96Co

I finally got around to changing all the tie rods. They all were really bad. Before there was some noise while i would turn and a ton of play in the steering. But now its tight and makes all kinds of noise it pops and creaks when im turning. There is no play in the hubs or u joints. Im going to get an alignment on Monday could that be my problem? Is the tires being out of a line causing added stress causing all the noise? Or other thoughts? Its a 96 cherokee with a 3.5 RE.

HEAP of JEEP

A bad alignment won't cause pops or creaks. Something is still bad or loose. There's a lot more than tie rods to the steering linkage, and a lot more than the steering linkage that gets worked when you turn. I'd double and triple check those axle ujoints, but could be ball joints, shocks, loose track bar, etc...

Have someone turn the steering wheel while you're looking and listening underneath and see if you can see/hear where the problem is coming from.

96Co

I have tightened up the track bar. I will do the other things and see what happens

96Co

What I don't get is why there is more noise after I replaced them

HEAP of JEEP

I would guess that its because the bad/loose TR ends were absorbing some of the slop from whatever is still broken or loose. Now that the TR ends are nice and firm, they won't mask the other failing parts. Just a guess

Klutch

Sounds like the ball joints are worn. I would suggest taking it to the alignment shop and letting them tell you what parts are bad. Then tell them you'll replace those parts and bring it back.

I did just this a couple of weeks ago. The alignment shop told me I had a bad drag link and tie rod end and estimated $560 to replace them. I bought Moog replacement parts, which are higher end than the cheapest parts, and it cost me $160.

I replaced the ball joints on my MJ several years ago. It was a major project requiring a special press I had to rent, but I got it done. Hopefully, it's not your ball joints.

Again, whatever parts you buy, get Moog or something similar. The cheapest parts wont' last very long and you'll soon be right back to where you are now.

madmanmarty

Moog as necessary & grease.

96Co

Took it to the alignment shop today they said they couldn't do it because I needed an adjustable ball joint? Is that just ball joints or is the guy pulling my leg?

Klutch

Ouch. Yes, the ball joints are adjustable. Buy a good quality replacement, like Moog, rather than the cheapest available. You can rent a press to remove the old ball joint and install the new.

kdot

Why would they sell non-adjustable ball joints, if you have to have them to get an alignment?

Klutch

I don't think all four ball joints are adjustable. Thus, the alignment shop is saying it's one of the adjustable ball joints which is worn out.

96Co

From what I have been reading the only reason you need adjustable ball joints is if you have a bent axle. Also bad ball joints cause the camber problem and just regular ball joint should fix it. Is this correct information?

docmedpros

The only thing I have adjustable ball joints on is my slammed out TSX. They fix negative camber. So yes a normal ball joint should fix the camber issue they informed you of.

96Co

thanks everyone I am going to tackle it in a few weeks during spring break