Lateral Axle Movement After Wheeling Trip

Jamison C

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I went on a wheeling trip last weekend and definitely pushed the limits of my Jeep. Now one of the axles has lateral play in it when the drivetrain is under load. I’m not sure if the rear axle is kicking to the right, or the front is kicking to the left. But it’s an extremely noticeable shift. Enough to move the placement of the steering wheel in a neutral (straight) position.

I’ve checked everything I could underneath and joints and mounts appear to be tight. I figured I would do a steering test and torque everything back down, but are there any other recommendations for things I could test? No DW though I do have some shimmies I didn’t have before.

Pics to show what I got into. Again, this only occurs when I either load the drivetrain or relieve it. I scraped a bunch but don’t recall taking a hit big enough to shift suspension parts.
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Probably a track bar. I had something happen where I bent the axle end of the front track bar. My steering wheel was way off, which is how I noticed it. Is yours still straight? If it is, I’d focus on rear now. Look at the axle mount. Is it still solid?
 
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Probably a track bar. I had something happen where I bent the axle end of the front track bar. My steering wheel was way off, which is how I noticed it. Is yours still straight? If it is, I’d focus on rear now. Look at the axle mount. Is it still solid?

All of the mounts look solid front and rear, no fatigue or any hangy down bits.

The thing with the wheel is it is straight when I have the drivetrain under load. When I let off the gas, the Jeep shifts and the wheel moves to the left a smidge.

My plan is to do a steering test to look for any movement, and then check all torque specs. I’m just wondering if there are any other things I can test.
 
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All of the mounts look solid front and rear, no fatigue or any hangy down bits.

The thing with the wheel is it is straight when I have the drivetrain under load. When I let off the gas, the Jeep shifts and the wheel moves to the left a smidge.

My plan is to do a steering test to look for any movement, and then check all torque specs. I’m just wondering if there are any other things I can test.

There was an extreme number of loud scrapes and bangs, crackles and pops.
 
I think I found the culprit. Looks like one of the JJs actually came apart and now the arm is sliding back and forth over the barrel. Or maybe it isn’t a JJ? These are Currie arms.

Does that seem plausible in regards to the symptoms I’m having? I’m not finding anything else that it could be. Bolts and joints are tight. Last photo is the other side for reference.
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I think I found the culprit. Looks like one of the JJs actually came apart and now the arm is sliding back and forth over the barrel. Or maybe it isn’t a JJ? These are Currie arms.

Does that seem plausible in regards to the symptoms I’m having? I’m not finding anything else that it could be. Bolts and joints are tight. Last photo is the other side for reference.
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Yep that sure can cause it to feel like rear steer!!!!

My old sport did that when the poly bushings on the RC lift went out.
 
Yep that sure can cause it to feel like rear steer!!!!

My old sport did that when the poly bushings on the RC lift went out.

Thanks John. It sure felt rear steer but I wanted to make sure since I’ve never had that problem before. I guess this will be a good place to start.
 
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Put the snap ring back on with the sharp edge facing outward from the race.

Thanks, I didn’t even think of that. These were rebuilt by the PO before I bought them so maybe he put the snap ring in backwards.
 
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Thanks, I didn’t even think of that. These were rebuilt by the PO before I bought them so maybe he put the snap ring in backwards.

The other couple things to do is make sure the groove is clean and make sure the ring is fully seated by tapping it into place.
 
Well guys, a 12-ton press was quite useful in getting the bushing and washer compressed enough to get the snap ring back in.

Took it for a cruise this evening and everything was smooth and solid once more. Thanks again everyone for the pointers. Really appreciate y’all chiming in.
 
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