track bar question
 

I bought another heep, and this one is a 1996 SE with 131K, 4.0/auto. The previous owner brought it from Arizona, and the underside looks amazingly clean and rust free as in "almost new". It starts, runs, and shifts fine. The only mechanical issue that I've discovered is that it wanders on the highway. There is no deathwobble from bumps, but I've only had it up to 75mph.

I had my wife turn the wheel L/R with the engine off while I looked underneath. It appeared that everything was tight except for the end of the track bar where it bolts up into the frame. This is the end with the grease zerk on it, and the rubber grease shield appears almost flat.

From pictures it looks like there should be a tapered stud that gets a nut and cotter pin through it. What is inside that rubber covering that the tapered stud fits through, if anything? It looks like there might be a part missing from inside, and that could be the reason the rubber is flat and track bar wobbles when the steering is turned.

Photos attached show the greasy, tight track bar from my '96 Sport and the dry, loose track bar on the '96 SE. To my eye it looks like 1/8"-1/4" difference from the top of th steel lip on the track bars and the frames they bolt into.

Yeah, get some photos in and torque down those bolts if you can.

The stack track bar has a TRE (ball with a stud) at the end the rubber parts are just dust/grease sheilds. If its loose you may need to replace the trackbar.
Your wandering could be from the TB, but is most likely caused by poor alignment.

The tires look OK, but the rubber boot appears squashed almost flat, so I'm thinking the part that mates with the tapered stud is missing. I've not had it apart, but looks considerably different than the on my '96 Sport.

I've just added photos to the original post.

Monday morning BUMP!

It's just because the boot is full of grease that it looks like your other one is missing something. You could grease the SE but I already think the damage is done. If it's loose replace it. Better safe than sorry.

^x2
but grease it up and see if there's a difference.

The rubber dust cover/grease boot was split so it wouldn't hold grease. After fighting with the cotter pin and castle nut, I still had trouble getting the track bar OUT of the tapered hole it fits into. Its obvious now just how much vertical play it had, and I'm just about to install the replacement.

Nice, man

I just got back from a test drive after replacing the track bar. All of the vagueness and slop in the steering is GONE.:thumbup1:

Good job, man!

Hey,

I'm new to Jeeps and this forum, and I know nothing about anything! LOL

I just bought an 94 XJ, 225k, auto, and everything works great, but it does need some maint. and/or parts replacement ...

...I do have a noisy front end and it does wander and it does shimmy at different speeds (61-64, 66-70, I haven't gone over 75). I had the old tires balanced, but it just changed the speeds at which it shimmied. But, for the moment, I'm more concerned about the wandering and looseness in the steering.

I keep seeing mention of the "track bar", is that it's actual part name? Can you tell me what to expect to pay for one? Should I get one from a dealer, or the aftermarket, or?

I would, also, like to buy a shop manual, any recommendations? (hint: Photos/illustrations a plus-LOL). Not to gain pity, but I'm unemployed, broke, busted, and well past disgusted-money is an issue.

Thanks,

Piza

You can get a Haynes repair manual at an auto parts store, or online.

As for the looseness in the front end, have someone turn the wheel L/R/L while you watch. You should see the draglink and tire rod move L/R and they may rotate a little, but nothing should move up and down, or make noise.

Yes, the track bar mounts on the driver's side up into the frame by the shock, and the other end goes into a pocket attached to the passenger side of the front axle. The track bar is to keep the axle centered L/R under the vehicle. Price will vary from brand and retailer, but figure $60-$135.

There are several grease fittings associated with the steering and any or all of those joints could be worn and in need of replacement.

Thank you.