HI,

My Cherokee Classic 4.0i from 2001 failed the local yearly road safety test that cars are required to pass over here.
There's too much spacing/play in this thing that i do not know the english name of. I was looking for a video/manual on how to replace the cross shaped thing, but since i'm not familiar with it's name in english, i haven't found anything helpful yet. (there's not much stuff in Dutch to be found on the internet)I have attached a picture to illustrate what i mean. It's the back from the front-left wheel.

 

I could be wrong, but it looks like the axle u-joint aka the steering knuckle.

-bob-

 

X2

 

looks like you need a axle seal as well, everything is wet around there.

 

yes, that is an axle shaft universal joint (u-joint). spicer 297 to be exact.

the steering knuckle is the part that the wheel hub and brakes attach too.

 

x2 that!!! I was going to say the same thing. Too bad I need to do mine too.

-bob-

 

x2 i agree

 

What you see in the pic is wet from the rain! It's no oil/grease or anything like that.
I think i'll have a go at repairing it myself, even though i'm no mechanic. I've replaced both front brakedisks recently, which was my first repair on a car EVER, and everything went well. I found a pretty decent - well, that's how it looks to me - how-to manual (http://www.myjeepxj.com/cherokee-rep...nt-replacement)
Can i just repair only the bad U-joint (left wheel in my case) , or do U-joints always have to be replaced as a set? (both sides at the same time?)

Anything else special/tricky i need to be aware off?

 

You can replace them individually.

 

I need to order U-joints and have noticed they are a lot cheaper in the USA than over here in Europe. The online shops i've visited did not ship overseas however

Any suggestions?