Jeep Steering Gearbox Replacement - Shade tree job?

[Bo Loo]

My 99 Jeep Cherokee 4X4, according to the shop it's in, needs a new Steering Gearbox. The symptoms are that I hear a clunking sound quite frequently during turns.



Is this something that is easily done or should it be left to professionals?



Estimate provided by the shop is in the mid $500's. Repairpal.com lists $595 ~ $880 as the expected cost in my area.

 

[Todd Z]

I have done steering boxes on vans and camaro's, They were not too difficult, But you do need some specialized tools to do the job...



The box is heavy and on your back is tough, But if you have a helping hand It can be done..



Todd Z

 

[Jerry Gerner 2]

It's pretty easy, 3 bolts to the box, the pitman arm bolt and 2 hoses. You'll need a puller tool for the pitman arm, remove the lines and cap them with a rag and tape, turn them up so they don't leak everywhere. Mark on the pitman arm and the shaft where it was for the new one, make sure it's either at full turn or directly center. Did one on my friends 97 wrangler back in August. It's easy but I work on cars all the time and either my friends or I always have the tools to do the job. Usually you'd want to get an allignment after this repair. Depends on how much work or moneys you want to do/spend. I think if $500 includes allignment and everything go that route.

 

[Bo Loo]

I just authorized the local shop (Midas) to perform the work. $598 includiung alignment. Now, I need to get out there and troubleshoot my non working rear window on the ST!

 

[Jerry Gerner 2]

Look in the search section, theres been a couple posts about it recently.:smile0006:

 

[Joe B 4]

Where are you located? Easy job to do. However are they sure it is the steering gear box? The XJ's are known for the same symptoms being caused by trac bar mounting bolts loosening up causing the axle to shift during turning as well as the frame rail cracking around the steering box mounts.

There was a company called C-Rok, http://www.c-rok.com/sb.html , that made a nice re-enforcement plate for the frame if you find cracking. Not sure if Greg is still making them though.

Hope this helps. If you are close to Ventura Ca I would be more than willing to assist.