Is my track bar shot??

BULLITTBUilder · 11-24-2008, 11:10 PM

Ok, so it's raining and dark out and I don't feel like getting wet at the moment. So, here's what's going on, for a few weeks I've been hearing a clunking noise from the front suspension. I had no idea where it could be coming from. It's not the drag link (new ends) not the tie rod (checked em, no clunk). I'm starting to run out of possibilities now. I had checked the track bar but I thought it was ok. Tonight on my way home the clunk was more pronounced and it sounded like it was coming from over by the passenger side of the front suspension. I'm thinking its the track bar. The clunk happens on turns, one direction only and i think it may be left could be wrong I'm tired. Sometimes it happens during suspension travel. I'm probably forgetting somewhere, let me know.

Kruzin · 11-24-2008, 11:31 PM

Track bar (or where it mounts to the axle) is a good possiblility.
Unfortunatly, nobody can tell you for sure without crawling under there in person to check it out.
Look at the bracket on the front axle. The hole in that bracket is known to oval out, causing the track bar to shift and 'clunk' in turns....and cause DW.

sandman · 11-25-2008, 03:45 AM

could be swaybar bushings. check the links.

**Wheelin98TJ** · 11-25-2008, 10:23 AM

Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you watch underneath. Watch for slop in either end of the track bar.

Do it with the tires on the ground and the Jeep off so there is no power assist to the steering.

lakailimited06 · 11-25-2008, 10:28 AM

i already told you my story about my trackbar...had same symptoms, and my bolt was tight that mounts to the driverside, but when i removed it it was bent so i replaced it and it went away..give it a whirl

-Shoey- · 11-25-2008, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kruzin

Track bar (or where it mounts to the axle) is a good possiblility.
Unfortunatly, nobody can tell you for sure without crawling under there in person to check it out.
Look at the bracket on the front axle. The hole in that bracket is known to oval out, causing the track bar to shift and 'clunk' in turns....and cause DW.

Thats exactly what happened to me. But, when the clunking went away, the DW started.

Kruzin · 11-25-2008, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shoey40

Thats exactly what happened to me. But, when the clunking went away, the DW started.

Happened to me too. And years ago to my dad's Dakota with a d30 in front. The shop I took it to, to have a washer welded on, told me they see this issue commonly.