Infinite turning steering wheel
07-19-2013 | 02:31 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Granite State
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straight Sixxx
Infinitely turning steering wheel
Hello this is my 2nd post, let the hazing begin.
Overview:
Stock, auto, 1997 XJ 4.0 near 170,000 miles
This morning when I was pulling out of a curbside parking space I was turning the wheels to pull out then all of a sudden I heard and felt a faint "clonk" in the steering column and the steering wheel stopped turning the wheels in either direction. No surprisingly my airbag light on the dash lit up.
Did my steering column snap? Since I was partially in the street at this point, I had to call for road side assistance have the xj towed to a garage.
I've never used this garage other than for an oil change so I am taking their word on the repair somewhat in the dark.
Please let me know your thoughts on what may have happened and the potential scale of the repair.
Will the whole steering column need to be replaced?
Overview:
Stock, auto, 1997 XJ 4.0 near 170,000 miles
This morning when I was pulling out of a curbside parking space I was turning the wheels to pull out then all of a sudden I heard and felt a faint "clonk" in the steering column and the steering wheel stopped turning the wheels in either direction. No surprisingly my airbag light on the dash lit up.
Did my steering column snap? Since I was partially in the street at this point, I had to call for road side assistance have the xj towed to a garage.
I've never used this garage other than for an oil change so I am taking their word on the repair somewhat in the dark.
Please let me know your thoughts on what may have happened and the potential scale of the repair.
Will the whole steering column need to be replaced?
Last edited by Three%; 07-19-2013 at 02:39 PM.
07-19-2013 | 02:42 PM
#2
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Granite State
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straight Sixxx
The shop just called back, he said it was just a bolt that connects to the steering shaft broke, it will need to be drilled out and replaced.
Luckily it's only a small issue but he's asking 150 bucks to do so. I'm away on a job in NYC, I don't have the tools with me or time to do it myself.
Luckily it's only a small issue but he's asking 150 bucks to do so. I'm away on a job in NYC, I don't have the tools with me or time to do it myself.
07-19-2013 | 05:09 PM
#4
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,720
Likes: 43
From: Gainesville GA
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
$150 is a lot to drill a bolt out but what can you do? You could try to negotiate the price.
I have a clock spring to replace your broken one. PM if interested.
I have a clock spring to replace your broken one. PM if interested.
07-19-2013 | 06:30 PM
#5
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Previous poster is right, you are kind of at the mercy of NYC pricing. Given my past experiences with the cost of everything up there, it doesn't surprise me at all and doesn't seem too outrageous. Let 'em fix it, get it home and replace the clockspring yourself.
07-19-2013 | 08:25 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Granite State
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straight Sixxx
The mechanic didn't mention anything about the clock spring, do you think it needs to be replaced because of what happened?
I don't have a steering wheel puller to do it myself.
Last edited by Three%; 07-19-2013 at 08:29 PM.
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07-19-2013 | 08:39 PM
#9
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 18,786
Likes: 13
From: CT.
Year: 88
Model: Comanche (MJ)
Engine: 4.0 HO
I think a $150 is more than fair. Anyone ever have to drill bolts out under a dash where people put their feet after stepping in **** in this weather?
NOT FUN!
NOT FUN!
07-19-2013 | 08:40 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Granite State
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straight Sixxx
I might be able to go to a buddy's motorcycle shop and borrow a little space and tools to do this while I'm in NYC.
Good idea, I'll look into renting a puller locally. Do you gents think the puller kit from Harbor Freight worth the 30 bucks?
http://www.harborfreight.com/steerin...set-68982.html There's a Harbor Freight store not far from my friend's motorcycle shop.
Last edited by Three%; 07-19-2013 at 08:44 PM.
07-19-2013 | 08:45 PM
#11
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 18
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From: Granite State
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Straight Sixxx
I dont' think it'll work according to this HF review...
If you attempt to remove any steering wheel without tapped holes in steering wheel (GM steering wheels, etc), you are in trouble. This kit has an excellent forcing screw. It does the job with tapped hole steering wheels. The 3 sets of cap screws come in handy as well. They fit all the steering wheels with tapped holes that I removed. But this kit does not come with standard GM puller legs. This is the negative about this kit. If it had 1 set of GM puller legs, this kit would be perfect. But it doesn't. If you buy this kit, you will need to buy GM puller legs. Because a lot of steering wheels DO NOT have tapped holes for cap screws. This kit does run the same price as 2 GM puller legs. So I guess it is still a great deal for the price. I would only recommend this for the price at what you get. But it would be a lot better if it had GM puller legs.
07-19-2013 | 09:11 PM
#12
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,720
Likes: 43
From: Gainesville GA
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
From the pic it's the wrong style.
I have one like this: http://www.walmart.com/ip/19257565?w...599990&veh=sem
I have one like this: http://www.walmart.com/ip/19257565?w...599990&veh=sem
07-19-2013 | 10:10 PM
#13
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Alabama
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I used one of my motorcycle gear pullers when I replaced my steering wheel and clockspring. It was a royal PIA, but necessity is the mother of invention. I sometimes tend to view the intended use of/for a specific tool as a general suggestion. 😉
07-21-2013 | 12:38 AM
#14
Banned
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,744
Likes: 2
From: USA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L i6
You tore the wires in the clockspring.
No horn or airbag.
You'll need a new one (without cruise control wires)
PM that guy, or buy from Ebay.
Otherwise, you'll need to do this yourself.
No horn or airbag.
You'll need a new one (without cruise control wires)
PM that guy, or buy from Ebay.
Otherwise, you'll need to do this yourself.
