Sway from side to side while driving

**Amadauss** · 06-04-2012, 08:07 AM

Changed calipers, rotors, hubs, and cv axles up front. Trying to get the jeep perfect for son and as I go, discover issues. The only way I can describe this movement is while driving, think about playing with a dog and a toy in his mouth and moving it one way and then the dog automatically goes the other way, horizontal, the jeep seems to be doing this on its own. Also have a little too much play in the steering wheel. Tires are torqued correctly. I had to disconnect the sway bar in the rear to get at the differential cover but re-connected it properly. Appreciate any help and suggestion. Thanks

**ChrisHager** · 06-04-2012, 08:15 AM

Perhaps the bushings in the track bar are going? How are your tires?

Mine does this a little and I suspect it to be soft bushings in my adjustable track bar (still haven't installed the hard bushings yet).

**narnwv** · 06-04-2012, 09:39 AM

would you describe it as "tail wag"?

Sounds like some bushings somewhere need replaced.

WaTrFoWlR · 06-04-2012, 11:46 AM

How do your control arms look? Is it lifted or anything?

MEinSoCal · 06-04-2012, 12:55 PM

not sure how bad your swaying is but mine was very bad and due to a damaged steering stabilizer. basically after offroading, i basically smashed and flattened my steering stabilizer, where it was then unable to re-center the front axis. it was a ***** driving home on the freeway trying to keep the Jeep straight. i even got pulled over because CHP thought i was driving drunk from all the swerving.

**ChrisHager** · 06-04-2012, 01:02 PM

I would have removed the stabilizer in that situation...

MEinSoCal · 06-04-2012, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisHager

I would have removed the stabilizer in that situation...

i didn't realize this until AFTER i got home

**ChrisHager** · 06-04-2012, 02:00 PM

Ah that sucks!

**billzcat1** · 06-04-2012, 07:04 PM

Sway bars actually correct body roll, what you are describing is more of a steering/alignment issue. I would check the tie rod ends and track bar bushings up front. They're the likely culprits and are often-overlooked maintenance items.

WaTrFoWlR · 06-04-2012, 07:10 PM

Just had the same problem! I replaced the tie rod ends and it helped a very small amount, i found out it was the alignment! The front tires are toed in too much, have you ever done a self alignment?

**Amadauss** · 06-05-2012, 07:47 AM

Wow, thank's all so much for the help and suggestions.

ChrisHagar the tires have about 6 thousand on them and took note on the drivers side front it looks a little like the inside of tire is wearing more then the rest of tire compared to passenger side. Here's a few pics of both sides with descriptions on pics:

narnwv yes I would describe it similar to a tail wag, like I push the tail one way and then it goes the other by itself

WaTrFoWlR Not sure I can answer that one on how the control arms look, I took some pics when I started to change all the caliphers, rotors and hubs. Jeep had a lot of rust buildup as you can see on these pics because it sat around a lot and not used. With these pics can you see what I should be looking for?

Billzcat1 How do you examine them to see if faulty? And would a replacement be a good maintenance thing to do?

WaTrFoWlR The pics of the tires I posted above look like an alignment is needed but have never done a self one and not sure of the difficulty. I have an idea of what must be done having changed inner and outer tie rods on another car but never did any type of adjustment.

Thank you all for the responses. Means a lot.

**narnwv** · 06-05-2012, 07:50 AM

If you have "tail wag" then you need to inspect your rear control arm bushings, ESPECIALLY the rear upper bushings on the body side of that stinkin' A-arm.

**Amadauss** · 06-05-2012, 07:54 AM

On inspection, what would I be looking for as far as how to tell they are bad? And if this is a sign of that issue with what I have wrong, should I just go to the parts site on this forum and order new ones? Going to be my son's car and don't want to have any issues for him so do not mind replacing. Thanks. What parts do you suggest, I mean as far as certain type or manufacturer?

**narnwv** · 06-05-2012, 07:56 AM

It's sometimes hard to tell with the arm still in place. Let me see if I can dig up some pictures.....

esoxhntr · 06-05-2012, 10:39 AM

similar issue recently, like narnwvsaid, turned out to be rear control arm bushings. you might as well do both upper and lower on both sides if only one of them are toast -- the others can't be far behind. you'll need an alignment after.