Steering Knock

Wrenching and Technical Information

Moderator: Club Officers

Post Reply
User avatar
NJKURPat
Posts: 171
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 2:37 pm

Steering Knock

Post by NJKURPat »

I am hearing a "knock" in my steering, most noticeable when moving slow and turning the wheel sharply. Mostly in tight turns and backing out of my driveway. I can feel it in the wheel when it happens and have no idea how to start diagnosing this. I replaced my tie rod and drag link this summer, unfortunately with MOPAR due to my 15" wheels. I loosened and re tightened the axle side track bar bolt, but I don't have a torque wrench. I put a lot of force in and got it really f'ing tight with a breaker bar. I think this weekend im going to remove the trackbar because I am a couple threads off from center and then re tighten it all. Hopefully I'll have a torque wrench ordered this week or next. If that doesn't help, I'll have a friend turn the wheel while i look around at the linkage to see if anything is jumping around.

I know not many of us have JK's but everything is pretty similar tot a TJ. Any other ideas of what this could be, or how to narrow it down? I'm also thinking the pitman arm, or something in the steering shaft. Seeing as those parts get expensive, I wouldn't like to replace any of that off a whim.
| 2008 JKUR | 4.10 | 3" MC DUALRATE LIFT | UCA's | TRACKBAR | 35" TG | HARDTOP |
User avatar
Mr.WJ
Website Admin
Posts: 865
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:06 pm
Location: Blacksburg/Chesapeake, VA

Re: Steering Knock

Post by Mr.WJ »

Most common problem I see on the JK's is their track bar bolts being insufficient in size and clamp load. The early JK's 07-10 has a M12 lower axle bolt and then they switched to a M14. It was bad enough where 100% stock JK's were getting DW because their bolts would just work loose. With that being said, I would confirm that you're reaching the torque spec and them some more over. I had to tighten my frame side bolt past 120 ft-lbs for it to sit still while spec was only 80 ft-lbs.

Secondly, I'd do research on "upgrade" bolts. For example I went from my M12 to a 1/2 Grade 8 and it fit better in the hole. Cost me ~$10 and I have an easy backup.

Lastly, make sure the Jam Nuts, on the track bar and control arms, (if applicable), are TIGHT. I have a pipe wrench for mine and I put about as much force as I can on it.
- 04 WJ Overland 4.7 HO, Bilstein 4600s, Tuned, 242HD Swap, 31" A/T's for cool kids
- 04 WJ Laredo 4.0, 3" OME HD Lift, Bilstein 5100s, JKS TB, IRO LCA's UCA's
- 05 LJ Rubicon 4.0, 3" OME HD Lift, Bilstein 5100's, JKS TB, Bumpers, Warn 9500ix, on 33 MTRs :cool:
- Bronco Water Pump Specialist, now leaks, fixed again and leaks for the second time
User avatar
NJKURPat
Posts: 171
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 2:37 pm

Re: Steering Knock

Post by NJKURPat »

Want to grease my intermediate steering shaft. Anyone have a gun I can borrow for an hour? I can grab some grease if needed too.
| 2008 JKUR | 4.10 | 3" MC DUALRATE LIFT | UCA's | TRACKBAR | 35" TG | HARDTOP |
User avatar
Mr.WJ
Website Admin
Posts: 865
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2011 8:06 pm
Location: Blacksburg/Chesapeake, VA

Re: Steering Knock

Post by Mr.WJ »

The intermediate shaft is greaseable on the JK?
- 04 WJ Overland 4.7 HO, Bilstein 4600s, Tuned, 242HD Swap, 31" A/T's for cool kids
- 04 WJ Laredo 4.0, 3" OME HD Lift, Bilstein 5100s, JKS TB, IRO LCA's UCA's
- 05 LJ Rubicon 4.0, 3" OME HD Lift, Bilstein 5100's, JKS TB, Bumpers, Warn 9500ix, on 33 MTRs :cool:
- Bronco Water Pump Specialist, now leaks, fixed again and leaks for the second time
User avatar
turnbull
Posts: 295
Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2013 10:32 pm

Re: Steering Knock

Post by turnbull »

I got a grease gun you can borrow. I think the grease in it is still good. If not you will have to get some.
'15 JK Sport w/ 31.5" Duratracs, 3.6l Pentastar, 6-speed manual, 4.10 gears, Detroit TrueTracs front and rear
User avatar
NJKURPat
Posts: 171
Joined: Mon Oct 06, 2014 2:37 pm

Re: Steering Knock

Post by NJKURPat »

Once I get her back from the shop I'll let ya know. Thanks!
| 2008 JKUR | 4.10 | 3" MC DUALRATE LIFT | UCA's | TRACKBAR | 35" TG | HARDTOP |
Post Reply