Cause of a "Loose" Wheel

[FrankenJeep]

The A-1488 lines (S-Tubes) can be tricky, sometimes it is easier to install them by removing the clip that locks the hose to the guard as it gives you wiggle room. It also helps to leave the flare nuts loose until both nuts are started. If your brake drums are removed, you can also back off the mounting bolts for the wheel cylinders to make the task easier.

While we are on the subject of "wobble", mine does this at 30-35 MPH +. I'm thinking mine is in loose steering parts, but I don't know where to start looking for the cause. I say that because of the lost motion in the steering wheel and "loosey goosey" feel. If I get above 35, it starts shaking badly. Where would you start looking for this?

If I can get this fixed, I'm almost done (compared to where I was 2 years ago).

"Willis" needs steering fixed, correct muffler (one there OK, but not the correct one), needs ring job as it smokes some and burns oil, one valve clicks, a seat cushion repaired (vinyl), and rear shocks. But I can do these things as time and sparse $$ permits. Other than that, the Jeep runs out pretty well. I think the steering should be first on the list. Whaddya think is making it shake. Is it at the wheel like the one above, or is the loosey-goosey steering due to worn parts from the sector down?


Thanks.

FrankenJeep

[Laztlain]

By no means do I have anywhere near the knowledge of many others on this forum, but I can at least let you know what pointed me at the kingpin bearings being a prime suspect in my case.

The test was to jack up the jeep so the front tire was off the ground, and then try to "rock" the tire by firmly gripping the top and bottom and then pushing in at the top while pulling out at the bottom (and vice-versa). In my case the driver side tire did not rock at all, but the passenger side tire did. It is my understanding that this could be caused by either wheel bearings or kingpin bearings. When the tire was able to be moved, I took a closer look at where the movement was coming from - the entire steering knuckle was moving at the bottom which was another indicator that the kingpin bearing was likely the cause.

Again please realize that I have only had my jeep for a couple years and am still learning more every day. Hopefully this info will help you at least to eliminate potential cause(s).

[artificer]

I'm thinking mine is in loose steering parts, but I don't know where to start looking for the cause.

Am I correct in that the most likely cause of the wheel "rocking" in and out is the kingpin bearings / cups?

Not necessarily.
We usually like to diagnose & know exactly where we need to concentrate.
You were on the right track initially, but missed the important part if you are checking wheel bearings v/s swivel pin bearings.
Jack up & rock like you were doing but have someone on hand to apply the brake when rocking the wheel top & bottom.
Any marked alteration to movement indicates wheel bearing related adjustment/issue because applying the brake eliminates the wheel bearing from the equation.
If there is still movement when the brake is applied what remains is related to swivel pin bearings.

Once you have done this NOW with the wheels on the ground have someone rock the steering wheel through it's area of movement while observing every link in the steering system for movement [there should be next to none]:
Steering box sector shaft [in & out movement]
Pitman arm [ball]
Drag link [both ends]
Bell crank [ball, tie rod & pin]
All tie rod ends

[Joe Gopan]

How's the steering knuckle bearings on the other side?

[Laztlain]

How's the steering knuckle bearings on the other side?

I think they are ok because there is no longer a wobble and the tire does not rock. However, based on the condition of the bearings I replaced on the passenger side I would still like to at least examine and repack the driver side bearings if not replace them as well. But first I want to enjoy this smooth ride for a while

[Joe Gopan]

It will be a good idea to service the other side as it experienced exactly the same type use as the other. Plan on new trunion bearings, and it will be a good time to check out the short brake hose.

[Laztlain]

Very good points. I'll plan on it.

[Joe Gopan]

No gasket cement required on the shims, just wipe a light film of the bearing grease on the mand it will protect against moisture and avoid the unnecessary sticky fingers and shims from gasket sealer.

[Dokimos]

Dear Sir,

I had a similar experience with my front system around 40-45 mph and especially when I hit a bump,

The problem was that from the steering knuckles adjustment, I had installed more sim plates than necessary and the steering was very light without the proper absorption.

I followed the procedure discribed in the TM9-8015-2 page 186, be carefull to install shims only at the top as Ben told above.

You may have to repeat this procedure a couple of times unitl your steering is heavy enough to stop the play

[Joe Gopan]

The Steering Knuckle PM is one of the most overlooked or neglected items on the Jeep, and once correctly performed, eliminates many of the steering problems that do not seem to go away after all other front end work is done.