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Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go hereXJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.
My passenger side tire has been leaning inward for some time now, I first noticed it this summer. It hasn't been an issue for me and my tires haven't worn weird, but I'm going to be replacing that U joint so I figured that while I have everything out if it's the ball joints I might as well replace them. I just want some opinions on it and what to do, thanks!
IF the ball joints are that sloppy than the handling/cornering should be adversely affected and would likely clunk when going over bumps.
Should be easy to detect by lifting a wheel and prying up on tire with a lever. Or, lift the wheel and grab the top and bottom of tire and try to move it. Any movement is unacceptable.
It is one of two things, bad ball joint or adjustable ball joint out of whack, OR the axle 'C' or tube is bent.
Jack up one side at a time and watch the tire as the vehicle weight comes off it. If the joint is bad you'll notice the caster angle change.
With the tire off the ground, try pushing the tire toward the wheelwell and back towards you quickly. If it moves....bad balljoint.
With the tire off the ground, place a 3 or 4' bar or pipe under the tire. Have an assistant pry up and down quickly while you put your finger tips on the ball joints. If you feel a distinct pop.....bad ball joint.
IF the ball joints are that sloppy than the handling/cornering should be adversely affected and would likely clunk when going over bumps. Should be easy to detect by lifting a wheel and prying up on tire with a lever. Or, lift the wheel and grab the top and bottom of tire and try to move it. Any movement is unacceptable. It is one of two things, bad ball joint or adjustable ball joint out of whack, OR the axle 'C' or tube is bent.
I don't beat my jeep so I doubt the bent axle. It does clunk over bumps but I just assumed it was the bad upper arm bushings that I'm replacing this week as well. I see there are different style joints, should I get offset ones? What are adjustable about ball joints? There's a Napa right down the road from me
I don't beat my jeep so I doubt the bent axle. It does clunk over bumps but I just assumed it was the bad upper arm bushings that I'm replacing this week as well. I see there are different style joints, should I get offset ones? What are adjustable about ball joints? There's a Napa right down the road from me
I misspoke and should have said offset instead of adjustable. But if the offset is not positioned right it would out of adjustment.
No, you do not need offset joints.
Ask for Spicer joints.
I misspoke and should have said offset instead of adjustable. But if the offset is not positioned right it would out of adjustment. No, you do not need offset joints. Ask for Spicer joints.
Thank you, I'll stop by there tomorrow. Lots of front end maintance work to come. 26 years of abuse, original spicer joint just went on the axle. Spicer replacement waiting to be put in
My bet is on the ball joint as well, but there's one other possibility just for you to check.
The unit hubs/bearings. Could be the source of you clunk and if they are bad enough it "might" be able to cause some negative camber. They would have to be seriously shot though.
If you do replace the bj's the spicers from serious are the best price I found when I did mine
Nothing against Serious, but with my Amazon prime account I can get them for $39 with free two day shipping.
FYI. Both sides should be done. Four joints total. (Ball Joints)
And both u-joints also.
When the unitbearings are removed, turn them back and forth by hand. It should turn smoothly. If you feel the slightest grinding or looseness, replace them.
FYI. Both sides should be done. Four joints total. (Ball Joints)
And both u-joints also.
When the unitbearings are removed, turn them back and forth by hand. It should turn smoothly. If you feel the slightest grinding or looseness, replace them.
FYI. Both sides should be done. Four joints total. (Ball Joints)
And both u-joints also.
When the unitbearings are removed, turn them back and forth by hand. It should turn smoothly. If you feel the slightest grinding or looseness, replace them.
Don't have the funds at the moment to do both, but I will at some point. Spicer kit should be here Tuesday. Looking replace them next Friday since I need to use my shops tools and after classes I'll only have 4 hours of shop time to do it, other than that I'll be outside the shop. I really just need the vise and 36mm socket, have everything else.
10-31-2014, 01:30 PM
Bad Ball Joints?
