While I was having my new tires mounted, the mechanic told me my steering stabilizer and front axle u-joints needed replacing.

How do I check to see if they are really going bad?


And whenever I pull my jeep into the driveway, or hit any bump, the front end rocks violently side to side. And it just seems to be the front end, not the back. But if I hit the curb straight-on with both tires at the same time, the rocking isn't too bad. I don't know if this would be considered a death wobble because it doesn't happen at higher speeds. But would a bad steering stabilizer be the problem?

98 4.0 with 2 inch spacers and shackles

 

Im not sure about the steering stabilizer but the hitting bumps like that shouldn't make you wobble that bad. An easy way to see if your front ujoints are going bad is to get under your jeep grab the u joints and try to wiggle them around, they should not move

 

I'll get under and check the u-joints tomorrow, I didn't think they were acessible without removing the tire and hub. Do you think the rocking could be due to worn shocks? They are stock shocks, but I'm not sure if they are the original or not. I bought the jeep at 135k miles.

 

Steering stabilizer is inexpensive, not difficult to swap, and if you're still running the original part, you would probably notice a considerable improvement from installing a new one.

From the issues you describe, you may also want to check your sway-bar bushings, and connector bushings. Another inexpensive, easy procedure, that will likely show great results. The MOOG replacements aren't even too expensive.

As for U-joints, they're enough hassle I wouldn't mess with them unless they were demonstrably worn. Even then though, it's not bad to remove the drive shaft, and press them out with a vice and a couple of sockets.

 

As discussed many, many times before, Steering Stabilizers are a band-aid that mask other problems with steering systems. A properly aligned rig Does Not does require a steering stabilizer.

If the u-joints show any signs of wear/play, replace them. No special tools are required. They are pretty simple really.

 

I'll give the bushings a look. What are signs that they need to be replaced?

And the mechanic said the front axle u-joints not the driveshaft u-joints. How would I check them? Or am I wrong in thinking that there is a difference?

 

I was refering to the front axle u joints when I told you to get underneath and try and wiggle them