My Jeep wonders and is hard to control

SUECLAP

MEMBER
JEEP CHEROKEE

I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee full time 4X4 with 100,000 miles. For the last 5000 miles since I put new rear tires ( I've matched the existing tires brandname, size and model) it is hard to maintain car in a straight line and it wonders everywhere. It doesn't feel like is pulling to one side and the tires don't show uneven thread wear. The sensation is that the car is hard to control and the steering wheel feels kind of loose.
Any ideas as to what's wrong? :( :(

3 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

Several thoughts, first don't put this off!

May have a loose steering component such as tie rod ends or weak steering dampner. JAck the front end up and using a push/ pull with both hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock postions feel for any movement, do the same at the 6 and 12 positions. Make sure lugnuts are tight.

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Saturday, October 27th, 2007 AT 7:28 AM

SUECLAP

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Paul, thanks for the fast response.
I did replace the steering dampner (sorry, I forgot to mention) and still the car wonders. Couldn't feel any improvement from before.
I have a trustworthy mechanic and he checked the tie rods as well and did not find them to need replacement. I was wondering if could be a case of bad tires.

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Saturday, October 27th, 2007 AT 11:15 AM

LOSTINMARS

MECHANIC
222 POSTS

How old are the shocks? If original replace all 4. Also jeep has problems with the front control arm bushings weakening and causing lots of control issues.

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Sunday, November 4th, 2007 AT 2:15 AM