Steering Seems Harder

[Outdoor Jack]

I love off-roading in my jeep, however about 2 weeks ago, I took road off a 5 inch ledge and think I might have done something. It seems harder to steer now, and I have to manually move the wheels back into the middle. I haven't really ridden it since and haven't had time to take it to a mechanic, does anyone know what could be the cause of this?

 

[CJ]

Hello Outdoor Jack and welcome to our site!

When you say 'manually' I'm assuming that as your driving the steering wheel won't return to center 'when you let go', is that correct?

If so, sounds like a bent drag link and the toe in is all FUBAR...

If that is not a correct assumption, let us know!

 

[Outdoor Jack]

Yeah, you hit the nail on the head with the steering wheel not returning to the center. So it is a bent drag link? I am mechanically challenged, should I take it to a normal mechanic or look for one that specializes with Jeeps?

 

[CJ]

Yeah, you hit the nail on the head with the steering wheel not returning to the center. So it is a bent drag link? I am mechanically challenged, should I take it to a normal mechanic or look for one that specializes with Jeeps?

Jack, need some info... If you fill out your profile with some Jeep info - it will always be displayed...

The drag link is the link that connects the front two wheels. It gets bent easily...

You can see how I bent mine in this picture-

It's a very common thing with CJ's and it is very easy to fix. See that bet rod just under the steering stabilizer?

Look at the front end and get back with us and let s know if you see anything bent under the front. Then we can help you get it fixed - and if you want, we can fix it for ever!

 

[Outdoor Jack]

Are you talking about that little rod right below the fan? I am gonna go run outside and check it out real quick, I will be right back!

 

[CJ]

Are you talking about that little rod right below the fan? I am gonna go run outside and check it out real quick, I will be right back!

Yes, the rod that connects the two front wheels...

 

[Outdoor Jack]

Alright, there seems to be a slight bend in the rod connecting the two wheels, it isn't major, but you can obviously tell that it isn't how it is supposed to be. And by the way I have a 1979 CJ5 Golden Eagle .

 

[CJ]

Alright, there seems to be a slight bend in the rod connecting the two wheels, it isn't major, but you can obviously tell that it isn't how it is supposed to be. And by the way I have a 1979 CJ5 Golden Eagle .

No problem... If it's just a slight bend. An alignment will take care of your problem...

Now, do you want to keep this from happening again? You can have the front end aligned for now, but if you hit the rod again you'll have the same problem...

Or, replace the rods with heavier ones and not have the problem again...

It's your choice...

One alternative to the stock CJ rods - (my review) SRC Precision Tie Rod Steering System Kit - Jeep-CJ Reviews

 

[Outdoor Jack]

Thank you so much for the link. The price isn't as bad as I thought (I figured once you told me, that the part would be about $300-400). I will definitely have to consider getting that thicker rod, but I am going to stick with the one I have for now and get it aligned.

 

[CJ]

Glad it works for you...

 

[Old Dog]

Outdoor Jack

If you like to go off roaden you should definitely go the 1 1/4" dia. tie rod and draglink. Flipping them up top to get them out of the way helps a lot also.

 

[kicknjeep]

Yea I would love to flip mine but with a SOA it's a no go. Leaf springs in the way...