Tie rod ends?
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Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Tie rod ends?
So after some investigation, I’ve noticed my steering makes a slight clunk noise at low speeds, turning hard to the right. Steering also feels loose but not out of control or wandering. I’d assume it’s the tie rod ends. My question... how many are there I should replace exactly? Just the left and right side or are there more I should replace like the one under the pitman arm?
Side note, I have not adjusted steering box yet as I’m pretty certain that my steering setup just needs some work done.
Side note, I have not adjusted steering box yet as I’m pretty certain that my steering setup just needs some work done.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 12
From: Tarpon Springs, FL / Denver, CO
Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
There are 4 for the front end, 2 for the tie-rod and 2 for the drag link.
If you are replacing them, I would highly recommend using a Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ steering. It is identical except the tie-rod is solid instead of a hollow tube which flexes and can bend easily. Moog makes good aftermarket parts, but I went with a cheap "lifetime warranty" kit which included the drag link, tie rod, all 4 ends, and hardware for something like $120 on eBay and it's holding up pretty good with over 20k miles on it.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/xj...upgrade-82987/
Could also be ball joints or front axle u-joints. Also don't rule out sway-bar bushings/end-links, front hub bearings, or track bar bushings/bolts. Or steering box spacer. There is alot of crap that can wear out in the front end, lol
Easiest way to check is to have a helper turn the wheel back and forth while you look for any play in the front end. Sometimes I will grab a can of WD40 and spray stuff to see if I can track the exact component that is making noise.
For the steering gear, avoid parts store re-manufactured ones like the plague. They are all garbage.
Find a local steering gear re-builder and see if he has a core he can build you, or pull yours and have him rebuild it. Speaking from hard experience here...
If you are replacing them, I would highly recommend using a Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ steering. It is identical except the tie-rod is solid instead of a hollow tube which flexes and can bend easily. Moog makes good aftermarket parts, but I went with a cheap "lifetime warranty" kit which included the drag link, tie rod, all 4 ends, and hardware for something like $120 on eBay and it's holding up pretty good with over 20k miles on it.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/xj...upgrade-82987/
Could also be ball joints or front axle u-joints. Also don't rule out sway-bar bushings/end-links, front hub bearings, or track bar bushings/bolts. Or steering box spacer. There is alot of crap that can wear out in the front end, lol
Easiest way to check is to have a helper turn the wheel back and forth while you look for any play in the front end. Sometimes I will grab a can of WD40 and spray stuff to see if I can track the exact component that is making noise.
For the steering gear, avoid parts store re-manufactured ones like the plague. They are all garbage.
Find a local steering gear re-builder and see if he has a core he can build you, or pull yours and have him rebuild it. Speaking from hard experience here...
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2018
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Model: Cherokee (XJ)
I put the Jeep up on stands today and moved everything around that I could. I saw no play or lateral movement on my wheels which eliminates tie rod ends right? Ball joints are the next suspect.
Old fart with a wrench
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Manlius, east of Syracuse, NY
Year: 2000 XJ Sport & WJ Laredo
Model: Grand Cherokee (WJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Yeah, lower ball joints especially. They support all the weight of the front end and aren't grease-able.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 12
From: Tarpon Springs, FL / Denver, CO
Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
Oh yeah, definately check those shock bushings!
I replaced mine with Bar-Pin Eliminators and its been clunk free since (my rears were clunking over every bump)
I replaced mine with Bar-Pin Eliminators and its been clunk free since (my rears were clunking over every bump)
Thread Starter
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Model: Cherokee (XJ)
this will sound silly, but I’m not the most savvy with vehicle maintenance and part identification, so what exactly am I looking for? Pictures are very helpful.
This jeep is my gateway into DIY maintenance... cut me some slack lol
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From: Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L I-6
How much lift do you have ? I want BPEs but my rig is only gonna be 2-3" I'm using JK take-offs. Would take away from travel.
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Model: Cherokee
The shock is right next to the spring in the wheel well. Grab the body of the shock and jerk it up and down. (Excuse the terminology) If the bushing are bad you will hear a clunk.
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