500. That's how I did it, just dropped the column. It's easier in an XJ that has the parking brake assembly in the console/ tunnel. MJs with the pedal parking brake are trickier, with limited space at that brace bolt next to the chime module. I suppose the next time I'd try unbolting the steering box. Thanks for cashing my reality check... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 Also, I'd check the aluminum spacer for the steering box. I like to replace them with an aftermarket steel one. I did have a broken one on my '00 XJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Limeyjeeper Posted April 7 Share Posted April 7 7 minutes ago, 75sv1 said: Also, I'd check the aluminum spacer for the steering box. I like to replace them with an aftermarket steel one. I did have a broken one on my '00 XJ. Cheap insurance. Helps prevent the frame rail from cracking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now