Wandering steering and my Track Bar

jku612

jku612

New member
I have been chasing a wandering steering / loose steering wheel problem. 2016 jku, 33s, 1.75" of lift. In the last 6 months I have replaced: ball joints, unit bearings, psc steering box, drag link, and track bar. I checked for loose bolts in uca's and lca's. The steering is loose and the jeep wanders as I drive. I can see play in the new track bar (JKS) as the steering wheel is turned and the coil springs tilt left and right at the same time. Any ideas to get rid of the play? Thanks.
 
In my experience wandering steering can come from a variety of sources, including insufficient caster (should be 4-5 degrees), improper toe, and worn track bar bushings. Given everything else you’ve done, I’d look at these things.


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jku612 said:
Thanks for the ideas. I'll let you know what fixes it.
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Where exactly is this “play” in your new track bar? Between bolts and mounting holes? If so, you could weld an 1/8” plate on each side. If it’s in the track bar bushings, return it.

My wandering issue was from my track bar and drag link not being at the same angle due to the lift. It was only off two degrees so I never played with it. Later I flipped the drag link and am within 0.2 degrees and it finally drives like it should.

Good luck,




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As mentioned, wandering at highway speeds is typically a condition caused by too little caster.
 
Update

I called JKS. They explained the movement was normal as it is visible when parked and there is a lot more resistance when turning the wheel. They said this wouldn't happen when the tires were rolling. Makes sense. I was looking in the wrong area for the problem.

I can turn the wheel 5 to 10 degrees left and right when driving with little change in direction. Then, when it does start to change direction, I continually have to turn left or right to try to get it straightened out. The steering wheel doesnt want to self center.

Had alignment checked again. They said toe was ideal, -1 degree camber on drivers side, slightly bent axle, and the caster was 3.5 driver and 3.6 passenger.

Shop tore down the front end. Only thing they found were "tight" ball joints. They are from Synergy and 6 months old. We regreased them. Steering still wanders.

Track bar and drag link look close to parallel. PSC big bore, Synergy drag link, JKS track bar. 1.75" of lift. Anyone know if this combination is compatible?
 
jku612 said:
Had alignment checked again. They said toe was ideal, -1 degree camber on drivers side, slightly bent axle, and the caster was 3.5 driver and 3.6 passenger.
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There is nothing ideal about 3.5 and 3.6. Factory is 4.2 and even at that, some people feel it's too little.
 
jku612 said:
Eddie....would you recommend correction brackets or adj arms? If arms, upper or lower?
Thanks.
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If you're on a budget, drop brackets will do the trick. If you can afford to spend a bit more, I would recommend lowers as they're easier to install and adjust if nothing else.
 
wayoflife said:
If you're on a budget, drop brackets will do the trick. If you can afford to spend a bit more, I would recommend lowers as they're easier to install and adjust if nothing else.
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Hijack. Lol.

I’ve got 2.75” and 35’s on both of my JKUR’s. They wander too and I’m considering getting some EVO front lowers for them. My only concern is whether they adjust short enough. Think they would be fine?


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wayoflife said:
There is nothing ideal about 3.5 and 3.6. Factory is 4.2 and even at that, some people feel it's too little.
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As Eddie's mentioned adding more caster will definitely help and is much needed in your case.

Also I installed a set of synergy ball joints and experienced exactly what you are describing. They say in their instructions they take 300-500 miles to break in and loosen up. Mine took nearly 1500 miles to finally feel semi normal and return to being able to self center around corners. I remember Bubba warranting a bunch and replacing them with something else. I wouldn't let my step son drive it for some time after because it was that bad initially. Before I swapped my axle they still felt a bit tight and it wandered more after installing 37's. You may want to look into replacing them as well.

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