Expert: Carl Brandt - 8/11/2005

Question
Hey there-
Would this still be the case if I hadn't told you about replacing the bearings?  I didn't mean that i thouhgt they were causeing the shaking, i was just mentioning that one side had been replaced.  it has been steadily worse and more often over the last few weeks.  Since I just put a new tracking bar, in I am wondering, if it's broken again what am I doing to cause this.  and should it be broken after such a short time period?

Thanks aGAIN,
Maureen

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Followup To
Question -
Hello Sir-
I have  jeep question, I have a '95 Jeep Cherokee, I have been searching the web for info. about it's tracking bar.  The porblem is that when I'm driving- around 50-80mph- it has a tendency to freak out and have what I like to call one of it's seizures, shaking violently and seemlying trying to throw me from the vechile.  I recently had the driver's side bearings replaced and this problem has gotten worse.  I spoke with a local shop and they said it would be probably be the tracking bar and would about $250 or #300 to fix, is this right?  Could someone fix it themsleves?I The tracking bar was replaced less then 5,000 miles ago and I am wondering if I need a new one?  What did/do I do to cause this?  Do I have to replace it?  What happens if I don't?  

Sorry for the mulitple questions any help would be much appricated!
Thanks
MAureen
Answer -
Maureen,

First of all, this doesn't sound like the track bar, and replacing the bearings, definitely, would not make this worse.  What you are describing, is usually a steering problem, out of round/unbalanced tires, or bad shocks.

I would start by buying a good set of gas charged shocks, and see if this makes a difference.  It wouldn't hurt to have the front end aligned, and have the tires rotated and balanced.  You don't have to pay a fortune for the shocks.  

If you know someone, or you can change the shocks yourself, you can order a decent set from most of the 4 wheel  drive retailers.  You can find tons of ads in any of the off-road magazines, such as 4-Wheel Drive, and Sport Utility.  This would save you some money.

If you want to go to a shop, find a reputable front end, or tire shop, and have the shocks replaced there.  If you are having trouble finding a shop that you can trust, see if you can find a local 4x4 club, and talk to some of the members.  The members in these clubs, are usually quite helpful, and can steer you towards a shop that will do the job right.

It wouldn't hurt to purchase a repair manual for your Jeep.  A Chilton's or a Hayne's manual can be purchased at most auto parts stores for $20, and they have a lot of information on basic trouble shooting, repairs, and general maintenance.  These manuals are designed for a year or range of years for specific vehicles, and are invaluable if you are planning on doing any repairs yourself.

Carl

Answer
Maureen,

Sorry about this answer being late, but I sent it off once, and it seems that it didn't make it to you.

Anyway, my answer still would be the same.  The symptoms you describe, don't suggest bearing, or track bar problems.  This is not to say that the bearing did not need replacement, as they do wear out, or fail.  It is very unusual for track bars to break, or need replacement, especially with only 5,000 miles. If the one you had replaced, failed already, I would suspect an installation problem, or faulty parts.  Normally when you replace the bearings on one side of the vehicle, it is a good idea to replace the other side also.  This is due to the fact that they have the same amount of wear, and if the other one appears to be ok, then it is a good possibility that it will need to be replaced in the near future.

I would, still check out the shocks, and front end as I mentioned earlier.

Carl