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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 6 of 8

#48 of 77 Lower control arm and bushings need replacement?? by nygrl

Apr 14, 2008 (6:18 pm)

Hi - I'm hoping someone here might be able to help me. I have a Jeep Liberty Renegade 2002. 92k+ miles.
 
Over the last couple of days, I've notice some knocking noises and the "creaky spring" sounds described above.The lower ball joint was replaced under the recall in Feb '07.
 
Took the Jeep in to the dealer today. They heard the knocking too, and put it up on the lift, looked it over, but could find "no noticeable cause" for the knocking/squeaking noise. They tightened everything up, lowered it down, drove it around, but still heard the knocking.
 
A few hours later, the dealer called and said they discovered that the problem is the "lower control arm" and some bushings. "Actually, all of your control arms could stand to be replaced," he said. "The cost to replace this one alone will be $618, not counting tax."
 
I just want to know if this sounds right. The dealer charge of $420 for the part seems kind of steep for only one lower control arm (not both sides) compared to what the part is going for online. Plus, the ones I've seen online include the ball joint, but I don't need the ball joint!
 
One mechanic in town said it's very rare to have to replace the control arm. Do you think I could talk to my dealer about the possibility of just replacing the bushings? Or is it better to bite the bullet and do the whole thing. I need to make a decision in the a.m.! : )
 
Thanks.

#49 of 77 Re: Lower control arm and bushings need replacement?? [nygrl] by caribou1

Apr 15, 2008 (8:29 am)

Replying to: nygrl (Apr 14, 2008 6:18 pm)
If your vehicle was involved in a crash or extremely rough riding, then it could be safer to change a lower control arm. In normal use you need to change what you call the "bushings" and check the alignment of your front wheels. Whatever you decide, don't forget to have the alignment checked.
According to your description I would also look at the silent blocks of the stabilizing bar. By lifting the truck from underneath the cabin (using a lift with 4 pads) and removing the front wheels, you can easily see what's wrong. It's trivial in this case.
Good luck

#50 of 77 2008 Jeep Liberty Tire Wear by joeyfelix21

Apr 17, 2008 (9:38 am)

I have a 2008 Jeep Liberty w/ Command-Trac 4x4 & Goodyear Fortera HL P235/60R18 tires. By 2300 miles I had very noticeable tire chop/stair stepping on the outside & inside tread of both front tires, worse on the outside. They said the alignment was out of spec, fixed it and replaced the front tires. Took it back in at 4500 miles for the same reason, this time they say the alignment is perfect & that it's because the tread is soft with no support between the spacing, and that it's normal for these tires and to rotate every 3000 miles. The rear tires are wearing perfectly smooth/even all over, so I'm confused about their expanation. Does anyone have any thoughts about whether this is normal/acceptable or if there is a possible underlying reason for the tires to wear like this at such low mileage? Thanks, Joe

#52 of 77 Liberty Steering Gear not good? by parrotpastor

Jul 11, 2008 (3:47 pm)

I just had to have my Liberty 05 diesel's steering gear replaced. The dealer said that quite a few Liberties were showing up with this same problem this past year. Anyone know about this? Is this something dangerous to Liberty owners? I'm wondering just how wide-spread this situation could be with Liberty's.

#53 of 77 Re: Liberty Steering Gear not good? [parrotpastor] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jul 15, 2008 (8:40 pm)

Replying to: parrotpastor (Jul 11, 2008 3:47 pm)
No record of recalls on TSB on the steering. There was a factory recall on lower ball joints, which is definitely a safety issue.
 
September 2006
Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall No. F23 -- Lower Ball Joints
 
Effective immediately, this recall (Safety Recall F23) cancels and supersedes Safety Recall C36 Lower Ball Joints. Please remove and discard from your files all copies of Safety Recall C36 (dated December 2003). All vehicles involved in Recall C36, whether completed or not, must have this recall performed.
 
Models
2002-2006 (KJ) Jeep(R) Liberty
NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles built through March 15, 2006 (MDH 031510).

#54 of 77 Re: Jeep Liberty making noise when backing [joebj1178514] by eatplaysleep

Jan 01, 2009 (10:40 pm)

Replying to: joebj1178514 (Nov 17, 2006 2:48 pm)
Hey joe...
I know it's been two years since you originally posted this, but I recently purchased a 2002 Jeep Liberty and I am experiencing this exact same problem. I was wondering if you ever happened to figure out what was wrong? I'd really appreciate any help.

#55 of 77 Getting biltseins by jayrider

Mar 05, 2009 (2:24 pm)

Ordered a set of bilstein shocks for my 03 Liberty. Anyone done that swap yet? Got a great deal on the shocks ---$237 for all 4 -- free shipping. Will cost $170 to install and a wheel alignment for $60. Will post after I have them to see if I wasted my money or if the results are dramatic.

#56 of 77 Re: Getting biltseins [jayrider] by caribou1

Mar 06, 2009 (2:03 am)

Replying to: jayrider (Mar 05, 2009 2:24 pm)
Hi jayrider,
How many miles do you have on the Jeep now?
Mechanically speaking, mine is still like new after 90,000 miles. It has a few dents but not much play in the transmission. Rear brakes are still perfect and moan when the temperature is cool and damp. I don't need wheel alignment yet, but why is it offered to you?

#57 of 77 Re: Getting biltseins [caribou1] by jayrider

Mar 06, 2009 (2:29 pm)

Replying to: caribou1 (Mar 06, 2009 2:03 am)
Only have 25k miles on my Ltd. Just looking to upgrade the handling/ride a bit. The strut replacements on the front make alignment a good idea. No problems with my liberty either. Ride is a bit jittery/choppy so i'm giving the bilsteins a try. Some say the improvement is dramatic and some say they don't make much difference. I figure I've got 14 more years to reach 90,000 miles -- just looking for a change.

Messages Page 6 of 8

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