Eric

Nope.. caster/camber (can't remember which) is good. I'll jack it up and
check to see if I can get movement.

Are the tierod and drag link supposed to twist? I can grab it and twist it
(imagine a motorcycle throttle) quite a bit.


Eric
"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:42513900.A7684DCF@sympatico.ca...
> Ok, so if you stand up front and look at the front wheels, do either one
> of them tilt in or out at the top or bottom?
>
> If so, you could have a dead ball joint. You will need to jack the
> weight off the wheel and pry with a bar to see if you can get any
> movement in it.
>
> Mike
>
> Eric wrote:
>>
>> BTW -- just found a pic of the ujoints. Can't imagine those are making
>> the
>> noise...
>>
>> Eric
>> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>> news:4250A700.D9794112@sympatico.ca...
>> > Well besides the pump itself there are u-joints at the ends of the
>> > front
>> > axles right behind the wheel. To make a noise when not spinning they
>> > would have to be seriously seized. You can cut the wheels to the side
>> > and inspect them. If they are flopping or show tons of rust... Well I
>> > guess you could just get down there and listen while someone else turns
>> > the wheel...
>> >
>> > Mike
>> >
>> > Eric wrote:
>> >>
>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>> >>
>> >> YES!! That's the problem!! More obvious when the motor is running,
>> >> as I
>> >> can turn the wheel further (33x12.50 MTs don't turn to easily without
>> >> power
>> >> assist!)
>> >>
>> >> Eric
>> >>
>> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>> >> news:424FF944.6CDFC0E7@sympatico.ca...
>> >> > On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have to
>> >> > buy
>> >> > the whole $120.00 or so part.
>> >> >
>> >> > They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose
>> >> > side
>> >> > to
>> >> > side.
>> >> >
>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>> >> >
>> >> > Have you check the power steering fluid?
>> >> >
>> >> > Mike
>> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>> >> >
>> >> > Eric wrote:
>> >> >>
>> >> >> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the
>> >> >> point I
>> >> >> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other
>> >> >> end
>> >> >> could hear the grinding.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag
>> >> >> link
>> >> >> was
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>> >> >> mine
>> >> >> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
>> >> >> me,
>> >> >> I'd
>> >> >> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> cake.
>> >> >> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>> >> >> it
>> >> >> out
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie
>> >> >> rod.
>> >> >> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>> >> >> that's
>> >> >> making
>> >> >> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and
>> >> >> wonder
>> >> >> if
>> >> >> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint
>> >> >> at
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if
>> >> >> you
>> >> >> shoot
>> >> >> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck
>> >> >> like
>> >> >> that?
>> >> >> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>> >> >> leverage.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Eric
>> >> >> 99 TJ SE

Eric

Nope.. caster/camber (can't remember which) is good. I'll jack it up and
check to see if I can get movement.

Are the tierod and drag link supposed to twist? I can grab it and twist it
(imagine a motorcycle throttle) quite a bit.


Eric
"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:42513900.A7684DCF@sympatico.ca...
> Ok, so if you stand up front and look at the front wheels, do either one
> of them tilt in or out at the top or bottom?
>
> If so, you could have a dead ball joint. You will need to jack the
> weight off the wheel and pry with a bar to see if you can get any
> movement in it.
>
> Mike
>
> Eric wrote:
>>
>> BTW -- just found a pic of the ujoints. Can't imagine those are making
>> the
>> noise...
>>
>> Eric
>> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>> news:4250A700.D9794112@sympatico.ca...
>> > Well besides the pump itself there are u-joints at the ends of the
>> > front
>> > axles right behind the wheel. To make a noise when not spinning they
>> > would have to be seriously seized. You can cut the wheels to the side
>> > and inspect them. If they are flopping or show tons of rust... Well I
>> > guess you could just get down there and listen while someone else turns
>> > the wheel...
>> >
>> > Mike
>> >
>> > Eric wrote:
>> >>
>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>> >>
>> >> YES!! That's the problem!! More obvious when the motor is running,
>> >> as I
>> >> can turn the wheel further (33x12.50 MTs don't turn to easily without
>> >> power
>> >> assist!)
>> >>
>> >> Eric
>> >>
>> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>> >> news:424FF944.6CDFC0E7@sympatico.ca...
>> >> > On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have to
>> >> > buy
>> >> > the whole $120.00 or so part.
>> >> >
>> >> > They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose
>> >> > side
>> >> > to
>> >> > side.
>> >> >
>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>> >> >
>> >> > Have you check the power steering fluid?
>> >> >
>> >> > Mike
>> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>> >> >
>> >> > Eric wrote:
>> >> >>
>> >> >> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the
>> >> >> point I
>> >> >> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other
>> >> >> end
>> >> >> could hear the grinding.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag
>> >> >> link
>> >> >> was
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>> >> >> mine
>> >> >> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
>> >> >> me,
>> >> >> I'd
>> >> >> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> cake.
>> >> >> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>> >> >> it
>> >> >> out
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie
>> >> >> rod.
>> >> >> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>> >> >> that's
>> >> >> making
>> >> >> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and
>> >> >> wonder
>> >> >> if
>> >> >> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint
>> >> >> at
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if
>> >> >> you
>> >> >> shoot
>> >> >> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck
>> >> >> like
>> >> >> that?
>> >> >> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>> >> >> leverage.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Eric
>> >> >> 99 TJ SE

Eric

Nope.. caster/camber (can't remember which) is good. I'll jack it up and
check to see if I can get movement.

Are the tierod and drag link supposed to twist? I can grab it and twist it
(imagine a motorcycle throttle) quite a bit.


Eric
"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:42513900.A7684DCF@sympatico.ca...
> Ok, so if you stand up front and look at the front wheels, do either one
> of them tilt in or out at the top or bottom?
>
> If so, you could have a dead ball joint. You will need to jack the
> weight off the wheel and pry with a bar to see if you can get any
> movement in it.
>
> Mike
>
> Eric wrote:
>>
>> BTW -- just found a pic of the ujoints. Can't imagine those are making
>> the
>> noise...
>>
>> Eric
>> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>> news:4250A700.D9794112@sympatico.ca...
>> > Well besides the pump itself there are u-joints at the ends of the
>> > front
>> > axles right behind the wheel. To make a noise when not spinning they
>> > would have to be seriously seized. You can cut the wheels to the side
>> > and inspect them. If they are flopping or show tons of rust... Well I
>> > guess you could just get down there and listen while someone else turns
>> > the wheel...
>> >
>> > Mike
>> >
>> > Eric wrote:
>> >>
>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>> >>
>> >> YES!! That's the problem!! More obvious when the motor is running,
>> >> as I
>> >> can turn the wheel further (33x12.50 MTs don't turn to easily without
>> >> power
>> >> assist!)
>> >>
>> >> Eric
>> >>
>> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>> >> news:424FF944.6CDFC0E7@sympatico.ca...
>> >> > On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have to
>> >> > buy
>> >> > the whole $120.00 or so part.
>> >> >
>> >> > They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose
>> >> > side
>> >> > to
>> >> > side.
>> >> >
>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>> >> >
>> >> > Have you check the power steering fluid?
>> >> >
>> >> > Mike
>> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>> >> >
>> >> > Eric wrote:
>> >> >>
>> >> >> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the
>> >> >> point I
>> >> >> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other
>> >> >> end
>> >> >> could hear the grinding.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag
>> >> >> link
>> >> >> was
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>> >> >> mine
>> >> >> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
>> >> >> me,
>> >> >> I'd
>> >> >> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> cake.
>> >> >> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>> >> >> it
>> >> >> out
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie
>> >> >> rod.
>> >> >> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>> >> >> that's
>> >> >> making
>> >> >> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and
>> >> >> wonder
>> >> >> if
>> >> >> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint
>> >> >> at
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if
>> >> >> you
>> >> >> shoot
>> >> >> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck
>> >> >> like
>> >> >> that?
>> >> >> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>> >> >> leverage.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Eric
>> >> >> 99 TJ SE

Eric

Nope.. caster/camber (can't remember which) is good. I'll jack it up and
check to see if I can get movement.

Are the tierod and drag link supposed to twist? I can grab it and twist it
(imagine a motorcycle throttle) quite a bit.


Eric
"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:42513900.A7684DCF@sympatico.ca...
> Ok, so if you stand up front and look at the front wheels, do either one
> of them tilt in or out at the top or bottom?
>
> If so, you could have a dead ball joint. You will need to jack the
> weight off the wheel and pry with a bar to see if you can get any
> movement in it.
>
> Mike
>
> Eric wrote:
>>
>> BTW -- just found a pic of the ujoints. Can't imagine those are making
>> the
>> noise...
>>
>> Eric
>> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>> news:4250A700.D9794112@sympatico.ca...
>> > Well besides the pump itself there are u-joints at the ends of the
>> > front
>> > axles right behind the wheel. To make a noise when not spinning they
>> > would have to be seriously seized. You can cut the wheels to the side
>> > and inspect them. If they are flopping or show tons of rust... Well I
>> > guess you could just get down there and listen while someone else turns
>> > the wheel...
>> >
>> > Mike
>> >
>> > Eric wrote:
>> >>
>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>> >>
>> >> YES!! That's the problem!! More obvious when the motor is running,
>> >> as I
>> >> can turn the wheel further (33x12.50 MTs don't turn to easily without
>> >> power
>> >> assist!)
>> >>
>> >> Eric
>> >>
>> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>> >> news:424FF944.6CDFC0E7@sympatico.ca...
>> >> > On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have to
>> >> > buy
>> >> > the whole $120.00 or so part.
>> >> >
>> >> > They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose
>> >> > side
>> >> > to
>> >> > side.
>> >> >
>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>> >> >
>> >> > Have you check the power steering fluid?
>> >> >
>> >> > Mike
>> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>> >> >
>> >> > Eric wrote:
>> >> >>
>> >> >> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the
>> >> >> point I
>> >> >> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other
>> >> >> end
>> >> >> could hear the grinding.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag
>> >> >> link
>> >> >> was
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>> >> >> mine
>> >> >> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
>> >> >> me,
>> >> >> I'd
>> >> >> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> cake.
>> >> >> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>> >> >> it
>> >> >> out
>> >> >> of
>> >> >> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end
>> >> >> and
>> >> >> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie
>> >> >> rod.
>> >> >> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>> >> >> that's
>> >> >> making
>> >> >> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and
>> >> >> wonder
>> >> >> if
>> >> >> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint
>> >> >> at
>> >> >> the
>> >> >> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if
>> >> >> you
>> >> >> shoot
>> >> >> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck
>> >> >> like
>> >> >> that?
>> >> >> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>> >> >> leverage.
>> >> >>
>> >> >> Eric
>> >> >> 99 TJ SE

Dennis Cox

if the tie rod and drag link are loose, then the bolts on the ends of them
are loose. Those bolts should be tightened so that they don't turn. Not
sure what to torque them to, but I'm sure someone here knows. 45 lb/ft.
comes to mind. The tie rod bolts are 13mm and the drag links are 15mm.

The tie rod affects the toe-in and the drag link affects the steering wheel
alignment and if turned too far will limit how far your wheel turns the
tires.

"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:NLl4e.31920$ij5.2686@tornado.texas.rr.com...
> Nope.. caster/camber (can't remember which) is good. I'll jack it up and
> check to see if I can get movement.
>
> Are the tierod and drag link supposed to twist? I can grab it and twist
> it (imagine a motorcycle throttle) quite a bit.
>
>
> Eric
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:42513900.A7684DCF@sympatico.ca...
>> Ok, so if you stand up front and look at the front wheels, do either one
>> of them tilt in or out at the top or bottom?
>>
>> If so, you could have a dead ball joint. You will need to jack the
>> weight off the wheel and pry with a bar to see if you can get any
>> movement in it.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> Eric wrote:
>>>
>>> BTW -- just found a pic of the ujoints. Can't imagine those are making
>>> the
>>> noise...
>>>
>>> Eric
>>> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>>> news:4250A700.D9794112@sympatico.ca...
>>> > Well besides the pump itself there are u-joints at the ends of the
>>> > front
>>> > axles right behind the wheel. To make a noise when not spinning they
>>> > would have to be seriously seized. You can cut the wheels to the side
>>> > and inspect them. If they are flopping or show tons of rust... Well
>>> > I
>>> > guess you could just get down there and listen while someone else
>>> > turns
>>> > the wheel...
>>> >
>>> > Mike
>>> >
>>> > Eric wrote:
>>> >>
>>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>>> >>
>>> >> YES!! That's the problem!! More obvious when the motor is running,
>>> >> as I
>>> >> can turn the wheel further (33x12.50 MTs don't turn to easily without
>>> >> power
>>> >> assist!)
>>> >>
>>> >> Eric
>>> >>
>>> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>>> >> news:424FF944.6CDFC0E7@sympatico.ca...
>>> >> > On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have
>>> >> > to
>>> >> > buy
>>> >> > the whole $120.00 or so part.
>>> >> >
>>> >> > They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose
>>> >> > side
>>> >> > to
>>> >> > side.
>>> >> >
>>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Have you check the power steering fluid?
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Mike
>>> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>>> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Eric wrote:
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the
>>> >> >> point I
>>> >> >> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the
>>> >> >> other
>>> >> >> end
>>> >> >> could hear the grinding.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag
>>> >> >> link
>>> >> >> was
>>> >> >> the
>>> >> >> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>>> >> >> mine
>>> >> >> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left
>>> >> >> to
>>> >> >> me,
>>> >> >> I'd
>>> >> >> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece
>>> >> >> of
>>> >> >> cake.
>>> >> >> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>>> >> >> it
>>> >> >> out
>>> >> >> of
>>> >> >> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod
>>> >> >> end
>>> >> >> and
>>> >> >> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the
>>> >> >> tie
>>> >> >> rod.
>>> >> >> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>>> >> >> that's
>>> >> >> making
>>> >> >> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and
>>> >> >> wonder
>>> >> >> if
>>> >> >> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint
>>> >> >> at
>>> >> >> the
>>> >> >> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if
>>> >> >> you
>>> >> >> shoot
>>> >> >> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck
>>> >> >> like
>>> >> >> that?
>>> >> >> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>>> >> >> leverage.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Eric
>>> >> >> 99 TJ SE
>
>

Dennis Cox

if the tie rod and drag link are loose, then the bolts on the ends of them
are loose. Those bolts should be tightened so that they don't turn. Not
sure what to torque them to, but I'm sure someone here knows. 45 lb/ft.
comes to mind. The tie rod bolts are 13mm and the drag links are 15mm.

The tie rod affects the toe-in and the drag link affects the steering wheel
alignment and if turned too far will limit how far your wheel turns the
tires.

"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:NLl4e.31920$ij5.2686@tornado.texas.rr.com...
> Nope.. caster/camber (can't remember which) is good. I'll jack it up and
> check to see if I can get movement.
>
> Are the tierod and drag link supposed to twist? I can grab it and twist
> it (imagine a motorcycle throttle) quite a bit.
>
>
> Eric
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:42513900.A7684DCF@sympatico.ca...
>> Ok, so if you stand up front and look at the front wheels, do either one
>> of them tilt in or out at the top or bottom?
>>
>> If so, you could have a dead ball joint. You will need to jack the
>> weight off the wheel and pry with a bar to see if you can get any
>> movement in it.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> Eric wrote:
>>>
>>> BTW -- just found a pic of the ujoints. Can't imagine those are making
>>> the
>>> noise...
>>>
>>> Eric
>>> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>>> news:4250A700.D9794112@sympatico.ca...
>>> > Well besides the pump itself there are u-joints at the ends of the
>>> > front
>>> > axles right behind the wheel. To make a noise when not spinning they
>>> > would have to be seriously seized. You can cut the wheels to the side
>>> > and inspect them. If they are flopping or show tons of rust... Well
>>> > I
>>> > guess you could just get down there and listen while someone else
>>> > turns
>>> > the wheel...
>>> >
>>> > Mike
>>> >
>>> > Eric wrote:
>>> >>
>>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>>> >>
>>> >> YES!! That's the problem!! More obvious when the motor is running,
>>> >> as I
>>> >> can turn the wheel further (33x12.50 MTs don't turn to easily without
>>> >> power
>>> >> assist!)
>>> >>
>>> >> Eric
>>> >>
>>> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>>> >> news:424FF944.6CDFC0E7@sympatico.ca...
>>> >> > On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have
>>> >> > to
>>> >> > buy
>>> >> > the whole $120.00 or so part.
>>> >> >
>>> >> > They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose
>>> >> > side
>>> >> > to
>>> >> > side.
>>> >> >
>>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Have you check the power steering fluid?
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Mike
>>> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>>> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Eric wrote:
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the
>>> >> >> point I
>>> >> >> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the
>>> >> >> other
>>> >> >> end
>>> >> >> could hear the grinding.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag
>>> >> >> link
>>> >> >> was
>>> >> >> the
>>> >> >> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>>> >> >> mine
>>> >> >> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left
>>> >> >> to
>>> >> >> me,
>>> >> >> I'd
>>> >> >> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece
>>> >> >> of
>>> >> >> cake.
>>> >> >> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>>> >> >> it
>>> >> >> out
>>> >> >> of
>>> >> >> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod
>>> >> >> end
>>> >> >> and
>>> >> >> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the
>>> >> >> tie
>>> >> >> rod.
>>> >> >> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>>> >> >> that's
>>> >> >> making
>>> >> >> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and
>>> >> >> wonder
>>> >> >> if
>>> >> >> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint
>>> >> >> at
>>> >> >> the
>>> >> >> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if
>>> >> >> you
>>> >> >> shoot
>>> >> >> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck
>>> >> >> like
>>> >> >> that?
>>> >> >> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>>> >> >> leverage.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Eric
>>> >> >> 99 TJ SE
>
>

Dennis Cox

if the tie rod and drag link are loose, then the bolts on the ends of them
are loose. Those bolts should be tightened so that they don't turn. Not
sure what to torque them to, but I'm sure someone here knows. 45 lb/ft.
comes to mind. The tie rod bolts are 13mm and the drag links are 15mm.

The tie rod affects the toe-in and the drag link affects the steering wheel
alignment and if turned too far will limit how far your wheel turns the
tires.

"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:NLl4e.31920$ij5.2686@tornado.texas.rr.com...
> Nope.. caster/camber (can't remember which) is good. I'll jack it up and
> check to see if I can get movement.
>
> Are the tierod and drag link supposed to twist? I can grab it and twist
> it (imagine a motorcycle throttle) quite a bit.
>
>
> Eric
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:42513900.A7684DCF@sympatico.ca...
>> Ok, so if you stand up front and look at the front wheels, do either one
>> of them tilt in or out at the top or bottom?
>>
>> If so, you could have a dead ball joint. You will need to jack the
>> weight off the wheel and pry with a bar to see if you can get any
>> movement in it.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> Eric wrote:
>>>
>>> BTW -- just found a pic of the ujoints. Can't imagine those are making
>>> the
>>> noise...
>>>
>>> Eric
>>> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>>> news:4250A700.D9794112@sympatico.ca...
>>> > Well besides the pump itself there are u-joints at the ends of the
>>> > front
>>> > axles right behind the wheel. To make a noise when not spinning they
>>> > would have to be seriously seized. You can cut the wheels to the side
>>> > and inspect them. If they are flopping or show tons of rust... Well
>>> > I
>>> > guess you could just get down there and listen while someone else
>>> > turns
>>> > the wheel...
>>> >
>>> > Mike
>>> >
>>> > Eric wrote:
>>> >>
>>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>>> >>
>>> >> YES!! That's the problem!! More obvious when the motor is running,
>>> >> as I
>>> >> can turn the wheel further (33x12.50 MTs don't turn to easily without
>>> >> power
>>> >> assist!)
>>> >>
>>> >> Eric
>>> >>
>>> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>>> >> news:424FF944.6CDFC0E7@sympatico.ca...
>>> >> > On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have
>>> >> > to
>>> >> > buy
>>> >> > the whole $120.00 or so part.
>>> >> >
>>> >> > They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose
>>> >> > side
>>> >> > to
>>> >> > side.
>>> >> >
>>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Have you check the power steering fluid?
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Mike
>>> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>>> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Eric wrote:
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the
>>> >> >> point I
>>> >> >> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the
>>> >> >> other
>>> >> >> end
>>> >> >> could hear the grinding.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag
>>> >> >> link
>>> >> >> was
>>> >> >> the
>>> >> >> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>>> >> >> mine
>>> >> >> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left
>>> >> >> to
>>> >> >> me,
>>> >> >> I'd
>>> >> >> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece
>>> >> >> of
>>> >> >> cake.
>>> >> >> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>>> >> >> it
>>> >> >> out
>>> >> >> of
>>> >> >> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod
>>> >> >> end
>>> >> >> and
>>> >> >> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the
>>> >> >> tie
>>> >> >> rod.
>>> >> >> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>>> >> >> that's
>>> >> >> making
>>> >> >> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and
>>> >> >> wonder
>>> >> >> if
>>> >> >> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint
>>> >> >> at
>>> >> >> the
>>> >> >> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if
>>> >> >> you
>>> >> >> shoot
>>> >> >> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck
>>> >> >> like
>>> >> >> that?
>>> >> >> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>>> >> >> leverage.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Eric
>>> >> >> 99 TJ SE
>
>

Dennis Cox

if the tie rod and drag link are loose, then the bolts on the ends of them
are loose. Those bolts should be tightened so that they don't turn. Not
sure what to torque them to, but I'm sure someone here knows. 45 lb/ft.
comes to mind. The tie rod bolts are 13mm and the drag links are 15mm.

The tie rod affects the toe-in and the drag link affects the steering wheel
alignment and if turned too far will limit how far your wheel turns the
tires.

"Eric" <gymrat@baileyscorner.com> wrote in message
news:NLl4e.31920$ij5.2686@tornado.texas.rr.com...
> Nope.. caster/camber (can't remember which) is good. I'll jack it up and
> check to see if I can get movement.
>
> Are the tierod and drag link supposed to twist? I can grab it and twist
> it (imagine a motorcycle throttle) quite a bit.
>
>
> Eric
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:42513900.A7684DCF@sympatico.ca...
>> Ok, so if you stand up front and look at the front wheels, do either one
>> of them tilt in or out at the top or bottom?
>>
>> If so, you could have a dead ball joint. You will need to jack the
>> weight off the wheel and pry with a bar to see if you can get any
>> movement in it.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>> Eric wrote:
>>>
>>> BTW -- just found a pic of the ujoints. Can't imagine those are making
>>> the
>>> noise...
>>>
>>> Eric
>>> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>>> news:4250A700.D9794112@sympatico.ca...
>>> > Well besides the pump itself there are u-joints at the ends of the
>>> > front
>>> > axles right behind the wheel. To make a noise when not spinning they
>>> > would have to be seriously seized. You can cut the wheels to the side
>>> > and inspect them. If they are flopping or show tons of rust... Well
>>> > I
>>> > guess you could just get down there and listen while someone else
>>> > turns
>>> > the wheel...
>>> >
>>> > Mike
>>> >
>>> > Eric wrote:
>>> >>
>>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>>> >>
>>> >> YES!! That's the problem!! More obvious when the motor is running,
>>> >> as I
>>> >> can turn the wheel further (33x12.50 MTs don't turn to easily without
>>> >> power
>>> >> assist!)
>>> >>
>>> >> Eric
>>> >>
>>> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
>>> >> news:424FF944.6CDFC0E7@sympatico.ca...
>>> >> > On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have
>>> >> > to
>>> >> > buy
>>> >> > the whole $120.00 or so part.
>>> >> >
>>> >> > They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose
>>> >> > side
>>> >> > to
>>> >> > side.
>>> >> >
>>> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
>>> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Have you check the power steering fluid?
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Mike
>>> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
>>> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
>>> >> >
>>> >> > Eric wrote:
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the
>>> >> >> point I
>>> >> >> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the
>>> >> >> other
>>> >> >> end
>>> >> >> could hear the grinding.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag
>>> >> >> link
>>> >> >> was
>>> >> >> the
>>> >> >> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
>>> >> >> mine
>>> >> >> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left
>>> >> >> to
>>> >> >> me,
>>> >> >> I'd
>>> >> >> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece
>>> >> >> of
>>> >> >> cake.
>>> >> >> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
>>> >> >> it
>>> >> >> out
>>> >> >> of
>>> >> >> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod
>>> >> >> end
>>> >> >> and
>>> >> >> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the
>>> >> >> tie
>>> >> >> rod.
>>> >> >> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
>>> >> >> that's
>>> >> >> making
>>> >> >> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and
>>> >> >> wonder
>>> >> >> if
>>> >> >> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint
>>> >> >> at
>>> >> >> the
>>> >> >> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if
>>> >> >> you
>>> >> >> shoot
>>> >> >> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck
>>> >> >> like
>>> >> >> that?
>>> >> >> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
>>> >> >> leverage.
>>> >> >>
>>> >> >> Eric
>>> >> >> 99 TJ SE
>
>

Mike Romain

The tie rod and drag links will twist to the movement limits of the ball
and socket joints. If the tube twists more, it needs to be tightened.

You need to watch out for up and down movement more than the twist.

Mike

Eric wrote:
>
> Nope.. caster/camber (can't remember which) is good. I'll jack it up and
> check to see if I can get movement.
>
> Are the tierod and drag link supposed to twist? I can grab it and twist it
> (imagine a motorcycle throttle) quite a bit.
>
> Eric
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:42513900.A7684DCF@sympatico.ca...
> > Ok, so if you stand up front and look at the front wheels, do either one
> > of them tilt in or out at the top or bottom?
> >
> > If so, you could have a dead ball joint. You will need to jack the
> > weight off the wheel and pry with a bar to see if you can get any
> > movement in it.
> >
> > Mike
> >
> > Eric wrote:
> >>
> >> BTW -- just found a pic of the ujoints. Can't imagine those are making
> >> the
> >> noise...
> >>
> >> Eric
> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> >> news:4250A700.D9794112@sympatico.ca...
> >> > Well besides the pump itself there are u-joints at the ends of the
> >> > front
> >> > axles right behind the wheel. To make a noise when not spinning they
> >> > would have to be seriously seized. You can cut the wheels to the side
> >> > and inspect them. If they are flopping or show tons of rust... Well I
> >> > guess you could just get down there and listen while someone else turns
> >> > the wheel...
> >> >
> >> > Mike
> >> >
> >> > Eric wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
> >> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
> >> >>
> >> >> YES!! That's the problem!! More obvious when the motor is running,
> >> >> as I
> >> >> can turn the wheel further (33x12.50 MTs don't turn to easily without
> >> >> power
> >> >> assist!)
> >> >>
> >> >> Eric
> >> >>
> >> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> >> >> news:424FF944.6CDFC0E7@sympatico.ca...
> >> >> > On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have to
> >> >> > buy
> >> >> > the whole $120.00 or so part.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose
> >> >> > side
> >> >> > to
> >> >> > side.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
> >> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Have you check the power steering fluid?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Mike
> >> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Eric wrote:
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the
> >> >> >> point I
> >> >> >> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other
> >> >> >> end
> >> >> >> could hear the grinding.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag
> >> >> >> link
> >> >> >> was
> >> >> >> the
> >> >> >> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
> >> >> >> mine
> >> >> >> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
> >> >> >> me,
> >> >> >> I'd
> >> >> >> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece
> >> >> >> of
> >> >> >> cake.
> >> >> >> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
> >> >> >> it
> >> >> >> out
> >> >> >> of
> >> >> >> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end
> >> >> >> and
> >> >> >> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie
> >> >> >> rod.
> >> >> >> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
> >> >> >> that's
> >> >> >> making
> >> >> >> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and
> >> >> >> wonder
> >> >> >> if
> >> >> >> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint
> >> >> >> at
> >> >> >> the
> >> >> >> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if
> >> >> >> you
> >> >> >> shoot
> >> >> >> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck
> >> >> >> like
> >> >> >> that?
> >> >> >> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
> >> >> >> leverage.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Eric
> >> >> >> 99 TJ SE

Mike Romain

The tie rod and drag links will twist to the movement limits of the ball
and socket joints. If the tube twists more, it needs to be tightened.

You need to watch out for up and down movement more than the twist.

Mike

Eric wrote:
>
> Nope.. caster/camber (can't remember which) is good. I'll jack it up and
> check to see if I can get movement.
>
> Are the tierod and drag link supposed to twist? I can grab it and twist it
> (imagine a motorcycle throttle) quite a bit.
>
> Eric
> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:42513900.A7684DCF@sympatico.ca...
> > Ok, so if you stand up front and look at the front wheels, do either one
> > of them tilt in or out at the top or bottom?
> >
> > If so, you could have a dead ball joint. You will need to jack the
> > weight off the wheel and pry with a bar to see if you can get any
> > movement in it.
> >
> > Mike
> >
> > Eric wrote:
> >>
> >> BTW -- just found a pic of the ujoints. Can't imagine those are making
> >> the
> >> noise...
> >>
> >> Eric
> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> >> news:4250A700.D9794112@sympatico.ca...
> >> > Well besides the pump itself there are u-joints at the ends of the
> >> > front
> >> > axles right behind the wheel. To make a noise when not spinning they
> >> > would have to be seriously seized. You can cut the wheels to the side
> >> > and inspect them. If they are flopping or show tons of rust... Well I
> >> > guess you could just get down there and listen while someone else turns
> >> > the wheel...
> >> >
> >> > Mike
> >> >
> >> > Eric wrote:
> >> >>
> >> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
> >> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
> >> >>
> >> >> YES!! That's the problem!! More obvious when the motor is running,
> >> >> as I
> >> >> can turn the wheel further (33x12.50 MTs don't turn to easily without
> >> >> power
> >> >> assist!)
> >> >>
> >> >> Eric
> >> >>
> >> >> "Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> >> >> news:424FF944.6CDFC0E7@sympatico.ca...
> >> >> > On the matter of the drag link, it does not come apart. You have to
> >> >> > buy
> >> >> > the whole $120.00 or so part.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > They don't 'grind' when bad, the steering wheel just flops loose
> >> >> > side
> >> >> > to
> >> >> > side.
> >> >> >
> >> >> > You can make a grinding noise with the engine off and stopped and
> >> >> > rocking the steering wheel?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Have you check the power steering fluid?
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Mike
> >> >> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> >> >> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> >> >> >
> >> >> > Eric wrote:
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> My TJ's been making a lot of noises when steering lately. To the
> >> >> >> point I
> >> >> >> could hold my cell phone out the window and the person on the other
> >> >> >> end
> >> >> >> could hear the grinding.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> After much checking, it seemed that the tie rod end at the drag
> >> >> >> link
> >> >> >> was
> >> >> >> the
> >> >> >> culprit. To be honest, I can't seem to finger it, but a buddy of
> >> >> >> mine
> >> >> >> crawled under there and swore that was the one. If it were left to
> >> >> >> me,
> >> >> >> I'd
> >> >> >> probably have to replace all of the ones on the passenger side.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Anyhow, getting it out of the drag link just took a minute. Piece
> >> >> >> of
> >> >> >> cake.
> >> >> >> Loosened the retainer. Again, easy stuff. The problem is getting
> >> >> >> it
> >> >> >> out
> >> >> >> of
> >> >> >> the tie rod. I've got a pretty long pipe-wrench on the tie rod end
> >> >> >> and
> >> >> >> can't get it to come loose. Seems like the end is stuck in the tie
> >> >> >> rod.
> >> >> >> After playing around with the end itself, I just can't see how
> >> >> >> that's
> >> >> >> making
> >> >> >> the noise, though. I put it back (since I can't get it out!) and
> >> >> >> wonder
> >> >> >> if
> >> >> >> the noise isn't another ball joint. I think it could be the joint
> >> >> >> at
> >> >> >> the
> >> >> >> top of the knuckle (the part the caliper attaches to). I know if
> >> >> >> you
> >> >> >> shoot
> >> >> >> grease into that zerk it comes right out of the dust boot.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Any thoughts? How do you get a tie rod end out when it's stuck
> >> >> >> like
> >> >> >> that?
> >> >> >> Honestly, this could be a lack-of-muscle issue, but I had good
> >> >> >> leverage.
> >> >> >>
> >> >> >> Eric
> >> >> >> 99 TJ SE