Steering box noise

Tradarcher

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Creedmoor, NC
97 Wrangler steering box noise. I'm guessing bearings. I also assume that it is better to just replace with rebuilt as opposed to rebuilding myself? Do the rebuilt ones come ready to install or do you have to "orient" them?
 
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Are you sure the noise is coming from within the box (and not from - for example - the tie rod end?) Is the existing box leaking? Does the sector shaft move laterally when you cycle the steering? Is the box bolted tightly to the frame? Are both track bar ends in good shape? Are there cracks or other damage to the frame around the track bar bracket and/or steering box mounts?

Replacing the steering box is quick and easy. You'll need a pitman arm puller if you don't have one. Make sure the three frame bolts get tightened properly (best to mark them so you can keep an eye on them). But I'd make sure that the box is bad before replacing it.
 
Actually I am not 100% sure that it is the box but the noise is coming from somewhere near there. I put my hand on the box to see if I could feel the noise and I could feel it through the box. I know the TRE that connects to the pitman arm is looking bad but it sure didn't sound like the sound was coming from there. When I bought the Jeep about 10 years ago it had a small leak form the box. I added some stop leak for steering boxes and have not had any trouble since. Before I go for the box I will check all the other components that it could be but it the noise is so loud I didn't think it was coming from a TRE. My son has it at school and I won't have another chance to check it out until Thanksgiving.
 
So you think the box is making noise when its not moving or rotating, i.e. you put your hand on it and feel vibration when not steering? You're talking about the box and not the pump, correct?
 
Fabrik8 said:
So you think the box is making noise when its not moving or rotating, i.e. you put your hand on it and feel vibration when not steering? You're talking about the box and not the pump, correct?
Click to expand...

It looked like they were rocking the wheel back and forth, and "something" was making a noise.
 
WOW! Dont think I have ever heard a box make a noise like that! I would think if the sector shaft bearing was that bad, it would be pouring oil from the sector shaft

If the TRE is bad replace that before going any further! Also, Look very close and make sure the box isnt "rocking" or moving on the frame. As in check the frame isnt cracking.

Interested to hear what it ends up being!:confused:
 
Yeah, that doesn't sound much like the box itself. I'm going with a dry ball joint/TRE, a separated bushing somewhere, a loose track bar bolt or mount, or a failing section of frame at the steering box.
I think that's a frame creak though.
 
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Sometimes a piece of vinyl hose held to my ear and other end at various points of noise will pin point noise source. Like a doctor's stethoscope
 
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