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Crack in Suspension bar

Old Mar 19, 2011 | 05:19 PM
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Cool Crack in Suspension bar

Yesterday while having the oil changed in my 03 Grand Cherokee I was told of a small crack in the front suspension bar.. Should I be concerned? If so how much and where should I have it repaired?
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 05:26 PM
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If anything in you're suspension is cracked you should be concerned. Replace it as soon as you are able too.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 05:28 PM
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Please define the "front suspension bar"?
Is this one of your steering components or one of the upper or lower control arms?
Definition aside, cracks in any of your suspension is not good.
Get a second opinion but plan on having the component replaced.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 05:33 PM
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I am referring to the bar that is connected to the 2 front tires.. Any thoughts on what this could cost me to replace?
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 05:43 PM
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Connects to the two front tires? Sounds like the tie rod. Check with Napa store for parts cost or an auto parts recycler (wrecking yard). You would have to reuse your tie rod ends for the cheapest route. Did the shop suggest a repair cost or was is an oil specialty facility. Have you seen the crack yourself? There is an adjusting sleeve at one end, was the normal split of the sleeve misdiagnosed as a crack. If it comes to replacement a wheel toe in/out would have to be adjusted once installed.
Do you have a steering specialty shop in the area or a jeep dealer. You need someone to have a look and definitivly identify the crack. Not good to drive if you have a crack. Start with a looksee for yourself.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 05:49 PM
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The track bar maybe?
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 06:31 PM
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Originally Posted by nukinfuts29
The track bar maybe?
He said connects to the two front tires? What are you talking about?

OP, get a picture up. It's probably the tierod if you explained it correctly.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 06:39 PM
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Yea but it's all third hand information, nothing he has inspected for himself. I'm going by what some mechanics, correct or not, call the suspension bar not by his description of connecting the tires. Had he looked and discovered for himself, different story.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by nukinfuts29
Yea but it's all third hand information, nothing he has inspected for himself. I'm going by what some mechanics, correct or not, call the suspension bar not by his description of connecting the tires. Had he looked and discovered for himself, different story.
True. I've never ever heard of anyone calling the track bar the suspension bar, I guess you learn something everyday.

OP-take a picture of the piece that's cracked, and post it up.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 06:54 PM
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Assuming the op ment Sway bar. Alot of the "newer" cars are going with hollow sway bars for less weight, they suck, rust out and break. I Have only seen it on gm's for the most part.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by blackjack12982
True. I've never ever heard of anyone calling the track bar the suspension bar, I guess you learn something everyday.

OP-take a picture of the piece that's cracked, and post it up.
It really shouldn't be called that, but these days i have heard it a handful of times. The problem is the economy cause all these "craigslist garages" and now those people are spreading into actual garages through references and experience that look more legit then they should.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 09:31 PM
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Thanks filler all the responses. Couple things#1 I am a gal not a guy thus-- I have no clue what the part with the crack is called#2 I did see the crack it ISA black bar that goes from tire to tire (front) and crack is about 1/3 of the way down the bar-- not large yet.. Oil people called it the suspension bar and I have no clue if they know what they are talking about but I did see it.
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Old Mar 19, 2011 | 10:32 PM
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Just looked at pics online and I believe the cracked part is the track bar. I believe it can be purchased for $100. Is alot of labor involved in relaxing?
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Old Mar 20, 2011 | 09:32 AM
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Look online at Rockauto.com, they've got very good prices for stock stuff. It's like $98. Taking it out isn't too bad, getting in back in can be easy, or can be difficult, take your pick. If it's completely stock, I'm sure it's rusted. Start spraying the bolts down with PB blaster and you'll thank yourself later.
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