TJ pulls to the right after jacking it up from the control arm

[Xeno Mouse]

Hi ppls

I'm def new to the Jeep scene so first off hi.

I wanted to try painting the front driver side wheel so I jacked up my 02 tj. I did place the jack under the driver side control arm and left it propped up.
I pulled the wheel off and tried my hand at a spray paint job.

After I put the wheel back on the Jeep has started to randomly to pull sharply to the right every now and then. Also there is a clunk I can hear at slower speeds that sounds like something is under stress under the drivers side wheel well.

I can feel the pull to the right also during gear shifts. And it will pull kinda sharply at any speed that feels like a sudden hop off to the right which is concerning.

Prior to this the Jeep was driving perfect. Any ideas? Thanks so much for any responses. I finally got the roof off and have been so excited prior to my tom foolery lol.

 

[Chris]

Post some photos of the control arm you jacked it up by.

 

[Xeno Mouse]

Hey Chris, thanks for the quick response! Attached are some pics I took. I can def get some more

 

[Chris]

I don't see anything wrong with the control arm visually. Maybe a shot from the underside of it (looking up). That way we can see if it's slightly bent.

 

[AndyG]

It's pretty crusty and may be binding and somehow affecting the steering but I can't think of how ... I'd spray it with penetrant good and see if acts right and also turn the steering with both wheels lifted and see if anything is obvious.

 

[Xeno Mouse]

Thanks I'll try that!

Here are some pics underneath of the control arm.

I'll def hit it with penerant and get it up to turn the wheels. To see if I notice anything.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

Stuff done on the drivers side and now pulling to the right? I think the right side is jealous.

The control arm looks fine, other than that IHNFI.

 

[Xeno Mouse]

Lolol thanks anyway! It's just kinda beat because it was totally fine before idk just kicking myself here a bit but I guess I'll just have to get in there and see what's up

 

[btn]

I’d check your steering and trackbar joints for looseness as well. I’m sure you did, but the lug nuts are torqued back on properly?

 

[MountaineerTom]

I can't tell for sure, but is this secure? It almost looks rusted/broken. I'd go look at mine but it's pouring rain and my Jeep is out in my workshop.

 

[billiebob]

Wholly shit has this forum ever gone to shit in a hand basket.

 

[Xeno Mouse]

Wholly shit has this forum ever gone to shit in a hand basket.

Wth is your problem. If you don't have anything helpful to say fo.

 

[Xeno Mouse]

I can't tell for sure, but is this secure? It almost looks rusted/broken. I'd go look at mine but it's pouring rain and my Jeep is out in my workshop.

View attachment 179283

Hey man thanks! I'll def take a look at it today

 

[MountaineerTom]

Hey man thanks! I'll def take a look at it today

I'd say it's ok. I got out to look at mine today and it looks the same except for the rust. It was hard to tell in your picture.

 

[RMETeeJay]

In your 4th photo within post #6, it looks like your UCA is broken off. Or is that just the shadow?