Tie Rod help? Please
#2
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1,576
Received 278 Likes
on
242 Posts
Year: 1995 RHD
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0l
Clean up the grease under the boot and take a look at the ball joint where possible. If any orange rust can be seen, scores, pits or anything other than smooth clean metal is found, they are on their way out. The best test past that is to hook the 2 back up to each wheel and use a pry bar carefully and see if the ball joint tries to move up and down in it's socket. You can't always see a fault until you can put force on it. I have a video of the same situation but on my track bar:
#3
CF Veteran
If you can move the ball around easily with your hand it is worn and needs to be replaced.
If it is sloppy and clicks when you move it around, it is dangerous and should have already been replaced.
A new TRE is pretty stiff in the socket. If you're still unsure get a new one and you'll have a better handle on what a good ("perfect") TRE feels like.
IMO it's never inappropriate to shoot the parts cannon at front end parts. Been in vehicles that have blew out tie rod ends and ball joints, and believe me, it's inconvenient when it happens.
If it is sloppy and clicks when you move it around, it is dangerous and should have already been replaced.
A new TRE is pretty stiff in the socket. If you're still unsure get a new one and you'll have a better handle on what a good ("perfect") TRE feels like.
IMO it's never inappropriate to shoot the parts cannon at front end parts. Been in vehicles that have blew out tie rod ends and ball joints, and believe me, it's inconvenient when it happens.
The following users liked this post:
PatHenry (07-01-2019)
#4
CF Veteran
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,240
Received 613 Likes
on
521 Posts
Year: 96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
If they are very old, its probably best to replace them, as you mentioned you damaged to the boots, and will need new boots anyway
imo, it is much better & easier to use 2 hammers to break the taper, I just did 2 XJ that way, no problems, boot is left intact
imo, it is much better & easier to use 2 hammers to break the taper, I just did 2 XJ that way, no problems, boot is left intact
#7
Old fart with a wrench
I have a theory about suspension and brake parts. If one side is bad, chances are the other side will be bad soon anyway. Replace both sides together and have peace of mind. Especially brakes! Don't replace one side without the other, EVER! If it's an emergency repair, fix the other side ASAP.
The following users liked this post:
PatHenry (07-01-2019)
Trending Topics
#8
CF Veteran
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Groton, MA
Posts: 3,695
Received 234 Likes
on
207 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
Agree with both Daves - You've got the old ones off already, for a relatively low cost you can have new, unworn parts.
I experienced a slight DW situation about a year ago which was enough for me to drop a couple hundred bucks and completely replace the steering system. It's been driving beautifully ever since.
I experienced a slight DW situation about a year ago which was enough for me to drop a couple hundred bucks and completely replace the steering system. It's been driving beautifully ever since.
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Greeneville, Tennessee
Posts: 190
Received 25 Likes
on
22 Posts
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I have a theory about suspension and brake parts. If one side is bad, chances are the other side will be bad soon anyway. Replace both sides together and have peace of mind. Especially brakes! Don't replace one side without the other, EVER! If it's an emergency repair, fix the other side ASAP.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
The Aristocrat
Wanted
2
02-25-2017 01:17 AM
thefrostyafterburn
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
4
11-09-2016 05:49 AM
FleXJ01
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
7
08-09-2012 04:48 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)