Front end opinion (pics)

jmbstudios

Guitar Slinger
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ARIZONA
Lovin my tj I picked up last month. I knew I would be repairing/ replacing some parts here and there.

Finally getting around to the front end.
It's a bit loose on the road. I don't go over 60mph on the highway.
Have not done a dry steer. Just feeling loose and a bit squirrely (sp?)
Took a look underneath and looks like a bushing could be replaced.

Here are pics I grabbed last night.
Should I replace the steering components (Stabilizer too)
to tighten up the steering?
Or work with what I have and just replace the Stabilizer and worn out bushings?


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Just to eliminate the easiest ... what pressure are you running in the tires?

Dry steering test (with video) would help as well.

How are the control arm bushings?

Steering stabilizer can be replaced after the issue is sorted.
 
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Just to eliminate the easiest ... what pressure are you running in the tires?

Dry steering test (with video) would help as well.

How are the control arm bushings?

Steering stabilizer can be replaced after the issue is sorted.

Tire pressure is at 27lbs.
 
I agree, a dry steering test will reveal a lot right away. Grab a helper and let us know what you find.
 
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I dont see any bushings in your photos. Stock bushings are pretty durable and probably okay.

If you are worried about your steering stabilizer being bad: remove the bolt on the passenger side and push/pull it to see if it still still has dampening ability. My OEM original stabilizer is 19 years old with nearly 140,000 miles and I almost replaced it unnecessarily a few weeks ago but it was fine.

Blindly replacing parts is a complete waste of time and money. If it aint broke dont fix it.
 
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That looks to be what's left of a rubber dust boot. No bushings in the stock tie rod ends.
 
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That looks to be what's left of a rubber dust boot. No bushings in the stock tie rod ends.
Bushings/ tie rod ends. That little joint under the boot that moves around if grease is present and gets mad and causes sloppy steering when people let the boot tear and the grease oozes out. Sorry I don't get too technical. :geek:
 
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Are you seriously asking, without even checking the parts out, what needs to be replaced? From folks hundreds of miles away?
As important as the steering system is to your safety, as well as everyone else's, if you are unsure how to fix it please for the love of God take it to a good shop near you.
 
Are you seriously asking, without even checking the parts out, what needs to be replaced? From folks hundreds of miles away?
As important as the steering system is to your safety, as well as everyone else's, if you are unsure how to fix it please for the love of God take it to a good shop near you.

Yeah, I am. The reason is this place has experienced folks with great advice for us people that are newer to this. That's a great way to learn.
So I come here to ask for advice.
It's much appreciated.

But believe me, if it's over my head then I would definitely take it to a shop.
 
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Nice rust free pictures. You NE guys have rust issues. We in the desert southwest have rubber degradation issues. The first thing when I got my 05 was to take my rig to my alignment/suspension specialist and had everything checked and replaced as needed. I should be good for another 10+ years.
 
Your pictures don't show movement (play), which is what your looking for.
A dried out grease boot does not necessarily mean a bad TRE. If there's a zerk, see if it holds grease.
Steering stabilizer can easily be checked before replacing. Good or bad, it's not normally going to induce issues.

I didn't watch your video, but you need to get really close to each joint (one at a time) and watch for movement as someone else turns the wheel back and forth.
 
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Your pictures don't show movement (play), which is what your looking for.
A dried out grease boot does not necessarily mean a bad TRE. If there's a zerk, see if it holds grease.
Steering stabilizer can easily be checked before replacing. Good or bad, it's not normally going to induce issues.

I didn't watch your video, but you need to get really close to each joint (one at a time) and watch for movement as someone else turns the wheel back and forth.

Ok. I will do that. Thank you.