Jerky jerky steering box

[clawdog60]

Just purchased a clean low mileage xj sport. Steering is jerky, tries to jerk back and forth, not violently but annoying enough, new bfg's 235x15, alignment was done last DEC. Its not stuck in 4x4, I adjusted the steering box some. Any other problems to look for?

[bluedragon436]

When you say it is jerky are you meaning on it's own or while you're driving it just wonders?? Does it seem as if you have a lot of play or dead space when you turn the wheel before the tires actually begin to move side to side??

[clawdog60]

while driving and just turning, it's fine going in a straight line.

[clawdog60]

no play in steering linkage, had a person saw the wheel while checking linkage, it did appear the steering box shaft had some eliptical movement but just slightly, no leakage from the steering box. No noises from pump or box. I'm thinking the alignment is not correct.

[abebehrmann]

Not sure if it would cause the problem you're having or not but I've seen a lot of XJs with broken steering box spacers. It's just a cast piece between the steering box and the frame-rail, seems to break fairly easy. Might be worth pulling the three bolts that hold the steering box on just to give it a once over.

[prerunner1982]

Mine did something similar when I first put some knobby mud tires on it, after awhile it went away.

[clawdog60]

OK, will have a look at the spacer, I'm thinking the alignment shop is not proficient with a straight axle jeep alignment, by the book isn't necessarily accurate for all xj's.

[4.3LXJ]

After thinking about this a little, I wonder if you have mild death wobble. Does hitting anything have any affect? certain speeds etc.

[XJ Wheeler]

Although with it happening while turning i would suspect the u-joints. They may be frozen. I would also check the ball joints, unit bearings, and that alignment.

[Cheromaniac]

Just purchased a clean low mileage xj sport. Steering is jerky, tries to jerk back and forth, not violently but annoying enough, new bfg's 235x15, alignment was done last DEC. Its not stuck in 4x4, I adjusted the steering box some. Any other problems to look for?

The best thing I can suggest is to look underneath at the whole steering mechanism while an assistant turns the steering wheel from lock to lock. You might then be able to locate the source of the problem.

[clawdog60]

thanks for the tips. I have to say it feels alot like its in 4 wheel drive trying to turn on dry pavement, I just got it licensed today so i've only been driving it around the lot. I'm going to pull off the front drive shaft and see if that changes the feel.

[KMW-NWXJ]

I would really look at the front axle u-joints.

[XJ Wheeler]

Your linkage could be loose or misaligned for the t-case so that its actually engaged but doesn't appear that way by the shifter. It does sound a bit like its in 4 wheel drive.