steering shaft u-joints

arkypyro · #1 (**permalink**) 08-22-2005, 04:24 PM

I have had a death wobble on my 97 TJ. Today I had the front tires balanced on the jeep and replaced the steering stabilizer, but I still had some slop in the steering. Checked it out and the two u-joints on my steering shaft are both bad. Only solution I have gotten from local parts houses is an entire steering shaft assembly for about $250. They have to order it from Jeep. Anyone know where I can get just new u-joints or have another cheaper solution?

redrooster · #2 (**permalink**) 08-23-2005, 01:52 PM

4WD Hardware sells replacement shafts for much less. It is more than likely not the problem though.
Is it lifted? Have you checked the wheel bearings, tie rod ends, suspension, trac bar, had it aligned? It would be a rare case to have the wobble caused by the steering shaft. For that to happen you would have to be getting feedback through the steering gear box. It is very unlikely. I would put a jack under the front end and wiggle the tires to see what is loose and also steer it side to side. It may be something as simple as a trac bar bushing.

arkypyro · #3 (**permalink**) 08-23-2005, 06:37 PM

Balancing the wheels and replacing the steering damper fixed the wobble. The damage to the Shaft is a result of the wobble. I checked everything out myself and the tire shop checked it again. My right lower control arm is very slightly worn but they didn't think would cause the problem.
Thank you for the info on where to get a shaft. I will check it out.