Any vehicle may experience problems with the steering box. If you own a Jeep TJ and your steering box is damaged, you shouldn’t worry though upgrading the steering box on a Jeep series vehicle is not an easy task. Nevertheless, we will demonstrate the task here with detailed instructions for you.

So, how to upgrade the steering box on Jeep TJ? Two factors are crucial here. One is using the right tools, and the other is using several workers. Thus, if you follow the instructions carefully, you can accomplish it successfully.

Besides, knowing how to upgrade the steering box is not enough. You should also be aware of the causes and signs of steering box failure. We’ve covered them all here. Please read through.

Table of Contents

What Are the Signs of a Failing Steering Box?

If your steering box is failing, there are several signs you can look out for. So be careful with your steering box if you experience any of these signs while driving.

Continues Clunking Sound

You will hear this clunking sound for a few seconds when the engine is started. Following that, it will stop on its own. Sometimes it continues for a longer period.

This sound will occur if your steering box has been damaged for a long time and you have not repaired it. It can also happen if your car hasn’t been serviced in years. This problem could be caused by the ball joint or the control arm.

Turning Steering Wheel Difficulty

When people encounter such a situation, they assume it is most likely due to a problem with the steering wheel. However, the majority of the time it is not a steering problem, but rather a steering box problem. It occurs when the fluid is not at the proper level or when the steering pump is damaged.

In this case, the steering wheel will eventually lose its flexibility and become more rigid. It may also be the opposite, in which case you would have to move the wheel farther to alter its direction.

Vehicle Pulls One Side

Another unpopular sign is when you are driving a vehicle that continuously pulls to one side. Although it is a less common symptom, it has the greatest potential for harm. There are numerous possible causes for this problem. However, if it is related to the steering box, it must be the steering rack.

It can also happen as a result of a faulty transmission or uneven tire wear.

What Causes A Steering Box To Fail?

There are several reasons why your steering box may fail. Here are some of the most common causes of steering box failure.

Contaminated Fluid

Power steering is driven by a hydraulic system. In essence, a fluid that is pressurized by power is used to create motion. Their system is popular because you only need a small amount of input to get a higher output.

Since there is a greater amount of fluid or liquid involved, it must be very clean. The results will be terrible if the material is contaminated. Therefore, contaminated fluid can ruin your steering box too.

Broken Power Steering Belt

If your steering belt breaks or slips off the track, your steering box will fail. Steering boxes essentially rely on the engine for power. And a belt, also known as a V-belt, connects the two components.

Your steering belt will no longer receive power if the belt has been torn out by corrosion, fraying, or occasionally overheating. So you must keep an eye on the belt situation from time to time.

Steering Pump Damage

One of the most common causes of steering box failure is power steering pump damage.

Pumps can be damaged in a variety of ways, including insufficient fluid, fluid leaks, unrefined fluid, and excessive wear and tear. So if any of this happens, the power fluid pump will damage. So you have to take care of that.

How to Upgrade Steering Box on Jeep TJ

Now with detailed instructions, we will show you how to remove the old steering box and install a new one.

[Note: Before beginning work, make sure the steering wheel is centered, and you have the necessary tools and enough manpower to give you hand]

Cap off the power steering pump first. Use a high-quality transfer pump to drain or suck up all the oil. The reason for this is that when you loosen the gearbox fittings, it drains.

Step 1: Remove Pitman Arm

The Pitman arm is located near the steering gearbox. It tightly fastens to the shaft. You need to use a pitman arm puller (with a 33 mm axle nut) in order to detach the pitman arm. Pitman arms are secured pretty tightly, so you better not try to remove them using manual tools.

Likewise, the lock washer will automatically remove once you unfasten the pitman arm bolt. After detaching the bolt, patiently remove the pitman arm from the gearbox.

Pitman arm removal can be a laborious process when there is a lot of rust buildup. First, spray some PB blaster on the area where it is connected. Then, disconnect it using an impact wrench.

Step 2: Remove the Pressure Link From Steering Box

Under the front grill, you’ll find the pressure lines. There must be a separation of the high-pressure link and the low-pressure line. You’ll need an 18mm open-end wrench to remove the bolts.

Additionally, it’s possible that the old power steering fluid will leak, so be ready.

Step 3: Detach the Steering Column

Splines are attached to a coupler with bolts. And the steering column cannot be separated without removing the splined coupler. In order to remove it, determine the kind of bolt used to attach it, and use the correct wrench.

Step 4: Remove The Steering Box

If your Jeep has a box guard, remove it or lower it first. The steering box is secured to the frame by three bolts. To remove it, you’ll most likely need a 13mm socket. Be aware that steering boxes are quite heavy and you use your extra hands in this case.

Allow adequate support for the steering box before removing it. The box will be heavy and may slip out of the frame, causing an accident.

Step 5: Installing the New Steering Box

Before proceeding, ensure that you have all of the necessary tools (such as a wrench and bolt-tightening equipment) on hand. This is because the bolt on the new steering box may be different from the old one

Now you must reverse the entire process in order to install a new steering box.

First, tighten all three bolts that hold the steering box to the frame. If those three bolts are not tightened while the car is running, the steering box will tremble. It will be extremely noisy. Therefore, be sure to properly tighten each one.

Reinstall the coupler, pitman arm, high and low-pressure links, and steering column, one at a time.

This is the entire process; however, there might be a few minor differences based on the car model being used or the type of steering box chosen.

[Note: Keep the steering wheel stationary while the steering box is being upgraded. The steering wheel’s movement has the potential to damage the steering column’s clock spring.

FAQs

Do you want to learn more about the Upgrade Steering Box on Jeep TJ? Here are a few more questions and answers for you.

Is upgrading the steering box similar to Jeep TJs and Jeep XJs?

Despite sharing the same brand, the two vehicles couldn’t be more different. Fortunately, the internal functions of their cars are very similar. As a result, the process of replacing or upgrading the steering box is nearly identical.

Although both cars use different types of engines and transmissions, the space for these components is similar on both sides.

Consequently, the steering boxes in both cars can be exchanged because of the same function.

How much does a steering box for a Jeep TJ cost?

The cost of the steering box for the Jeep series is comparable for the most part. However, the steering box for a Jeep TJ typically ranges in price from $400 to $800. Even so, there will be variations between the automatic and manual types.

Depending on the work and location, the installation will cost between $150 and $200. So in total, the upgrade cost for a Jeep TJ is nearly $1000. Nonetheless, if you purchase the normal box and hire less expensive labor, it is also possible to upgrade for under $700.

If I’m not an expert, is it a good idea to upgrade the steering box at home?

It takes a lot of effort to replace the steering box, especially on a Jeep vehicle. So, a person must have a basic understanding of cars, prior experience changing steering boxes, and all of the necessary tools to upgrade a steering box at home. He can attempt it if he has everything.

Otherwise, it would be a terrible idea. The key component of the steering box could be accidentally damaged if you don’t have prior knowledge. So you know what you should do, don’t you?

Final Words

If you’ve read this far, we’re assuming you’ve figured out how to upgrade the steering box on a Jeep TJ.

We really should admit that upgrading the sterling box in Jeep TJ is not an easy task. Nevertheless, we elaborated the entire process as simple as possible.

As you are aware, the entire process is labor intensive, so do not attempt it alone. Better call one or two more people. Additionally, this process requires some prerequisite tools; without that, it won’t be possible.

After all, upgrading the steering box will be simpler if you have prior experience and knowledge of cars.

Written By

Clifford Atiyeh

Clifford Atiyeh is an esteemed independent journalist with a keen expertise in the automotive sector. As a contributing editor for Car and Driver, he covers a broad range of topics including business, government, and litigation news within the industry. With over two decades of experience, Clifford’s bylines have graced numerous prestigious media outlets. His passion for storytelling is matched by his skill in photography, further enriching his journalistic endeavors. As the president of the New England Motor Press Association, Clifford plays a pivotal role in the automotive journalism community. His insights and analyses are also featured on platforms such as Forbes, showcasing his versatility and depth of knowledge.
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