Help...Tires, Wheel Spacers and Steering Issues.

[acbk8888]

Hi All,

Perhaps someone here can give a little help or share your experience on my problem.

I'm driving a Jimny SJ-410 (1985) on Bridgestone Dueler 30x9.5 AT Tires and had installed Wheel Spacer/Adaptor (4 cm thick).

Problem is, while driving at around 60-70 km/hr speeds on asphalt roads, the vehicle swings all over from left to right. Tried tightening the Worm Gear/Nut but it only helps for a short time and then I'm back to the same old problem again.

The short terms solution of tightening the Worm Gear/Nut wears out the internals of the steering gearbox (see picture). Every 2 ~ 3 months, one of the following would be worn out and requires replacement.

1. Fine Pitch Worm gear
2. Ball Bearings
3. Nut
4. Sector Gear

Friend of mine told me this is a usual problem using the Wheel Spacer. I've tried taking them off but the problem still sticks.

Any hints and/or help would be much appreciated.

[Billjohn]

Originally Posted by acbk8888

Hi All,

Perhaps someone here can give a little help or share your experience on my problem.

I'm driving a Jimny SJ-410 (1985) on Bridgestone Dueler 30x9.5 AT Tires and had installed Wheel Spacer/Adaptor (4 cm thick).

Problem is, while driving at around 60-70 km/hr speeds on asphalt roads, the vehicle swings all over from left to right. Tried tightening the Worm Gear/Nut but it only helps for a short time and then I'm back to the same old problem again.

The short terms solution of tightening the Worm Gear/Nut wears out the internals of the steering gearbox (see picture). Every 2 ~ 3 months, one of the following would be worn out and requires replacement.

1. Fine Pitch Worm gear
2. Ball Bearings
3. Nut
4. Sector Gear

Friend of mine told me this is a usual problem using the Wheel Spacer. I've tried taking them off but the problem still sticks.

Any hints and/or help would be much appreciated.

I have run quality wheel adapters (spacers) on my zooks for over 10 years now and that is not the fault of the wheel spacers.
Two things I would check right away.
1. Is the steering damper (shock on the steer) still good? If it is real easy to open and close then you want to replace it.
2. Have you changed the angle of the front axle?
I see your rig is lifted. Is it SPOA? (Spring-over-axle) or just longer shackles?
When lifting the front you have to make sure you retain the factory caster angle of the steering 'ears'.

If you don't, then it will wear out your components (worm gear, steering box)much faster than normal.

[acbk8888]

Hi Billjohn,

Thanks for your post.

Yes, the original steer damper is still in good condition. I've also installed an additional Rancho 5402 Steer Stabilizer (it helps slightly).

I'm not too familar with the terms about changing the angle of the front axle. Still trying to figure it out. Do you know of any web site that could elaborate this further?

I'm using a longer Shackle (See picture)

Thanks

[Billjohn]

Originally Posted by acbk8888

Hi Billjohn,

Thanks for your post.

Yes, the original steer damper is still in good condition. I've also installed an additional Rancho 5402 Steer Stabilizer (it helps slightly).

I'm not too familar with the terms about changing the angle of the front axle. Still trying to figure it out. Do you know of any web site that could elaborate this further?

I'm using a longer Shackle (See picture)

Thanks

You are still SPUA (spring under/factory setup) and although you are using aftermarket shackles they don't appear to be tall enough to cause the offset that I was referring to. You are in the clear there. that's the good news.

The bad news is we have to look somewhere else for the problem. If you have been tightening the worm gear, it may be having issues from wear. Tightening it (as you found out) is only a temporary fix and can lead to premature failure of the gear if you go too tight. You need to look at the control points to see if there is anything broken or worn out. Start with the steering rod (2 piece unit in engine compartment with joints at both ends). Check the mechanical joint at the firewall and the rag (rubber) joint at the steering box. A worn out rag joint is a common problem.

Next, go to the tie rod ends and check that they are tight. Jack the front axle off the ground to do this so there isn't any pressure on the tire as you shake the rod end/steering rod.

Last but not least, shake the whole tire and see if there is any playbetween the hub and the steering knuckle. This could be worn bearings.

[acbk8888]

Hi Billjohn, thanks for your suggestions. Now that you mentioned, I haven't had the rag (rubber) joint checked/replaced since I bought the vehicle 2 years ago. Visually, it looks to be in good shape. But I'll check on it.

[spo3nazgul]

hi acbk8888 i am very interested in where you bought your Rancho 5402 Steer Stabilizer and for how much?

[Billjohn]

Originally Posted by spo3nazgul

hi acbk8888 i am very interested in where you bought your Rancho 5402 Steer Stabilizer and for how much?

OME (Old Man Emu) makes a stab replacement that bolts in place of the stock unit. It really helps and it won't get trashed whacking on rocks and stumps on the trail. I started with a Rancho unit about 10 years ago and took off the crushed pieces about 6 months later...

OME Steering Stabilizer

[acbk8888]

Bought them Racho in Jakarta for Rupiah 740,000 (about USD 70.00)

[acbk8888]

Hi BillJohn, THANKS for your suggestion, had the rubber joint changed and drove for a week with no further problems.

Just installed the Wheel Adaptors again and been running for 3 days now. Hopefully the problem is solved.