My daughter has a '97 GC that was hit on the passenger side by a drunk driver. It bent the upper C on the axle just like that one looks, but hers is worse. Luckily, I have a parts XJ sitting that I bought back from the insurance company after it got wrecked, so I'm going to just swap axles. The whole XJ only cost me $150.00.

 

Wow, an XJ for $150!!! Out here a wrecked XJ is worth about $1500 - $2000.

I think the consensus from this forum is to replace the axle if it is bent. So once I have eliminated the possibility of it being a ball or U joint, I will start looking for a used replacement axle. Really appreciate the help here!

 

It won't be a U-joint. Could actually be a bent ball joint, but that would take a solid hit and destroy the tire and rim. Could be a worn out ball joint, and it's just not moving when you jerk it around. If it's not the ball joint, the "C" or horn on the end of the axle is bent. Replace axle.

 

Your axle isn't bent. I'm just gonna go ahead and say it. Sounds like you need true confirmation on what you were told! Get that shop to show you exactly what they are saying is damaged. Take notes, pictures, whatever you need to help verify! Not that replacing the axle is the end of the world, but I'll bet that it's not necessary!

 

Is any body thinking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!
They make adjustable ball joints that take care of this
if you dont know what your talking about dont say anything.
Why dont you tell this guy he needs a new engine also.

 

Really dude? Slow your roll. Adjustable ball joints shouldn't be necessary in a stock XJ. The consensus here was to have the OP verify the shop's findings. Bending an axle is damn near impossible without a serious traffic collision or some hardcore wheeling and jumping. Looking at the pic, I don't think this jeep has seen too many jumps or rocks. If, after verifying all the steering and suspension components, adjustable ball joints are needed, then the question is why?

 

Did your exclamation point button stick?

 

Possibly come confusion here from terminology?

IF the axle SHAFT was bent, it would vibrate like crazy. Not fixable - replace.

If ball joints or bearing are loose they can be replaced.

If the axle TUBE was bent, some shops will try to bend them back - some cold, some use heat. That's not a good solution. Unless the entire assembly is removed, stripped, and instruments are used to get it straight again, you are asking for trouble.

Adjustable ball joints are the usual fix.


BUT - SAGGING? Weak spring on that side? Bent LCA?
Camber way too positive? If it's that far out, you should see it standing in front at a distance with the wheels turned straight ahead. Could be the camber measurement was wrong. Alignment instrumentation needs to be periodically calibrated.

Check to make sure the tires are equal diameter too - sometimes a broken belt inside makes them unequal diameter, and different brands are different diameters even though the numbers say they are the same.

 

Bin out of town on business most of September and finally got a chance to take a good look at the suspension. The problem was a collapsed rear leaf spring. Got the spring reset and she is now level and happy! Nothing bent on the axle and camber is fine (had it checked). So the score is:

Cherokeeforum =1
Local Jeep "expert"=0

You guys saved me quite a few bucks there, so the drinks are on me, but you're are gonna have to come to Cape Town to get them!