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Jeep Liberty: Steering Stability and Suspension

77 messages,  Last post on Dec 23, 2010 at 11:00 AM

You are in the Jeep Liberty and Jeep Liberty Diesel Forum.

What is this discussion about? Jeep Liberty, Tires, Wheels, Steering, Suspension, Diesel, SUV

Messages Page 5 of 8

#38 of 77 Re: Jeep Liberty Upper Control Arms [market525] by martinj71

Nov 08, 2006 (12:53 pm)

Replying to: market525 (Nov 08, 2006 10:47 am)
I see a few people talking about a (2nd recall) what is that about and how do I find out what recalls have been done on my Jeep. I ask because I bought this about 6 months ago. Thanks for the info.
 
Jim

#39 of 77 Re: Jeep Liberty Upper Control Arms [martinj71] by siberia

Nov 09, 2006 (4:36 am)

Replying to: martinj71 (Nov 08, 2006 8:48 am)
Jim,
 
Bad upper control arm bushings can make exactly the sound that you describe and if they are bad this condition is not immediately dangerous as it can take quite a while to wear to destruction. Upper ball joints and control arm bushings generally last a long time in this suspension configuration because the don't carry near as much load as the lower ball joints.
 
You need to inspect your lower ball joints ASAP because if they the cause of this noise you might not have much time before one or both if them pop and your Jeep drops to the ground. This is easy to do yourself but I don't have time to write the instructions.
 
Maximum allowable axial play is 1.5mm or about 1/16 inch.
 
And one other thing, if your upper bushing are gone and you have metal to metal contact the top of your tires should be leaning very noticeable inward. Stand far enough behind or in front of the vehicle to observe front and rear tires and compare vertical alignment. The top of the front tires should appear slightly out compared to the rear not in.
 
Stay safe.

#40 of 77 Re: Jeep Liberty Upper Control Arms [martinj71] by market525

Nov 09, 2006 (4:46 am)

Replying to: martinj71 (Nov 08, 2006 12:53 pm)
Jim,
Your dealer can tell you exactly what's been done to your car. They will run the VIN (vehicle identification number) through their (Chrysler's) computer system. Would take them a matter of minutes to do.
 
Steve

#41 of 77 Re: Jeep Liberty Upper Control Arms [market525] by martinj71

Nov 09, 2006 (5:15 am)

Replying to: market525 (Nov 09, 2006 4:46 am)
Everyone, thanks for being so helpful. I called the dealer last night and the (2nd recall) has not been done on my Jeep. They are on national back order right now, so I wont be able to get it in till Monday or Tuesday. The service manager told me he would also check on the upper control arm bushings while I had it up there,,, free of charge. Thanks again all.
Jim

#42 of 77 02' liberty by martinj71

Nov 14, 2006 (5:02 am)

One more question. Jeep Liberty, 02’ 38k… when I come to a stop. 80% of the time it wants to fall on its face (stall) anyone else experience this?

#43 of 77 Jeep Liberty making noise when backing by joebj1178514

Nov 17, 2006 (2:48 pm)

My 2004 Jeep liberty (45K miles) just started to act up today. I warmed up my car for about 2 minutes and backed out of my parking spot while turning the wheel when I heard a loud blunt noise coming from the rear axle area. This loud noise only happened when backing out and turning the wheel at the same time, this didnt happen when backing out straight. The sound is like something snapping or something getting hit with blunt force, kind of like a football hitting the side of a car.
 
I also have a problem when driving foward and turning the wheel all the way to the left/right to make a turn. The car struggles to turn, as if the front wheels pivoting makes it diffucult for the car to move. The car almost stutter struggles (not an engine stutter) to make the turn when turning the wheel.
 
I thought this may be a lower ball joint problem, but the lower ball joint problem should not be applicable to the rear wheels of the car, but then again, the noise/stuttering only happens when I turn my steering wheel. Any hints?
 
I've tried to be specific as possible. Anyone out there have any ideas of what the problem is? Please help me.
 
I'm planning on going on a 13 hour road trip, but I might have to save that plan for later.

#44 of 77 Re: Jeep Liberty making noise when backing [joebj1178514] by market525

Nov 17, 2006 (5:00 pm)

Replying to: joebj1178514 (Nov 17, 2006 2:48 pm)
Does the car have a limited slip differential? And has the rear axle lube been changed? - usually recommended at 30K service intervals.

#45 of 77 Hot Tires, Smells like burning rubber by jeepgirl05

Jan 22, 2008 (12:41 pm)

My Jeep Liberty Diesel '05, smells like the back passenger tire is on fire, its not actually on fire, but smells like it could be. Can see smoke coming from it? The brakes are squeaky too. I live in Montana, lots of snow here, neighbor says take it to straight stretch of road, run it forward bout 20mph, then do the same thing but go backwards. He claims its something to do with snow packed up in the break area up front?? Sounds bogus to me.
Thnx!

#46 of 77 Re: Hot Tires, Smells like burning rubber [jeepgirl05] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 24, 2008 (9:08 am)

Replying to: jeepgirl05 (Jan 22, 2008 12:41 pm)
I wouldn't mess around with theories. Have the back end jacked up and the tires spun to see if the brakes are binding back there for some reason.

#47 of 77 Re: Jeep Liberty Upper Control Arms [martinj71] by bartolo

Mar 09, 2008 (10:17 am)

Replying to: martinj71 (Nov 08, 2006 8:48 am)
I have an 04 sport with 36000 miles. lately I,ve Notices the same sounds you described. Every time I take a slight pump, I hear a screeching from the front end, like the sound of and old spring mattress. The lower ball lower ball joint seem to be find, However the upper control arm bushings are beyond my limited mechanical know-how. Would like to know if you ever got the problem fixed,and if so can you point me in the right direction. Would appreciate any insight on the matter. I,d like to be better informed before going to the shop.

Messages Page 5 of 8

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