Steering/ track bar slight wobble

[BigLizzard]

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[BigLizzard]

I’m seeing a slight wobble in my steering bar, I ding think it’s supposed to do this but I’m hoping some more experts might be able to confirm if I have a problem or not.

I’m supposed to be driving out to Colorado next week and don’t want to have a serious issue that could be avoided.

Thanks for any help

 

[BigLizzard]

Looking into it it looks like it might be my tie rod making noise

 

[Boostnu]

Have you checked the torque on them?

 

[BigLizzard]

Have you checked the torque on them?

I’ve not checked torque, is that a common symptom from being under torqued?

 

[Arisdocjk]

That’s normal. Designed to have that small amount of play. I’m not a big fan of the stock drag link and tie rod. I always replace with aftermarket.

 

[Boostnu]

I’ve not checked torque, is that a common symptom from being under torqued?

I would check the torque just to be certain it’s good. I upgraded mine with aftermarket steering and it was a noticeable difference over stock.

 

[tysongladiator]

I’ve not checked torque, is that a common symptom from being under torqued?

Yes. Check everything. Because Yes!

 

[BigLizzard]

From what I’ve found, torque speed should be 63 ftlbs. The nut was definitely not at that, tightened to 63, but still have the same sound, but I’ll see if it goes away when pulling into my driveway. There’s slightly less play so hopefully it is where it needs to be.
I’ll be looking to upgrade the steering at some point in the future….. when the wife can feel ok with the money being spent. Just spent a good chunk of money on some tires and rims she’s hurting from.

 

[tysongladiator]

From what I’ve found, torque speed should be 63 ftlbs. The nut was definitely not at that, tightened to 63, but still have the same sound, but I’ll see if it goes away when pulling into my driveway. There’s slightly less play so hopefully it is where it needs to be.
I’ll be looking to upgrade the steering at some point in the future….. when the wife can feel ok with the money being spent. Just spent a good chunk of money on some tires and rims she’s hurting from.

I'll just give you a couple examples that I talk about on my youtube channel. The Pitman arm nut has to be 183 ft/lbs. After my steering box tsb replacement at the dealer, it was finger tight. Because you have to use red loctite. Checked my balljoints and all were not at spec. Checked my steering box bolts a few weeks ago and all were not within spec.

Although I offroad regularly, I used to retorque everything on every truck that I've ever owned no matter what it's use was. It's more common on vehicles (especially newer ones) than people actually realize.

 

[OHJeeper]

Looking into it it looks like it might be my tie rod making noise

The "up and down" play is normal, although annoying. The play you DON'T want is side-to-side. If you can pull it horizontally and it moves but the wheels don't then you have a potential problem. Or, when you steer one wheel moves and the other doesn't move at the EXACT same time.

 

[BigLizzard]

Update: i rocked my jeep back and forth by hand and found the sound was coming from my sway bar links. I found out my sway bar links were under torqued. I tightened those up and the sound has gone away. I also decided to upgrade the drag link, tie rod to follow.
So my take away, check the torque on your bolts day one……. I’ll be checking more torque specs later.
Thanks for everyone’s help

 

[Gvsukids]

Mine does too. I'll check the torque.

 

[tysongladiator]

Update: i rocked my jeep back and forth by hand and found the sound was coming from my sway bar links. I found out my sway bar links were under torqued. I tightened those up and the sound has gone away. I also decided to upgrade the drag link, tie rod to follow.
So my take away, check the torque on your bolts day one……. I’ll be checking more torque specs later.
Thanks for everyone’s help

I have youtube videos on my channel showing several bolts and nuts on my jeep and friend's jeeps that were not torqued properly. I always put that suggestion out as a first step to solving issues. I stopped giving links to the videos though. Got tired of getting accused of either promoting my videos.

I'm glad that you found your issue so easily. Good job!!! Keep checking them periodically! That's what I do and I'm always finding certain nuts and bolts undertorqed.

 

[KQL]

From what I’ve found, torque speed should be 63 ftlbs. The nut was definitely not at that, tightened to 63, but still have the same sound, but I’ll see if it goes away when pulling into my driveway. There’s slightly less play so hopefully it is where it needs to be.

Can you let us know where you found the 63 ft-lb figure for the tie rod? Looks like it’s 47 on the JL, which shares the front end with the JT.
Just want to make sure I and anyone who finds this thread in the future use the correct torque.

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