Steering/track bar problem?

[Edbrooks]

88 Cherokee Pioneer. Steering/suspension problem. Even tire wear, steers straight and positive on good roads. Left front 'thump' very noticeable at 15 mph or lower, on bumps. Sounds like loose or bad shock. Getting much worse. Couple of days ago, at 65 mph, hit a bump, and front end went wild. Had to slow and come to complete stop to get the 'shake-shimmy' out of it. Applying brakes did not affect problem. Pulled out, got on highway and all OK. Hit another bump and once again front end forced me to pull over. Vehicle still excellent, even at 75 mph, on smooth roads. Shimmy is starting to show up at very slow speeds (10-15 mph) on dirt roads. Still, when operating on smooth roads can remove hands from the wheel and the car steers straight. Camber is fine.

Jacked up left front wheel. Removed and tested HD shock. NOT the problem. No looseness in bearings, brake assembly, tie rods, or ball joints.

Had assistant rotate steering wheel gently back and forth. Slight thump found around track bar ball. Lowered car to ground and checked again. Only thing I can find that could be culprit is track bar, as the bushing appears to have a "jump" in it at one point. However, repair manuals suggest steering damper as possibility.

Any thoughts? I plan to replace track bar if anyone confirms that is the likely cause?

Thanks
Ed

[GPN 05]

might sound crazy but if your engine has over 150K miles... or near it... it's time to do the dirty work of a transfer case teardown..... the chain inside the transfer case needs to be replaced every 150k miles or you will have a shimmy or shake at low speeds.... also change your fuel filter, points and plugs.... I had this problem after doing the above things.... problem went away.... trust me... Good Luck!!!


Corey

[debb718]

steering stablizer shock will make it do that to

[Edbrooks]

Further info re track bar/damper.

With engine off, slight rotation back and forth of steering wheel (car not jacked up) causes a very noticeable 'thump' in the ball joint of the track bar. With assistant rocking the steering wheel, tried to feel of there was any roughness, thumps, or other activity in other components, including the damper. Nothing. But the ball on the track bar appears to be loose. In fact, with the vehicle parked, engine off, I can actually move that track bar upper end a little bit by hand. So I think my next step is to install a track bar. Not expensive, so if it turns out to be wrong I can look elsewhere. Thanks for your comments.

Ed

[GPN 05]

Well, if you can move it and it makes noises, it might just be a bad stering column.

[jeephustler]

I have had that death woble problem. its cause your lower control arms rubber bushings are wearing out. the thump might be the lower control arm moving. you might just have the bolt loose. just a thought......good luck

[Edbrooks]

Two things. The track bar ball joint was very loose and the dampener cylinder was 'empty' - no oil. Replaced both, problem gone. Back to good steering and good ride. Thanks all!

Ed

[jeephustler]

oh yeah....forgot about the track bar. thats teh first thing to loosen up on the trail. well glad you got it fixed.