Jimny steering

stubigboy · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 5:43 pm Post subject: Jimny steering

Hi all, I've just bought a jimny with a 2in lift and to put it bluntly the steering is utter sh-t!!! I've fitted caster correction bushes to the front and got the tracking redone but it's still crap. It's mainly wants to go to the right but also suddenly wants to go left to and is all over the place. There is a very small bit of play in the steering wheel. Could it be this? Or any other ideas of what I can do to sort it? Or is that just the way they are???? 😭It's not the brakes binding on there fine.

Nightbar · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 6:20 pm Post subject:

Welcome to Difflock Stubigboy.

I haven't a clue as I'm a 'fix it with hammer LR bloke' but there's lots of knowledge amongst the zuk boys who'll be along soon to help.

See you around in here.

stubigboy · Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2016 6:59 pm Post subject:

Thanks

RichardD · Posted: Wed Jun 29, 2016 10:36 am Post subject:

Whilst there's no play at the wheel, there might be at the steering linkages or the box/rack.

You've probably checked it but maybe worth another look? Whilst you're at it, check the front axle is fitted correctly (or does it have IFS Embarassed

)

stubigboy · Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2016 12:38 am Post subject:

As I said it does have a very small amount of play and knocking noise when you wiggle the steering wheel when stationary. Do you think that would cause it? Its very minor though!! Its a Live axle.

RichMayo · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2016 11:11 am Post subject:

As RichardD said check all the linkages to the front axle for play - not just steering links.
It might also be worth checking the rear axle linkages too.

Scrunt44 · Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2016 10:43 pm Post subject:

What wheels and tyres are you running?

stubigboy · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2016 9:33 am Post subject:

Falken Wildpeak AT 235/75/15 on the standard Jimny Rims. I've had the tracking done and had a mechanic check everything over. We did find one of the springs not sitting correctly so sorted that. But its still the same!!

RichardD · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2016 11:15 am Post subject:

Tracking would be suggested by consistent pulling to one side, the sudden change suggest looseness in the linkages, rack/box.

Something to consider: I have a rather old car and the steering, whilst very simple, is basically the same as 4x4 steering systems. There is a column with a steering box on the end with an output shaft that move the pitman arm. then the longitudinal link rod/bar attached to the front right hub and another rod connecting the 2 hubs together. Being over 100 years old it is rather worn and although each bit seems tight enough to be usable the combination of slackness means the car wallows and self steers on road cambers. The steering wheel has over 5" of play in it from a worn gear (being replaced this winter) but it tank slaps like a bitch at times from less than 0.25mm play in each of the other joints.

If your direction changes coincide with camber changes and you can make it repeatable then you're looking at ball joints and linkages.

The key here is feel for what the car is doing and when.

kentm11 · Just got MTs Joined: 19 Feb 2013 Odometer: 107

We had a similar thing a while back. Checked the fluid levels and belt tension on the pas. Also replaced the kingpins as our where shot but just as a matter of course, check the UJs in the column. On the LR the lower one has nearly frozen causing this very thing.

Good luck.