My 97 is said to have a wandering problem coming from the axel in the front. They dealer said it was the steering shock and said it would be about $500 dollars, but there also doing and oil change, wiper motor, and blower resistor, aligment, and checking the fluids, so im guessing its a good price. Tell me exactly what is steering shock, is it a shock absorber??? And does that sound legit about how it would cause it to sway? Thanks guys.

 

No! It is the shock absorber but I wouldn't think the problem. It would mask the problem and make it feel tighter just long enuf for you to talk good about there shop and then it will go to crap agen. Now if my Jeep swayed I would think it have something to do with the sway bar! Or the track bar and track bar bracket. Do your self the biggest favor you will ever do for your self. Take $200 buy tools! Look up how to fix thees issues buy using the search icon. Read the vary detailed write ups and do it your self. And if you have any questions ask them in here. Unless you get some kind of thrill out of being ripped off every time you go to a shop. I didn't and have saved myself tens of thousands over the years.

 

Much appreciated. I told my dad that i think its the sway bar last night when i was driving, but i guess what i say isnt right to him. Im taking your advice. I'm 17 but i ****ing love my cherokee. It only has 149000 and im saying ill have it till im 30 -35. But thank you very much.

 

x2. Find the problem here, ask questions, and there will probably be a detailed write up (with pics included) on how to fix it. If all else fails, take it anywhere but a dealer.

 

yea...no

even if it was your steering shock contributing to the problem, they cost about $150 installed (not even).

You likely have some bad bushings somewhere.

Sit in front of the jeep and have someone turn the wheels side to side.

Body moves side to side before the tires turn? = Bad Trackbar bushings
Steering wheel turns before the steering linkage moves? = Bad steering box, pitman arm bushing, or drag link bushing.
One tire turns before the other? = Bad Tie rod bushings.

Sway bar will not cause steering issues.

 

What I did when I bought mine was take it into a local mechanic and have him give me a "laundry list" of things that needed to be done. It cost me $45 and was a great investment. Mine also wandered but after following his list and replacing track bar, ball joints, sway bar links and bushings, and various other bushings that looked like had turned to mush, my jeep rides like brand new and passed state inspection with no issues. I think the key to doing this is to let them know up front that you don't intend to have them do the work but are only wanting their "expert opinion". That way they are not so tempted to tell you things that need fixed that really don't.

 

Another thought, if you don't feel comfortable doing the work yourself, does your high school have an auto shop class? A lot of times they will do the work if you buy the parts, talk to the instructor.

 

If your Jeep is swaying it could be the sway bar just saying. And for 150 a steering shock. It better be out of gold! I payed 40 for the last one I did and its 2 bolts so about 5-10 min max to install.

 

ya 20 to 50 bucks and the only thing is you might have a lil vibration in your steering wheel caused by larger tires if this is bad its mostly not this tho does your steering wheel have play?