Tightening steering steel steering box

[Metzger]

I know lots of people tighten the aluminum steering boxes a 1/4 turn to help with slop. does this work with the steel box?

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[kevman65]

If you have steering slop on your '22, don't do anything but take it in for warranty.
If you screw something up, you're on the hook for the total repair.

 

[Renegade]

I tightened mine 1/8 turn. It helped.

 

[Radio Guy]

I tightened my 2021 steel steering box by about 1/8 turn and it was a good improvement. I had to heat the area around the allen set screw with a propane torch to loosen things, probably Loctite, then it went just like some Youtube videos.

 

[OHJeeper]

I finally did this today. I ended up moving mine just over 1/8 of a turn, closer to 1/4 and the slop (dead spot) is much better.

I started with a 4mm allen key, but could see it starting to slip and didn't want to strip out the set screw for obvious reasons. Moved to a 5/32" allen key and was able to break the seal and get the set screw moved. I used a 5/32" allen on a 3/8" drive ratchet with an extension bar to get down in the engine bay. Using a t-shaped allen key was not going to cut it... you need leverage.

I think the seal is actually the paint sprayed over the set screw, 15mm nut and the body of the steering gear. Not sure if there is any loctite on there, but I definitely didn't back the screw all the way out to check!

 

[Rusty PW]

Which way are you turning the set screw? Left or right?

 

[CrazyCooter]

I tightened mine 1/4 turn after noting the increasing play in the steering. A buddy sent me pics of how poor the machining was on the sector shaft teeth and I figured the play was coming from the high spots worn off. I may go another 1/8-1/4 in the future because that made such a huge difference, but there is still a touch of play there.

I'm pretty sure at this point I'm going with the PSC system that works with the OE electric pump.......

 

[OHJeeper]

Which way are you turning the set screw? Left or right?

Clockwise to set it

(but, I originally turned it CCW to loosen it)

Before:

After (bad pic, sorry!)

You can see the silver marker on the set screw at just past the 12 o'clock position (as the picture is oriented in this shot)

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I think the seal is actually the paint sprayed over the set screw, 15mm nut and the body of the steering gear. Not sure if there is any loctite on there, but I definitely didn't back the screw all the way out to check!

Unless Jeep has changed how it was done historically, there's loc-tite there, and there used to be nuts with seals made in them to seal the fluid from leaking around the screw threads.

Left or clockwise removes the over-center play - it's supposed to have a torque value preload on the shaft when done on a bench.

1/4 turn is a hell of a lot on most steering sectors - I've seen people over-do it and then when the sector got hot they had trouble turning it past the center point.

 

[OHJeeper]

Unless Jeep has changed how it was done historically, there's loc-tite there, and there used to be nuts with seals made in them to seal the fluid from leaking around the screw threads.

Ok, I must have just muscled through the loc-tite, then!

1/4 turn is a hell of a lot on most steering sectors - I've seen people over-do it and then when the sector got hot they had trouble turning it past the center point.

I'll have to keep an eye on it. What causes the sector to heat up? I can do a "stress test" if you have any thoughts on how to get it to that point. I'd rather know now than in a critical situation.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Ok, I must have just muscled through the loc-tite, then!


I'll have to keep an eye on it. What causes the sector to heat up? I can do a "stress test" if you have any thoughts on how to get it to that point. I'd rather know now than in a critical situation.

Who knows about modern methods, but that's how it used to be done. I guess you are just stronger than you thought

Just slow turns where there's more stress on things. A lot of parking lot, in town, or trail driving where you are turning at slower speeds. Tires turn on the road easier when moving.

Put a snow plow on it, that'll warm things up LOL.
I hooked mine up and slowly maneuvered my truck into a tight spot in front of my neighbor's shop to aim the lights. Man, when I was sitting still trying to turn the wheels it was struggling.

 

[bd100]

I did this years ago for a Ram with a solid front axle.

In general, there is a factory procedure which should be researched and followed, and there can be really bad consequences if things are overdone. I wouldn't trust a no-name video. And if you have to tighten it a second time later on, it's probably safer to get a new part instead.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I did this years ago for a Ram with a solid front axle.

In general, there is a factory procedure which should be researched and followed, and there can be really bad consequences if things are overdone. I wouldn't trust a no-name video. And if you have to tighten it a second time later on, it's probably safer to get a new part instead.

Yes, my TSMs have the procedures and there's a full paragraph on the proper adjustment but because of the YT certified experts, no one will believe it.

 

[Gren71]

Ive been flirting with doing this for a while. I dont have slop but its still a little looser than id want. I notice it most when towing because of the weight taken off the front end.

interesting to read fellas are doing it with their steel boxes.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I notice it most when towing because of the weight taken off the front end.

It's not a fix for that...........steering - even normal steering - will feel "lighter" when enough weight is transferred off the front. It will give the feeling of loose steering.
Be careful - too much can lead to trouble.

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