Problem with TJ suspension - Clunk
 

Hello,

I haven't posted here in a couple years, but I am having a problem with
my '00 TJ suspension and I hope someone can help.

I noticed a loud clunk when I would turn and the weight of the Jeep
would shift. Also, steering was very skittish. So I had my
brother-in-law look where the sound was coming from when I rocked the
Jeep back and forth and we figured it out.

I have no idea what the different parts are called so I will try to
explain:

There is a vertical bar going from the front axel up to a horizontal
bar that curves at the end. Looking through the wheel well, you can
see the place they meet, about level with the top of the tire and a bit
forward of the axel. This is not the spring or shock, is is in front
of those. The vertical rod seems to have a bit of a double bend in
the middle. This horizontal bar is a fat tube and seems to go across
the front of the jeep (behind the metal stamped "JEEP" plate?) to the
other side. Anyway, there is a bolt going down through this horizontal
tube into the top of this vertical rod. The bolt seems to move a bit
up and down in the vertical rod, and there is a rubber boot that
stretches as this happens. On the side that doesn't clunk, the bolt
moves maybe a 1/4 of an inch. On the side that clunck, the bolt moves
up and down about an inch or and inch and a half. And it clunks.

I am assuming this is a pretty common problem. I don't know why. I
just am. And I am hoping that someone here can tell me how to fix it.
(preferably for under $10!!!) It just really doesn't seem like the
type of thing I should have to take it to a mechanic for. I am hoping
it is just a part or couple parts I can get at Pep boys.
Thanks for any help.

Andrew

Re: Problem with TJ suspension - Clunk
 

Hi Andrew,

The 'horizontal bar' is the sway bar (actually an anti-sway bar). Each
'vertical bar' is a sway bar link. You should replace both sway bar links.

http://tinyurl.com/4hcfp

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org


dooodahman@gmail.com wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I haven't posted here in a couple years, but I am having a problem with
> my '00 TJ suspension and I hope someone can help.
>
> I noticed a loud clunk when I would turn and the weight of the Jeep
> would shift. Also, steering was very skittish. So I had my
> brother-in-law look where the sound was coming from when I rocked the
> Jeep back and forth and we figured it out.
>
> I have no idea what the different parts are called so I will try to
> explain:
>
> There is a vertical bar going from the front axel up to a horizontal
> bar that curves at the end. Looking through the wheel well, you can
> see the place they meet, about level with the top of the tire and a bit
> forward of the axel. This is not the spring or shock, is is in front
> of those. The vertical rod seems to have a bit of a double bend in
> the middle. This horizontal bar is a fat tube and seems to go across
> the front of the jeep (behind the metal stamped "JEEP" plate?) to the
> other side. Anyway, there is a bolt going down through this horizontal
> tube into the top of this vertical rod. The bolt seems to move a bit
> up and down in the vertical rod, and there is a rubber boot that
> stretches as this happens. On the side that doesn't clunk, the bolt
> moves maybe a 1/4 of an inch. On the side that clunck, the bolt moves
> up and down about an inch or and inch and a half. And it clunks.
>
> I am assuming this is a pretty common problem. I don't know why. I
> just am. And I am hoping that someone here can tell me how to fix it.
> (preferably for under $10!!!) It just really doesn't seem like the
> type of thing I should have to take it to a mechanic for. I am hoping
> it is just a part or couple parts I can get at Pep boys.
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Andrew
>

Re: Problem with TJ suspension - Clunk
 

Hi Andrew,

The 'horizontal bar' is the sway bar (actually an anti-sway bar). Each
'vertical bar' is a sway bar link. You should replace both sway bar links.

http://tinyurl.com/4hcfp

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org


dooodahman@gmail.com wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I haven't posted here in a couple years, but I am having a problem with
> my '00 TJ suspension and I hope someone can help.
>
> I noticed a loud clunk when I would turn and the weight of the Jeep
> would shift. Also, steering was very skittish. So I had my
> brother-in-law look where the sound was coming from when I rocked the
> Jeep back and forth and we figured it out.
>
> I have no idea what the different parts are called so I will try to
> explain:
>
> There is a vertical bar going from the front axel up to a horizontal
> bar that curves at the end. Looking through the wheel well, you can
> see the place they meet, about level with the top of the tire and a bit
> forward of the axel. This is not the spring or shock, is is in front
> of those. The vertical rod seems to have a bit of a double bend in
> the middle. This horizontal bar is a fat tube and seems to go across
> the front of the jeep (behind the metal stamped "JEEP" plate?) to the
> other side. Anyway, there is a bolt going down through this horizontal
> tube into the top of this vertical rod. The bolt seems to move a bit
> up and down in the vertical rod, and there is a rubber boot that
> stretches as this happens. On the side that doesn't clunk, the bolt
> moves maybe a 1/4 of an inch. On the side that clunck, the bolt moves
> up and down about an inch or and inch and a half. And it clunks.
>
> I am assuming this is a pretty common problem. I don't know why. I
> just am. And I am hoping that someone here can tell me how to fix it.
> (preferably for under $10!!!) It just really doesn't seem like the
> type of thing I should have to take it to a mechanic for. I am hoping
> it is just a part or couple parts I can get at Pep boys.
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Andrew
>

Re: Problem with TJ suspension - Clunk
 

Hi Andrew,

The 'horizontal bar' is the sway bar (actually an anti-sway bar). Each
'vertical bar' is a sway bar link. You should replace both sway bar links.

http://tinyurl.com/4hcfp

Steve
http://xjeep.dyndns.org


dooodahman@gmail.com wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I haven't posted here in a couple years, but I am having a problem with
> my '00 TJ suspension and I hope someone can help.
>
> I noticed a loud clunk when I would turn and the weight of the Jeep
> would shift. Also, steering was very skittish. So I had my
> brother-in-law look where the sound was coming from when I rocked the
> Jeep back and forth and we figured it out.
>
> I have no idea what the different parts are called so I will try to
> explain:
>
> There is a vertical bar going from the front axel up to a horizontal
> bar that curves at the end. Looking through the wheel well, you can
> see the place they meet, about level with the top of the tire and a bit
> forward of the axel. This is not the spring or shock, is is in front
> of those. The vertical rod seems to have a bit of a double bend in
> the middle. This horizontal bar is a fat tube and seems to go across
> the front of the jeep (behind the metal stamped "JEEP" plate?) to the
> other side. Anyway, there is a bolt going down through this horizontal
> tube into the top of this vertical rod. The bolt seems to move a bit
> up and down in the vertical rod, and there is a rubber boot that
> stretches as this happens. On the side that doesn't clunk, the bolt
> moves maybe a 1/4 of an inch. On the side that clunck, the bolt moves
> up and down about an inch or and inch and a half. And it clunks.
>
> I am assuming this is a pretty common problem. I don't know why. I
> just am. And I am hoping that someone here can tell me how to fix it.
> (preferably for under $10!!!) It just really doesn't seem like the
> type of thing I should have to take it to a mechanic for. I am hoping
> it is just a part or couple parts I can get at Pep boys.
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Andrew
>

Re: Problem with TJ suspension - Clunk
 

That is called the anti sway bar and the ends are sway bar links. You
can just get replacement bushings for the worn out ones. They can be a
bit fun to take apart the first time, but a socket wrench and a torx bit
get the bottom bolts out. I see folks hold the torx solid while turning
the socket wrench. Trying to turn the torx can strip things.

Some folks actually take off those links or one at least every time they
go off road. That is called disconnecting the sway bar and gives the
front axle a whole bunch more free travel.

It has to be hooked up to be safe on the road.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

dooodahman@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I haven't posted here in a couple years, but I am having a problem with
> my '00 TJ suspension and I hope someone can help.
>
> I noticed a loud clunk when I would turn and the weight of the Jeep
> would shift. Also, steering was very skittish. So I had my
> brother-in-law look where the sound was coming from when I rocked the
> Jeep back and forth and we figured it out.
>
> I have no idea what the different parts are called so I will try to
> explain:
>
> There is a vertical bar going from the front axel up to a horizontal
> bar that curves at the end. Looking through the wheel well, you can
> see the place they meet, about level with the top of the tire and a bit
> forward of the axel. This is not the spring or shock, is is in front
> of those. The vertical rod seems to have a bit of a double bend in
> the middle. This horizontal bar is a fat tube and seems to go across
> the front of the jeep (behind the metal stamped "JEEP" plate?) to the
> other side. Anyway, there is a bolt going down through this horizontal
> tube into the top of this vertical rod. The bolt seems to move a bit
> up and down in the vertical rod, and there is a rubber boot that
> stretches as this happens. On the side that doesn't clunk, the bolt
> moves maybe a 1/4 of an inch. On the side that clunck, the bolt moves
> up and down about an inch or and inch and a half. And it clunks.
>
> I am assuming this is a pretty common problem. I don't know why. I
> just am. And I am hoping that someone here can tell me how to fix it.
> (preferably for under $10!!!) It just really doesn't seem like the
> type of thing I should have to take it to a mechanic for. I am hoping
> it is just a part or couple parts I can get at Pep boys.
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Andrew

Re: Problem with TJ suspension - Clunk
 

That is called the anti sway bar and the ends are sway bar links. You
can just get replacement bushings for the worn out ones. They can be a
bit fun to take apart the first time, but a socket wrench and a torx bit
get the bottom bolts out. I see folks hold the torx solid while turning
the socket wrench. Trying to turn the torx can strip things.

Some folks actually take off those links or one at least every time they
go off road. That is called disconnecting the sway bar and gives the
front axle a whole bunch more free travel.

It has to be hooked up to be safe on the road.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

dooodahman@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I haven't posted here in a couple years, but I am having a problem with
> my '00 TJ suspension and I hope someone can help.
>
> I noticed a loud clunk when I would turn and the weight of the Jeep
> would shift. Also, steering was very skittish. So I had my
> brother-in-law look where the sound was coming from when I rocked the
> Jeep back and forth and we figured it out.
>
> I have no idea what the different parts are called so I will try to
> explain:
>
> There is a vertical bar going from the front axel up to a horizontal
> bar that curves at the end. Looking through the wheel well, you can
> see the place they meet, about level with the top of the tire and a bit
> forward of the axel. This is not the spring or shock, is is in front
> of those. The vertical rod seems to have a bit of a double bend in
> the middle. This horizontal bar is a fat tube and seems to go across
> the front of the jeep (behind the metal stamped "JEEP" plate?) to the
> other side. Anyway, there is a bolt going down through this horizontal
> tube into the top of this vertical rod. The bolt seems to move a bit
> up and down in the vertical rod, and there is a rubber boot that
> stretches as this happens. On the side that doesn't clunk, the bolt
> moves maybe a 1/4 of an inch. On the side that clunck, the bolt moves
> up and down about an inch or and inch and a half. And it clunks.
>
> I am assuming this is a pretty common problem. I don't know why. I
> just am. And I am hoping that someone here can tell me how to fix it.
> (preferably for under $10!!!) It just really doesn't seem like the
> type of thing I should have to take it to a mechanic for. I am hoping
> it is just a part or couple parts I can get at Pep boys.
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Andrew

Re: Problem with TJ suspension - Clunk
 

That is called the anti sway bar and the ends are sway bar links. You
can just get replacement bushings for the worn out ones. They can be a
bit fun to take apart the first time, but a socket wrench and a torx bit
get the bottom bolts out. I see folks hold the torx solid while turning
the socket wrench. Trying to turn the torx can strip things.

Some folks actually take off those links or one at least every time they
go off road. That is called disconnecting the sway bar and gives the
front axle a whole bunch more free travel.

It has to be hooked up to be safe on the road.

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's

dooodahman@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I haven't posted here in a couple years, but I am having a problem with
> my '00 TJ suspension and I hope someone can help.
>
> I noticed a loud clunk when I would turn and the weight of the Jeep
> would shift. Also, steering was very skittish. So I had my
> brother-in-law look where the sound was coming from when I rocked the
> Jeep back and forth and we figured it out.
>
> I have no idea what the different parts are called so I will try to
> explain:
>
> There is a vertical bar going from the front axel up to a horizontal
> bar that curves at the end. Looking through the wheel well, you can
> see the place they meet, about level with the top of the tire and a bit
> forward of the axel. This is not the spring or shock, is is in front
> of those. The vertical rod seems to have a bit of a double bend in
> the middle. This horizontal bar is a fat tube and seems to go across
> the front of the jeep (behind the metal stamped "JEEP" plate?) to the
> other side. Anyway, there is a bolt going down through this horizontal
> tube into the top of this vertical rod. The bolt seems to move a bit
> up and down in the vertical rod, and there is a rubber boot that
> stretches as this happens. On the side that doesn't clunk, the bolt
> moves maybe a 1/4 of an inch. On the side that clunck, the bolt moves
> up and down about an inch or and inch and a half. And it clunks.
>
> I am assuming this is a pretty common problem. I don't know why. I
> just am. And I am hoping that someone here can tell me how to fix it.
> (preferably for under $10!!!) It just really doesn't seem like the
> type of thing I should have to take it to a mechanic for. I am hoping
> it is just a part or couple parts I can get at Pep boys.
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Andrew

Re: Problem with TJ suspension - Clunk
 

Than you very much. Having a name for things helps a lot. The dealer
wants $13 for the bushing and $180 to replace it. So....I am thinking
of doing it myself. Any tricks to it, or just unscrew the bolt replace
the bushing, screw in the bolt? Also, what do I need to jack up? the
axel or the frame or neither?

Andrew

Re: Problem with TJ suspension - Clunk
 

Than you very much. Having a name for things helps a lot. The dealer
wants $13 for the bushing and $180 to replace it. So....I am thinking
of doing it myself. Any tricks to it, or just unscrew the bolt replace
the bushing, screw in the bolt? Also, what do I need to jack up? the
axel or the frame or neither?

Andrew

Re: Problem with TJ suspension - Clunk
 

Than you very much. Having a name for things helps a lot. The dealer
wants $13 for the bushing and $180 to replace it. So....I am thinking
of doing it myself. Any tricks to it, or just unscrew the bolt replace
the bushing, screw in the bolt? Also, what do I need to jack up? the
axel or the frame or neither?

Andrew