name this broken jeep part

June 22, 2005 6:54 PM

I have a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 205k miles on it. A few days ago I noticed some loud squeaking coming from the drivers wheel. Name that part (photos inside).

I took a look tonight and found the problem, though I don't know exactly what it is. I notice the squeaking when I am turning and when it is cornering. I am going to take it in ASAP, but would love to know what this is in advance of my visit (and how dangerous it is for me to drive to the garage tomorrow. The broken side looks like this. and the good (passenger) side looks like this: .

Thanks!

posted by cgk to Travel & Transportation (8 answers total)

Maybe a stabilizer bar? Doesn't look exactly like any one I've ever seen but I have no experience with SUVs or trucks. I don't think it's part of the steering but I'd make sure before driving.
posted by Carbolic at 7:02 PM on June 22, 2005

Tie rod, isn't it? Sure as heck I'd get it fixed.

See

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generalinfo/a/aa032601a.htm

http://www.croberts.com/susp.htm

http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/66338/
posted by five fresh fish at 7:21 PM on June 22, 2005

Best answer: Thanks Carbolic and Five. I found this:

http://www.jeep4x4center.com/grand_cherokee/SuspensionZJ9398.htm

And from the diagram it looks like the sway bar link. That ball joint that is not connected should apparantly fit into the top of the link -- but then I don't know what I am talking about so I will let you all know after I have had it looked at.
posted by cgk at 7:28 PM on June 22, 2005

tie rod is part of steering - it's the thing lower in the picture and, if it were broken, the wheel would swing in/out until it hit something. you would not be able to drive it.

looks like an anti-roll bar to me, like carbolic says. if you have to drive it, take it very easy, especially round corners.
posted by andrew cooke at 7:31 PM on June 22, 2005

I'm nearly certain it's a sway bar (more properly called an anti-sway bar) link.

The good news is that you now have an independent suspension! No worries, but you should probably have it fixed soon. You can drive it, but as andrew says, take it easy.

Also, you can pull it out yourself and replace it yourself pretty easily, if you are inclined.
posted by Kwantsar at 8:59 PM on June 22, 2005

To do so, you will need either a "pickle fork" or a joint puller. Take those photos into a decent auto parts store (locally, AutoZone has been good to me and they loan tools like the ones I mentioned) and they can sell you the part and probably give you some good advice on fixing it.

I've done similar work on a 1972 Dodge Dart. My automotive mentor had to remind me that I was working on a car, not a watch. If you use a pickle fork and hammer, SWING that hammer with all your strength! You won't break anything; honest.
posted by Doohickie at 9:55 PM on June 22, 2005

anti sway bar, yep. Replaced mine when I first bought the jeep. Shouldn't be too expensive. Mine didn't make any squeaking noises though, more of a thumping/grind.
posted by skinnydipp at 9:55 PM on June 22, 2005

Sway bar. You can install them yourself quite easily, by the way. Here's an install for a Mazda Miata, complete with pictures, so you can see what you're in for (not much). I realize it's a completely different car, but the installation is pretty ubiquitous.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 7:52 AM on June 23, 2005