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is this normal ? (video)

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Old 07-15-2010, 02:34 PM
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Default is this normal ? (video)

I'm fairly ignorant on the subject of 4x4. When i hit bumps on the road, it sounds like my suspension is made of rocks and plastic. I crawled under noticed these things have a fair bit of play...anybody?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ZPt3egr08
Old 07-15-2010, 02:38 PM
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Running out to check mine!?!?!?!?
Old 07-15-2010, 02:43 PM
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the stock ones do that.its pretty normal. what u dont want to see is side to side looseness.
Old 07-15-2010, 02:43 PM
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yup, normal. that's your tie rod (1st in video) and drag link (2nd). They are both part of your steering system and are supposed to be able to move like that, that's why they have ball joints

Old 07-15-2010, 02:45 PM
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thanks for info, and thanks for that cool diagram....i wonder what all the racket is when i'm hitting bumps? it feels like the front is shaking off.
Old 07-15-2010, 02:47 PM
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Cool, thanks mjolnir!! I ran out to check mine and it does it too. Mine doesn't have quite as much play but then again I may not be tugging enough and/or the fact that I have only been off-road 3 times since purchase. I really appreciate people like yourself that really helps us newbie guys and doesn't just laugh every time we have a question. Thanks!!!
Old 07-15-2010, 02:47 PM
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That is normal. The rod has to be able to rotate to function.

If you are worried about how easy it moves, the only criteria it has to meet is no up-and-down play at the joints.
Being easy to move is not reason to condemn it.

Mine does the same this as yours in the video. I am not having front end problems yet, with 22,000 miles on it.
Old 07-15-2010, 02:48 PM
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As stated above, yes, tie rods and drag links that have ball joints on both ends should move like that. The ball joints should allow some rotational movement, though yours may be on the loose end. You can check if they're really bad by seeing if you can get "vertical" movement out of the joints. Use a lever to see if you can pry the stem of the ball joint up out of its seat.

In other words, a ball joint is a ball and socket joint like your hip or shoulder. It's normal for these to rotate, but they can be dislocated or pulled out of socket when they're bad.
Old 07-15-2010, 02:49 PM
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wow, freaky video if you dont know much about your jeep, thanks for sharing though
Old 07-15-2010, 02:54 PM
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yup that's normal no reason to fret.


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