- First Name
- Cameron
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2022
- Threads
- 3
- Messages
- 16
- Reaction score
- 22
- Location
- Seattle WA
- Vehicle(s)
- '22 2.7l 2 Door BD , '99 Buell X1, '07 DRZ-400
- Your Bronco Model
- Black Diamond
- Thread starter
- #1
So here's the deal...
I had Eibach coilovers (+ Icon UCA's) installed by a reputable shop about 1,000 miles ago on my 2dr BD. I'm currently sitting at about 2.5" of lift in front. Last week, I noticed that suddenly, I had about 3/4" of play in the steering wheel (engine on or off, doesn't matter), with a distinct "click" at either side of the play.
I suspected a loose fastener somewhere in the linkage. Took it to the dealer and wasn't able to speak with the tech, but his notes (seen below) state that he found no play at the steering gear, but that he did find "..steering shaft u joint at extreme angle, causing contact before full steering is felt, wheels turn within clicking noise". NOTE: I get the same play with the engine off, so I don't think the wheels are turning within the new play in the steering wheel.
I checked a couple of other Broncos on the lot (engines off) and there was zero play. I've got just over 5k miles on the clock now, and this issue did not manifest itself over time, but all at once. If my lift did cause this problem, I have zero problem paying for new parts to fix it and I told the staff the same. According to them, everything is within spec and no parts are needing replacement.
I'm going to follow up tomorrow, but according to the service writer, there are no damaged parts, and nothing to be done about the play in the steering wheel. I don't think they're right, and I certainly believe there's something wrong as I can turn the wheel lock to lock without any extra noises or play anywhere in the cycle except when turning the wheel from 12:00 to 3/8" or so either side of center. If the u joint "shoulders" are binding up, I think I'd feel it as the linkage rotates past a full turn.
If the Ford Performance 2" lift doesn't cause this problem, I can't believe my 2.5" causes an "extreme angle" or the slop in the steering wheel. Has anyone else had this happen, am I crazy, or is my dealer wrong? Thanks for your input! C
I had Eibach coilovers (+ Icon UCA's) installed by a reputable shop about 1,000 miles ago on my 2dr BD. I'm currently sitting at about 2.5" of lift in front. Last week, I noticed that suddenly, I had about 3/4" of play in the steering wheel (engine on or off, doesn't matter), with a distinct "click" at either side of the play.
I suspected a loose fastener somewhere in the linkage. Took it to the dealer and wasn't able to speak with the tech, but his notes (seen below) state that he found no play at the steering gear, but that he did find "..steering shaft u joint at extreme angle, causing contact before full steering is felt, wheels turn within clicking noise". NOTE: I get the same play with the engine off, so I don't think the wheels are turning within the new play in the steering wheel.
I checked a couple of other Broncos on the lot (engines off) and there was zero play. I've got just over 5k miles on the clock now, and this issue did not manifest itself over time, but all at once. If my lift did cause this problem, I have zero problem paying for new parts to fix it and I told the staff the same. According to them, everything is within spec and no parts are needing replacement.
I'm going to follow up tomorrow, but according to the service writer, there are no damaged parts, and nothing to be done about the play in the steering wheel. I don't think they're right, and I certainly believe there's something wrong as I can turn the wheel lock to lock without any extra noises or play anywhere in the cycle except when turning the wheel from 12:00 to 3/8" or so either side of center. If the u joint "shoulders" are binding up, I think I'd feel it as the linkage rotates past a full turn.
If the Ford Performance 2" lift doesn't cause this problem, I can't believe my 2.5" causes an "extreme angle" or the slop in the steering wheel. Has anyone else had this happen, am I crazy, or is my dealer wrong? Thanks for your input! C
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