Sway Bar Hitting Frame
#1
Seasoned Member
Thread Starter
Sway Bar Hitting Frame
Howdy Folks,
Last few times I've been out wheeling, I've noticed an occasional metal-on-metal drivers side sound as the suspension cycles through compression. Further inspection shows fresh metal on a bolt head. Looks as if my sway bar is contacting the frame...
Six months ago (2k miles) I replaced my sway bar bushings and track bar (Moog OEM equivalent). Also did my TREs and drag link. Lots of wheeling since then, and no issues until two weeks ago.
I think my sway bar end link bushings are toast, but could that really be the culprit? This seems like a geometry issue. Even on the ground at ride height, the sway bar seems to be pushed too far towards the passenger side.
Photos attached, apologies for poor lighting. "Chaffed" torx bolt head visible in second photo. No lift and no changes from stock.
Last few times I've been out wheeling, I've noticed an occasional metal-on-metal drivers side sound as the suspension cycles through compression. Further inspection shows fresh metal on a bolt head. Looks as if my sway bar is contacting the frame...
Six months ago (2k miles) I replaced my sway bar bushings and track bar (Moog OEM equivalent). Also did my TREs and drag link. Lots of wheeling since then, and no issues until two weeks ago.
I think my sway bar end link bushings are toast, but could that really be the culprit? This seems like a geometry issue. Even on the ground at ride height, the sway bar seems to be pushed too far towards the passenger side.
Photos attached, apologies for poor lighting. "Chaffed" torx bolt head visible in second photo. No lift and no changes from stock.
#3
Seasoned Member
Thread Starter
Curious how that would impact sway bar position?
Or should the sway bar not travel that far?
Has 104k miles and front ride height is ok.
Or should the sway bar not travel that far?
Has 104k miles and front ride height is ok.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Eastern Long Island, NY
Posts: 952
Received 55 Likes
on
50 Posts
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 Cyl / 4L
That part of the sway bar would travel up more into the body frame because the worn out springs would not hold it up/away as they are supposed to do.
Springs is the first place I would look. Even if they sit at the correct height when idle, the springs could still be worn down and compressing too much under stress.
Springs is the first place I would look. Even if they sit at the correct height when idle, the springs could still be worn down and compressing too much under stress.
#5
Seasoned Member
Thread Starter
Even though it may be my springs, I did some measuring.
On the drivers side:
Sway bar to frame clearance is 1/4". Not enough to clear bolt head.
On the passengers side:
Sway bar to frame clearance is +1/2". Lots of room.
There is a +1/4" disparity. I think my sway bar isn't centered.
On the drivers side:
Sway bar to frame clearance is 1/4". Not enough to clear bolt head.
On the passengers side:
Sway bar to frame clearance is +1/2". Lots of room.
There is a +1/4" disparity. I think my sway bar isn't centered.
#6
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 5,920
Likes: 0
Received 190 Likes
on
165 Posts
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Check and see if the axle is centered, maybe hit in the side at some point in time, or bad track bar or something. Mine hit the bolt heads of the frame tie ins for my aftermarket bumper on both sides so I just slightly ground down the heads so it would pass it without hitting.
#7
Seasoned Member
Thread Starter
Has never been hit. I was a young kiddo sitting in the back seat when it drove off the lot. Track bar is new as of 2k miles ago, but is a possibility worth exploring.
What are good measuring points to check if the axle is centered?
What are good measuring points to check if the axle is centered?
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
pearson7156
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
7
02-26-2016 05:17 AM
mtman
Stock Grand Cherokee Tech. All ZJ/WJ/WK Non-modified/stock questions go here!
8
02-11-2016 07:08 PM
XJ14x
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
3
02-08-2016 11:28 AM
elwoodblues
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
9
01-31-2016 04:19 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)