Main Menu Vehicle Trails Mechanicals TJ/LJ Mods JK Mods Gallery
JK Steering Shaft problem areas

JK Steering Shaft

Part #:

The JK's steering shaft has a few issues that can crop up over time. Most common is a thunk in the steering. Here are a few quick checks and fixes to help solve a few of the common problems.

Additional Parts:

Tools Needed:
Grease Gun
Needle Fitting for Grease Gun
Hammer
Piece of wood
Ratchet
Extension
13 mm Socket
13 Combo wrench

 

1. Problem area #1 and the most likely cause of a thunk in your steering. The upper collar where the shaft penetrates the firewall. The plastic collar has a tendency to come out of the firewall. The picture shows the correct position for the collar. It sticks out about 1 inch. It can be tapped back in with a hammer and a block of wood, just work slowly and carefully.
2. Problem area #2, the pinch bolt on the upper intermediate shaft coupler. This can come loose, so check it. You will need a 13mm socket or a 13mm combo wrench.
3. Problem area #3, the pinch bolt on the lower intermediate shaft coupler. This can come loose, so check it.
4. Problem area #4, The slip joint on the shaft. This is covered by a boot to keep the dust and debris out of it. Normally you won't have and issue with this unless you have torn the boot, or the clamps have come loose on either end. If you have the proper tools, you can grease it. You will need a needle fitting for your grease gun. Just stick it into the rubber boot and squirt in a few strokes of grease. Be very careful with this needle fitting, it will poke a hole in your skin quicker than the rubber boot.

 

 


  N-m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Intermediate Shafts Coupler Pinch Bolts Upper & Lower 49 36
       

This page last updated: 14-Mar-2012

Content and Design © 2002-present WanderingTrail,  Ronald Seegert
Common Sense and Safety should always be observed when working on your vehicle or doing modifications. Jackstands, wheel blocks, disconnecting the battery are a few of the basic safety precautions that should be used and may not be mentioned in the write ups on this site. You are responsible for your own installation, these write ups are a helpful guideline and should not be taken as an official installation instruction. My write up may be different from the kits currently out there, so alwasy double check the manufacturers installation instructions when installing anything. I try to keep the site up to date with changes that have occured as I discover them, but may not have the latest unless someone lets me know. If you feel that an install is above your capabilities after reading my write ups, I recommend getting together with a club and getting some help. Only a few times have I needed to employe some actual help from a shop to get something done. Usually welding or A/C work. While I have spent many years working on mechanical systems, I am not an expert, nor do I pretend to be one. I hope these write ups have been useful to you.
All trademarked names & logos are property of their respective owners
This site is in no way associated with Stellantis.
Jeep is a registered trademark of Stellantis.