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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.
It is the track bar. On the end with the curve, it is sliding up and down creating the knocking sound. Does that mean the bar needs replacing or is just bushings etc?
if the hole in the bracket is still round and not egg shaped (see pic below) then it's most likely the bushing like you said.
if you're thinking of lifting at some point, you might want to upgrade for an adjustable one while you're at it, but if not forget that suggestion
edit: just saw your newest post, as long as you have a ball joint on one end and the bushing on the other, it is all you need. some kits come with the frame bracket, but since you're all stock the stock bracket does the job.
and also for your sway bar end links, you should get that checked out as well, you'll most likely still feel something if those are loose. probably just a bushing or they're not bolted tight.
if the hole in the bracket is still round and not egg shaped (see pic below) then it's most likely the bushing like you said.
if you're thinking of lifting at some point, you might want to upgrade for an adjustable one while you're at it, but if not forget that suggestion
edit: just saw your newest post, as long as you have a ball joint on one end and the bushing on the other, it is all you need. some kits come with the frame bracket, but since you're all stock the stock bracket does the job.
Thank you. And if it is egg shaped, I am assuming I will need the bracket as well? I was reading the bushings can be a pain to replace. Is it just easier to buy the track bar? I need to get on today and I already got a late start.
Thank you. And if it is egg shaped, I am assuming I will need the bracket as well? I was reading the bushings can be a pain to replace. Is it just easier to buy the track bar? I need to get on today and I already got a late start.
I've never done the bushing on a track bar, changed my stock one for an adjustable after lifting, but I'd assume if you take it off the jeep and use some type of press it can't be that hard, but without the proper tools it can be more difficult. If it's the stock one, 15+ years of driving probably stuck it pretty good in there.
I would assume buying a new one saves the trouble of pressing the new bushing, so it all depends on your financial situation and the amount of time you have on your hands.
If it's egg shaped, check your bushing so maybe you won't have to replace it and keep your track bar. the best would be to replace that bracket, but some get away with drilling a new hole (and welding the old one if you have a welder) or enlarging the hole and using a bigger bolt if the bushing allows it to fit.
Does it happen when you move out of 4L? If so, could be a different matter.
It doesn't go into 4wd very often. It's mostly a city vehicle. I got under and had a helper turn the wheel and the clunk could clearly be seen and heard coming from the track bar.
I've never done the bushing on a track bar, changed my stock one for an adjustable after lifting, but I'd assume if you take it off the jeep and use some type of press it can't be that hard, but without the proper tools it can be more difficult. If it's the stock one, 15+ years of driving probably stuck it pretty good in there.
I would assume buying a new one saves the trouble of pressing the new bushing, so it all depends on your financial situation and the amount of time you have on your hands.
If it's egg shaped, check your bushing so maybe you won't have to replace it and keep your track bar. the best would be to replace that bracket, but some get away with drilling a new hole (and welding the old one if you have a welder) or enlarging the hole and using a bigger bolt if the bushing allows it to fit.
I cannot get the damn thing off. I got the cotter pin and nut off and have been using a pickle bar. I have been beating it for the last 30 mins. Any other suggestions? It's loose but will just not pop off. Frustrating.
if the nut is off then it's being help by rust and corrosion so try to soak it in pb blaster or kroil for a while. when you say beating it, is it only with the pickle fork? maybe try hitting the threads with a hammer if you're able to reach, or some type of pry bar used as a lever to push it out.
using the pickle bar will damage the ball joint / boot so at this point you would need to replace it or go with a new track bar as you suggested earlier.
if the nut is off then it's being help by rust and corrosion so try to soak it in pb blaster or kroil for a while. when you say beating it, is it only with the pickle fork? maybe try hitting the threads with a hammer if you're able to reach, or some type of pry bar used as a lever to push it out.
using the pickle bar will damage the ball joint / boot so at this point you would need to replace it or go with a new track bar as you suggested earlier.
Yeah at this point I am replacing the track bar. Yes I have using the pickle bar and hitting it with a 4lb sledge and nothing. It's actually marring the forks of the pickle bar. I soaked in PB blaster and nothing, I then tried heat and nothing. I will try hitting the threads from the top. After that the only thing I can think of is cutting it off with an angle grinder and then hitting what is left underneath and pop it up. I dunno.
Well it turned into a nightmare. I literally just finished putting the tools away. I tried absolutely everything and it would not come off. I ended up cutting it off with an angle grinder. Tried drilling it out, didn't work. Finally took off the bracket and was able to get it off. I should have done that first.
Got the new part on there and now my steering wheel is off center but I'll fix that another day. Clunk is gone. Thanks everyone for the help!
01-20-2016, 12:04 PM
