Hello everyone i am a newbie please bare with me. My 1990 lj70 LC bundera has an annoying rattle on the steering column. Local mechanics told me i might need to replace lower steering shaft..one that goes into the steering gearbox.It happens when i drive it on a gravel road,also when turning on uneven road surfaces. It feels like some component in the steering column is loose or worn out. Very annoying. I was wondering if anyone had similar experience with their 70 series. I am guessing most of the 70 series have similar steering setups or correct me i am no expert. Appreciate any feedback from anyone....thanks in advance
LJ70 steering rattle on gravel road.
- Thread starter trdlj70
- Start date
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I am having a similar issue with my 1990 LJ78. On rough roads or roads with only slight imperfections you will get a steering wheel shake. I have had the frontend inspected and everything appears tight and unworn. I have put news tires all around. I also replaced the tie rod ends ( both forward and aft of the front axle) and mounted a good quality steering dampner and while these items seem to help they did not end the rattle completely. I am replacing the shocks this week and will let you know if it makes a difference. If the shocks do not solve the problem I am not sure what direction I will go next.............1978HJ45
- Thread starter
- #3
Thank you for sharing your similar problem. I actually changed all four shocks including steering damper and tie rods also. Problem not solved. I was wondering if i was the only one having this issue. I am sure some more members have experienced this. Anyhow....thanks.
My KZJ78 does the same thing, its in the column somewhere ...I also have adjusted up steering box and all other steering related bits checked.
I haven't chased it any further, could be a worn bush somewhere in the bowels of the steering column.
I haven't chased it any further, could be a worn bush somewhere in the bowels of the steering column.
Hey there I'm a newbie here, I just bought a 86 BJ70 heavy duty with factory fitted air con and 186000km I have the same problem with mine too. Steering column rattle at uneven surfaces. I am going to a specialist tomorrow will update asap. It seems like a minor bush or steering coupling wear. My truck is a diesel with the 3B engine and all leaf springs. Will post pics soon.
Regards from Bangladesh!
Asad
Regards from Bangladesh!
Asad
I too am about to change shocks ( as soon as I can find a set that will work with my lift kit) however I am starting to think it has nothing to do with the steering rattle. I am also wondering if the "lift" has anything to do with the issue............1978HJ45
My 78 has been doing that since day one with no lift, 4inch lift and 5-5.5 lift. The suspension has been totally re done three times and there was no difference any time. It's been four years and the steering column rattle has not gotten worse. I have poped the covers off on the column and there were no apparent problems that I could see. I think it may be a lousy design rather than a problem.
That design flaw has cost me $1,000.00+ (USD) so far with no significant improvement in the condition....oh well .....1978HJ45
It could be the steering box itself.
Lift bonnet, grab the shaft going to the steering box, jiggle it up Pay attention to the UJ joints! do they move?
This could be the problem not sure if they require greasing!
There is way top tighten the steering box up but I have never done it.
Another thing, have a look at all bushes, these include the trailing arms that are attached to the axles have they split?
Does it happen when 4x4 is engaged?
Check wheel bearing, jack it up grab the wheel check for movment horizontally and vertically. Vertical movement with someone holding the brakes is probably a sign of king ping bearing wear.
Let us know what you find.
Martin
mmm do a search for Death Wobble, if its been lifted than you may need castor correction.
Also have you tried rotating your tyres? what speed are you talking about you get this shake, mph please? what tyres?
Also jack the wheels up one by one and then spin them, you will see them wobble if the tyres are out.
I had just recently where my Cooper SST tyre just distorted overnight.
Swapping to the rear sorted it, now my rear bearing is shot, not sure if that is related to the tyre wobbling around the bearing taking the impact, it will get a new rear bearings and see what happens, still got another year on these tyres
Martin.
My steering shake only occurs in excess of 80 kph. The entire front end ( minus the steering box ) has been inspected twice and ever component appears to be tight and in good shape. The tires are basically brand new. I will take a look at the steering box next...............Thanks, 1978HJ45
Just added ARB "Old Man Emu" shocks all around in addition to replacing tires, tie rod ends, and steering dampner.( Rattle is gone at any speed.) Not saying my solution is the "cure all" but the high quality shocks appear to have solve the problem.
..........1978HJ45
..........1978HJ45
Just had mine inspected and am told that my steering column coupling and column bushes are worn out and will need to be replaced. Will do it over the weekend supported by pics and update here.
- Thread starter
- #15
ASMBJ70,
I am curious to see if you solved this problem. I would appreciate if you could share the process and if any solutions. You would do a lot of members great service now and in the future. Not to mention myself. Thanks for sharing your problem.
I am curious to see if you solved this problem. I would appreciate if you could share the process and if any solutions. You would do a lot of members great service now and in the future. Not to mention myself. Thanks for sharing your problem.
- Thread starter
- #16
PROBLEM SOLVED! The bearing at the bottom of the steering wheel shaft was the culprit. Had to disassemble steering column. The bearing is at the bottom of the shaft where there is a coupling. While inspecting the bearing it had unacceptable play. Replaced it and the shake is gone. I think i will change the top bearing on the steering column as well in the future. This made a night and day difference. There was an axial movement when i pulled the steering wheel..No more now just like it should have been. Hope this helps for everyone having the same issue Good luck.
shake
i will check mine too today. my lj70 with coil spring if i drive to 80kmh n when i hit uneven road the steering n the whole body start to shake damnnnn so annoying.
good find.
i will check mine too today. my lj70 with coil spring if i drive to 80kmh n when i hit uneven road the steering n the whole body start to shake damnnnn so annoying.
bushing problems
anyone can help me?
if i drive my lj70 at 80 to 90 kmh on uneven road it start to the steering starts to shake. i have replace all front arm bush, stock springs, std shocks n std dampers.
my fren says maybe its the body bushing? what do u guys think?
anyone can help me?
if i drive my lj70 at 80 to 90 kmh on uneven road it start to the steering starts to shake. i have replace all front arm bush, stock springs, std shocks n std dampers.
my fren says maybe its the body bushing? what do u guys think?
anyone can help me?
if i drive my lj70 at 80 to 90 kmh on uneven road it start to the steering starts to shake. i have replace all front arm bush, stock springs, std shocks n std dampers.
my fren says maybe its the body bushing? what do u guys think?
Steering arms?
Body bushes?
Tracking?
Track rod ends?
U joints?
TRDLJ70,
Thanks for sharing... Am having similar dead wobble problem when it hits uneven roads after 70km/hr.
Will try to check the bearing at the bottom of steering wheel shaft on my 1989 LJ70 this weekend. Had change 100% of bushes, tie rods, damper while absorbers are about a year old and still get the annoying issue.
regards,
helimanBD.
Thanks for sharing... Am having similar dead wobble problem when it hits uneven roads after 70km/hr.
Will try to check the bearing at the bottom of steering wheel shaft on my 1989 LJ70 this weekend. Had change 100% of bushes, tie rods, damper while absorbers are about a year old and still get the annoying issue.
regards,
helimanBD.
