Ok, just spent a lovely weekend out of town with the little lady--decided to take the 'nice' vehicle--a 2000 Grand with the I-6, naturally Anyway, I just recently replaced a tie rod end on the pass side to cure some play in the wheel. This is the first time I've driven it in a while and man, I can't keep the thing between the lanes! It just kinda wanders too far for a given steering input. I just got out from under it, looking things over while she sawed at the wheel, but I couldn't find anything... The track bar end at the frame has no play, and where it connects to the axle has the slightest bit of play when I exercise the 24'' pry bar on it---maybe 1/32 inch---is this acceptable, or not? The control arm bushings seem tired, but they don't really affect axle location, do they? Anyway, suggestions are appreciated, as always. It is a 4x4, btw---saw my first 2x4 grand a while back...weird.

greg

 

Slight bit of alignment issues? Ive had 3 cherokees and they all were kinda like the trucks, very touchy and temperimental to a crowned road.

 

Is it lifted? I've had several cherokees and my experience has been the track bar, steering stabilizer, lower trailing arms and ball joints. If I had to pick, probably the track bar, goes from the passenger side of frame to top of the front diff.

 

By your description, the track bar sounds ok. In 2000, did they still use a steering gearbox, or does it have a rack and pinion? If it's a gearbox, it might need a sector adjustment. Otherwise, I agree with the last post, possible alignment. If it's toed out a bit, it will wander.

 

Thanks everyone! All I did was match the threads/count turns when I put the tie rod end in...maybe she's got a little toe out. I'll try that tomorrow since it's free. Don't want to ge too far without an alignment rack as the tires are brand new and were $$$$!
thanks again

greg