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Been going through this thing every night since I've gotten it and tonight I decided to dive into what was causing the clunky grinding noise when I turn sometimes....
As I was inspecting the steering shaft that goes down to the power steering gearbox, I decided to lube the u joints a bit and then noticed the rod was really loose, IMO at least... Is this normal? Surely not since I've been getting noise when turning.
Can someone help me out? I'd appreciate any info and advice on what could be wrong and the name of things that should be replaced. Thanks!!
1977 CJ 7; Amc 401 .30 over, Howell TBI, modified Dana 20 with Terra Low gears and twin sticks, NV 4500 5-speed, modified Dana 30 and Amc 20 both with 4.56 gears (narrow track), ARB air lockers front and rear, SSBC rear disc brake conversion, MICO Brake park brake, Navaho brake booster/ master cylinder, PowerTank CO2 tank.
From your video it looks like the lower column bearing is shot. I'm not sure if you can change it out from the bottom without disassembling the entire column. I have only done the top end under the steering wheel.
73 CJ5 4.0 head on a 258, HEI, Holley Projection w/ 4.56, Detroit lockers Narrowed D44 front and full float D44 rear T14 w/ D20 4 wheel discs, 38.5 Boggers
I have never done it but after looking at the FSM I would say the hard part will be removing the steering shaft below the column and from there with the retainer spring removed the bearing and retainer should come right out and be easily replaced. Of course there is IOs 2nd law that states that nothing is ever as easy as it first looks.
The FSM also said it was quite possible to do this without removing the column from the vehicle.
There are a couple of guys that have done this, lets hear from them!
Thanks for identifying what is wrong. I was worried I'd be dropping big bucks on something to fix it. I will verify this is the issue and get it ordered. Hopefully my father in law or friend can help out.
Excellent description by using the video, but that is really bad slop. When I changed out my lower bearing, I noticed it was full of dirt, so I covered up those holes that are close to the bearing.
Rexx66, saw your video, have some steering slop, so I immediately went under the hood for a handshake with the steering coupler. YEP! Just exactly like the video.
Thanks for taking the trouble to post the video link. I will pull the whole steering column and visit my local UPULL Auto Recycler.
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[STEERING COLUMN]
Yep - get the parts from any intermediate GM column, you won't find them at a parts store - but any junk / scrap yard will easily hook you up. Jeep used a GM tilt steering column.
I used one from a 96 Cherokee in my 77. I had to get a creative with the u joint but is bolted on and plugged in.
GM columns were used starting in 76 and are a common swap for 72-75s.
I just did this exact replacement today, the steering shaft will collapse if your in a accident, mine had 2 plastic pins keeping it from moving. but i have seen some that will slide. Mine is a 1985 CJ7 . What i had to do was loosen the 4 bolts that hold the steering column in the dash and slightly putt the steering wheel up and into the passenger compartment. Not it only needs to move about an 1 1/2 and it will easily come off of the steering column. once you get to the point, remove the clip, then the cover and pop the bearing out and then the plastic retainer. Then put in the new plastic retainer and then the bearing (make sure to lube it) and then the retainer cup and then the clip. Then push the steering wheel back into the dash and on to the shaft and put back the bolt to hold the clamp and your good to go. Hope this helps.
Read more: http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/upper-steering-bearing-6454/#ixzz2WQwloe3w
I disassembled the steering shaft in my Son's '80 CJ7 and replaced the upper bearing. When I began reassembly, the splined shaft coming out of the firewall only penetrates the coupler about a half inch. I noticed the shaft is notched to accept the pinch bolt. Does this shaft have a slip joint also? Help!
Been going through this thing every night since I've gotten it and tonight I decided to dive into what was causing the clunky grinding noise when I turn sometimes....
As I was inspecting the steering shaft that goes down to the power steering gearbox, I decided to lube the u joints a bit and then noticed the rod was really loose, IMO at least... Is this normal? Surely not since I've been getting noise when turning.
Can someone help me out? I'd appreciate any info and advice on what could be wrong and the name of things that should be replaced. Thanks!!
Man I was researching steering slop because I have some slop in another area then I came across this thread and went and shook mine and sure enough I have the same problem. Argh! Was this a big deal to fix and were you able to do it all from in the engine bay?
I am looking forward to hearing from anyone who has replaced the u-joint and lower bearing kit. I just placed an order for these parts a few days ago since I noticed the play in my steering shaft as well.
