Jeep Repair: steering, jeep laredo, 4x4 jeep

Question
I have a 200 4X4 JEEP LAREDO
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I'm having too much play in the steering wheel.
What can I check or do to fix the problem?
-----Answer-----
Sounds like to me you need to have your front end checked out.  Tell me which jeep you have and I can tell you how to check for worn parts your self.

Answer
To check the steering system out, get a buddy first. Have your buddy get in start the engine and start steering the wheel back and forth from about the 10 o'clock to the 2 o'clock position, in a fast motion. Look under the front end, first at the pitman arm where the tierod end connects, watch for the tie rod end to move up and down.  If it looks like it maybe trying to "pop out of joint" it needs replacing. Check out all of your tie rod ends the same way.  While you are steering also check the track bar, it runs from the bottom of the differential on the right side the the frame behind your steering box on the left side.  If its a Grand Cherokee, it may have rubber bushings at each end, just note excessive movement in each end of the track bar, it should not move much at all.  Finally you need to check the ball joints.  There is two at each wheel. One at the top of each steering knuckle and one at the bottom.  Raise the jeep up by the front differential on each side, take a pry bar or anything you can get under the tire and pick up on it.  Look at the lower ball joint and see if it moves up and down it should not move up and down at all.  If it moves up and down replace both ball joints! Usually I find the track bar needs replacing, and the tie rod at the pitman arm.  If your jeep has two tierods at the right wheel one on top of the knuckle and one at the bottom, the top usually goes bad.  Hope I could help you!