Steering clunk and steering play—intermediate steering shaft turns to the right

Jeeperscreeperslaguna

Jeeperscreeperslaguna

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Nov 7, 2020
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Virginia Beach, VA
I own a 2010 Jeep Jk. Bought it used at 120k miles. Seems to be well taken care of but I've noticed there's a light clunk that you can kind of hear but mostly feel it through the steering wheel. At the same time, there's also some play in the wheel.. a little more than there should be. I've also looked around the steering column and noticed I can actually twist the intermediate steering shaft with some play just like in the steering wheel.
Also.. the jeep tends to steer a little to the right.. this may just be a wheel misalignment but I just thought I'd throw it in here just in case somebody knew it was interconnected.
Any help would be super appreciated!
 
A little more info is needed, does it have a lift? Does it have the stock tires and wheels?
 
If your steering wheel is off center your dash lights will be lighting up like a Christmas Tree if it doesn't get centered.

If it has a cheap lift and no adjustable control arms and track bar that will prevent it from being aligned properly. A shop that does lifted vehicles will be able to make sure it's aligned correctly.
 
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Adjusting the steering gear IMO is a band-aid. If you are adjusting something that was just fine at one point, you are simply compensating for wear (and something will eventually need to be replaced).

The intermediate shafts are known to wear. Carefully fill up the boot on the steering shaft with black chassis grease. If this reduces the clunk, you've isolated the problem. Another area to check would be the track bar. The bolt holes tend to wallow out.

I personally would avoid adjusting the steering box until all other areas have been investigated.

Take it to a competent 4wd shop and have them look at the front suspension.
 
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I'll have to admit i've Band-aided a few times to eliminate front end problems and buy some time on steering gearboxes. Main thing is not to over tighten the the screw because it will make the gearbox to tight.
 
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Another thing to be aware of, is that with bigger tires on poorly maintained roads you can get some wacky results. There is a tendency for vehicles to follow the wagon wheel tracks on a crappy country highway. I have a really bad one on my way to work everyday that makes me think my steering is really messed up. However when I get on the interstate it drives true.

Make sure you are testing the steering feel on a good flat road.
 
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