I have a 2002 Grand Cherokee 6 cylinder. I am getting a tapping sound from the rear, kind of knocking on the rear floor when I hit a bump. The shop suggested replacing the control arm, ball joint, and/or bushings. Do you know if the bushings are replaceable in this vehicle, it has the wishbone suspension? Is this a difficult job for the local shop?

Please share any thoughts on this project? Should I use OEM and should I let a local shop do it or bring it to the dealership.

Thank you for your help.

Al

 

The upper rear control arm is a 3 point unit with bushings in the frame end and a ball socket on top of the differential. This ball end is not greaseable and tends to dry out. IDK what causes it because my 2000 WJ has 190K miles on the original.

It's not that big a job. You can get the ball joint on rockauto.com for $26 for a good quality one.

 

How do your shock bushings look? I know shocks can knock over bumps too.

 

For the price of a complete aftermarket upper control arm, it's way easier to replace the whole arm. Replacing just the bushing requires the arm to come out and the press the old out and new ones in. If the shop is doing it that's added cost of labor. If it's a loud clunk I'd look at the upper arm and lower trailing arms. If it's a quieter tap look at shock bushings and the shock bolts. The bolts have a tendency to taper from being warm giving the shock room to move around.

 

Thank you all.

The shocks are new. I am almost certain that it is either the control arm or one of those side arms or that ball joint. The tapping is on the louder side and is coming from the right rear. What should I change first?

Barry

 

The shocks can be new but the bolts can still be worn. I would say the ball joint can be loose but would make it sound more in the center rear. Are you able to crawl under neath the jeep and see how the bushings on all the arms look? Your own eyes can tell you a lot more than we can guess

 

I decided to replace the upper control arm wishbone looking thing. Does anyone have a suggestion on a brand that closely matches OEM? The OEM Mopar part is $600.

 

Look at rockauto.com

 

Sway bar links can cause that also.

 

I agree with Dave rockauto.com. I replaced mine a few months back with the ball joint. Control arm and ball joint came out to be like $85. Matched up perfectly and had no issues installing

 

Thank you all. You really are very helpful, really appreciate it.

What brand would be closest to OEM? RockAuto sells a few brands, OMIX-ADA 1828225 or Dorman or moog?

I just want a good fit.

Al

 

All of those brands will fit fine, but I prefer Moog. They've been building suspension and driveline components since the 30's and are an American company.

You asked for an opinion, that's mine.