2004 Rubicon Steering Issue

[Gabe T]

I have a 04 Rubicon that has been having a very vague steering issue. It only happens when making left turns, and does it every time. The steering wheel turns but not as much as it should until about the 9-10 o’clock position (left turns only) when you feel the steering “catch” is the best way I can describe it. This happens at 30mph up to 65 which is the fastest I’ve drove it. Also when making left turns
at low speeds 10-20mph it will completely lock up and physically will not let you turn it to the left any farther. However this doesn't happen every time like what I described above, and none of this happens when turning right.

This all began happening after installing a 2 in JKS lift kit that only consisted of springs, shocks, adjustable front track bar, sway bar quicker disconnects, new steering stabilizer and a rear track bar relocation bracket.

At the time of the lift kit we had replaced the ball joints, u joints, tie rod ends, drag link, and wheel bearings about 1 month before hand due to just having bought the jeep and it having pretty bad death wobble.

We have tried removing the steering stabilizer, new steering gearbox, inspected the steering rack to see if anything looks out of place or binding but can’t find anything.

We are at a loss and I’m about ready to set the yard ornament on fire.

 

[AaronPaul]

I have a 04 Rubicon that has been having a very vague steering issue. It only happens when making left turns, and does it every time. The steering wheel turns but not as much as it should until about the 9-10 o’clock position (left turns only) when you feel the steering “catch” is the best way I can describe it. This happens at 30mph up to 65 which is the fastest I’ve drove it. Also when making left turns
at low speeds 10-20mph it will completely lock up and physically will not let you turn it to the left any farther. However this doesn't happen every time like what I described above, and none of this happens when turning right.

This all began happening after installing a 2 in JKS lift kit that only consisted of springs, shocks, adjustable front track bar, sway bar quicker disconnects, new steering stabilizer and a rear track bar relocation bracket.

At the time of the lift kit we had replaced the ball joints, u joints, tie rod ends, drag link, and wheel bearings about 1 month before hand due to just having bought the jeep and it having pretty bad death wobble.

We have tried removing the steering stabilizer, new steering gearbox, inspected the steering rack to see if anything looks out of place or binding but can’t find anything.

We are at a loss and I’m about ready to set the yard ornament on fire.

Lift the Front End & Manually Turn the Wheels. Manually turn the wheels left and right—do you feel the bind? If no bind, it could be the steering box or power steering system. If it still binds, you likely have mechanical interference in the steering or suspension.

Have someone turn the wheel left while you inspect the track bar, drag link, and steering shaft for any obstructions.

Disconnect the drag link and turn the wheels. If the wheels turn freely without the drag link attached, the issue is likely in the steering box or drag link geometry.

I know you have done so much already but that is how I would begin diagnosing it.

Check Track Bar Clearance (Reposition if necessary)
- Check Steering Shaft U-Joints (Replace if binding)
- Verify Pitman Arm & Drag Link Alignment
- Inspect Knuckles for Obstruction

 

[Gabe T]

Lift the Front End & Manually Turn the Wheels. Manually turn the wheels left and right—do you feel the bind? If no bind, it could be the steering box or power steering system. If it still binds, you likely have mechanical interference in the steering or suspension.

Have someone turn the wheel left while you inspect the track bar, drag link, and steering shaft for any obstructions.

Disconnect the drag link and turn the wheels. If the wheels turn freely without the drag link attached, the issue is likely in the steering box or drag link geometry.

I know you have done so much already but that is how I would begin diagnosing it.

Check Track Bar Clearance (Reposition if necessary)
- Check Steering Shaft U-Joints (Replace if binding)
- Verify Pitman Arm & Drag Link Alignment
- Inspect Knuckles for Obstruction

I will give it a try this weekend and report back, thanks!

 

[AaronPaul]

I will give it a try this weekend and report back, thanks!

Let me know what happens I will be curious.

 

[LONGJP2]

I will give it a try this weekend and report back, thanks!

Passenger side swaybar bracket?



Nevermind, you said left turns.

 

[Gabe T]

Let me know what happens I will be curious.

We jacked up the front end like you said and didn’t detect any binding, it’s a little harder turning the wheels to the right by hand but I think that’s from compressing the steering stabilizer.

 

[AaronPaul]

We jacked up the front end like you said and didn’t detect any binding, it’s a little harder turning the wheels to the right by hand but I think that’s from compressing the steering stabilizer.

After installing a lift kit, the steering geometry can change, especially with an adjustable front track bar. If the track bar is not properly adjusted, it can cause misalignment in the steering linkage, which can lead to the steering catching or having a delayed response in certain turns, as you've described.

Ensure that the track bar is centered correctly. If the axle is shifted too far to one side, it could cause steering issues like you're seeing when turning left. This might also explain why the steering issue is isolated to only left turns.

Might be a possible issue with the steering shaft or U-joints. These components can bind or become worn over time, especially after a suspension lift. Check the shaft for any play, binding, or roughness in movement, particularly when turning left. Look for worn U-joints, as they can also cause tight spots or difficult steering when turning, even if it’s not noticeable when the vehicle is stationary.

Since the issue occurs specifically during left turns, it might be a good idea to revisit the alignment and inspect the front axle setup, particularly the track bar and suspension geometry after the lift. A misalignment in these components could cause binding or uneven steering effort, especially when the suspension is loaded (during turns). Also, ensure the track bar was installed correctly and that it's not contributing to any uneven steering.

Sorry, there is so much info but not being able to see/hear it puts us at a disadvantage. Just trying to root things out.

 

[Gabe T]

After installing a lift kit, the steering geometry can change, especially with an adjustable front track bar. If the track bar is not properly adjusted, it can cause misalignment in the steering linkage, which can lead to the steering catching or having a delayed response in certain turns, as you've described.

Ensure that the track bar is centered correctly. If the axle is shifted too far to one side, it could cause steering issues like you're seeing when turning left. This might also explain why the steering issue is isolated to only left turns.

Might be a possible issue with the steering shaft or U-joints. These components can bind or become worn over time, especially after a suspension lift. Check the shaft for any play, binding, or roughness in movement, particularly when turning left. Look for worn U-joints, as they can also cause tight spots or difficult steering when turning, even if it’s not noticeable when the vehicle is stationary.

Since the issue occurs specifically during left turns, it might be a good idea to revisit the alignment and inspect the front axle setup, particularly the track bar and suspension geometry after the lift. A misalignment in these components could cause binding or uneven steering effort, especially when the suspension is loaded (during turns). Also, ensure the track bar was installed correctly and that it's not contributing to any uneven steering.

Sorry, there is so much info but not being able to see/hear it puts us at a disadvantage. Just trying to root things out.

 

[Gabe T]

We actually just started doing what you suggested about the track bar. We are disconnecting it and trying to get it centered by driving it back and forth.

 

[AaronPaul]

We actually just started doing what you suggested about the track bar. We are disconnecting it and trying to get it centered by driving it back and forth.

Very well could be the issue. Honestly, I am hoping it is that way you found the fix lol

 

[jjvw]

After installing a lift kit, the steering geometry can change, especially with an adjustable front track bar. If the track bar is not properly adjusted, it can cause misalignment in the steering linkage, which can lead to the steering catching or having a delayed response in certain turns, as you've described.

Ensure that the track bar is centered correctly. If the axle is shifted too far to one side, it could cause steering issues like you're seeing when turning left. This might also explain why the steering issue is isolated to only left turns.

Might be a possible issue with the steering shaft or U-joints. These components can bind or become worn over time, especially after a suspension lift. Check the shaft for any play, binding, or roughness in movement, particularly when turning left. Look for worn U-joints, as they can also cause tight spots or difficult steering when turning, even if it’s not noticeable when the vehicle is stationary.

Since the issue occurs specifically during left turns, it might be a good idea to revisit the alignment and inspect the front axle setup, particularly the track bar and suspension geometry after the lift. A misalignment in these components could cause binding or uneven steering effort, especially when the suspension is loaded (during turns). Also, ensure the track bar was installed correctly and that it's not contributing to any uneven steering.

Sorry, there is so much info but not being able to see/hear it puts us at a disadvantage. Just trying to root things out.

This isn't quite how any of that works.

 

[Gabe T]

Very well could be the issue. Honestly, I am hoping it is that way you found the fix lol

After adjusting the track bar the issue is till occurring. We centered it by disconnecting the track bar and cycling the suspension, and driving back and forth. Unless that is the wrong way to center it the track bar is not the issue.

 

[jjvw]

After adjusting the track bar the issue is till occurring. We centered it by disconnecting the track bar and cycling the suspension, and driving back and forth. Unless that is the wrong way to center it the track bar is not the issue.

Aaron is a bit confused about how things interact.

Axle center isn't going to affect how the tie rod end at the drag link/tie rod connection will interfere with the axle side sway bar mount. What will allow that interference is the axle position front to back and/or caster, both of which can be corrected with adjustable control arms. Another cause of this interference is if the drag link at the passenger side steering knuckle has been flattened out through an impact. That can be corrected with a shop press or a new drag link.

 

[Gabe T]

Aaron is a bit confused about how things interact.

Axle center isn't going to affect how the tie rod end at the drag link/tie rod connection will interfere with the able side sway bar mount. What will allow that interference is the axle position front to back and/or caster, both of which can be corrected with adjustable control arms. Another cause of this interference is if the drag link at the passenger side steering knuckle has been flattened out through an impact. That can be corrected with a shop press or a new drag link.

I did replace the drag link a few days ago as the old one had become smashed and was at a steep angle connected to the knuckle.

So you are saying that my issue most likely is that I need new control arms to adjust my axle lateral position, and caster angle?

 

[jjvw]

I did replace the drag link a few days ago as the old one had become smashed and was at a steep angle connected to the knuckle.

So you are saying that my issue most likely is that I need new control arms to adjust my axle lateral position, and caster angle?

Does the Jeep have a suspension lift?

 

[Gabe T]

Does the Jeep have a suspension lift?

2 in JKS

 

[jjvw]

2 in JKS

I see now that the sway bar bracket image isn't yours. Disregard that, assuming there isn't interference there. This usually occurs at full shock extension while airborne.

Do a steering test with the engine running. Have a helper turn the steering side to side from about 9-3 o'clock. You will grab a hold of each steering and suspension connection to feel, look and listen for odd movements. Also pay attention to the input and output sides of the steering gear. They should be synchronous with no delay between the two.

Start there.

 

[AaronPaul]

After adjusting the track bar the issue is till occurring. We centered it by disconnecting the track bar and cycling the suspension, and driving back and forth. Unless that is the wrong way to center it the track bar is not the issue.

• The intermediate steering shaft has a U-joint near the firewall and another closer to the steering box. These can develop binding or excessive play, especially after a lift.
• Have someone turn the steering wheel while you watch the shaft for any sticking, binding, or delayed movement.
• Steering Box Issues: You already replaced the steering gearbox, but was it a rebuilt or new unit? Some remanufactured boxes have internal issues, including sticking valves. If possible, swap in a known good unit to rule this out.
• Power Steering Pump & Fluid: If the pump is weak, it may not be providing enough assist during turns, especially at low speeds. Check for foamy or aerated fluid, which can indicate air in the system.

• With the wheels in the air, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock with the engine both on and off.
• If there is resistance with the engine off, it's likely a mechanical issue (shaft, linkage, or binding joints).
• If there’s resistance only with the engine on, it suggests a hydraulic issue (steering box or pump).

 

[Gabe T]

I finally figured out that my problem was because of the oem front locker partially engaging and when turning to the left would cause it to fully engage, which made both front tires spin at the same speed, and would not let me turn. I am replacing the locker with an open diff, and this should solve my issue.