Jeep Wrangler JK Steering Gear Replacement

This video will step you through the process to replace the steering gear (often called the steering box) on a Wrangler JK (at least 2007-2011, maybe later models).
You will need a vacuum bleeder with an adapter for the steering reservoir to perform this replacement.
Recommended parts:
1) Steering gear (duh)
2) Two quarts of ATF-4
3) Replacement Pitman Arm
4) Replacement Pitman Arm Nut
5) Replacement Pitman Arm Washer
6) Replacement End-link for your drag link - optional

[@TeknoVkng]

I am going to be tackling this today. I have been having terrible wandering issues. I found that my steering wheel has a lot of play. The sector shaft is tight into the steering gear and while moving it the pitman arm stays stationary so I ordered the redhead steering gear since it was cheaper and upgraded compared to a reman from Jeep. Thank you for posting! I hope this solves my issue and I can drive my jeep safely again.

[@austin.gresham]

Awesome - good luck!

[@tomweathersby6778]

Where did you get the new seals for the hoses?

[@austin.gresham]

They came with the new steering gear

[@josephplacid5637]

i never had to cut anything off when i did a teraflex drap flip kit on.. and i also never broke anything putting the pitman arm on....hmmmmm to following this guy.....

[@jimhoyt9091]

Power steering fluid and ATF(automatic transmission fluid) are 2 different fluids. ATF going in your transmission, torque converter, and transfer case. DO NOT Put ATF in your power steering pump or steering box

[@austin.gresham]

Agreed that they are not the same fluid. Speaking strictly of the MOPAR steering gear I replaced in this video, the factory service manual calls for ATF+4 or MOPAR PSF+4 which it says "both have the same material standard specification." If you are replacing with an aftermarket gear or servicing another vehicle, I would highly encourage the installer to read the requirements because they may have different fluid specifications.

[@kb573]

Wow man. I need to do this job on my 14' model. This vid rocks. I so much appreciate this. Thanks

[@austin.gresham]

Glad it helped! Good luck

[@plumbersteve]

I’m going to swap my rad this weekend. The steering gear housing is super rusty. But not leaking. And no control issues. Would you recommend i do it since I’ll have access? Or rather try to clean up the rust?

[@austin.gresham]

Since these boxes are steel, I've seen some pretty rusty ones for sure - especially ones that are heavily wheeled (mostly mud runners and water fording). But, I'm a big fan of "if it ain't broke don't fix it." If the box is operating fine, and there are no leaks or steering issues, I'd just clean it up. If you are upgrading to larger tires, maybe I'd look at upgrading the steering gear at that point. Good luck with the radiator swap!

[@Seth-i5g]

Thanks for making a good How-To. Not many people showing the 3.8, let alone with accurate info and good camera work!

[@austin.gresham]

Thanks! I am definitely not a camera pro - I appreciate the kudos!

[@donlum9128]

My 2007 2 Dr JK has 450k miles no issues yet

[@austin.gresham]

That's awesome!

[@AlanWoodardwoodisgood]

Been there done that about 20k miles ago, I went with a PSC stock replacement, it's been great so far.

[@austin.gresham]

Glad to hear! I'll keep an eye on this one... first one leaked BAD after only 2k miles.

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

That sucks was the other one aftermarket not OEM?

[@austin.gresham]

It was a remanufactured OEM - not reman'd very well, though!

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

@@austin.gresham that sucks hopefully this one will hold up

[@stevenervin4113]

@@austin.gresham wandering steering?

[@austin.gresham]

@@stevenervin4113 In the JK? No... all good. In the JL or JT? yes, but that's another story....

[@stevenervin4113]

@@austin.gresham i got a autozone remanned after snapping the sector shaft and its all over the road now 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️