is this normal ? (video)
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Marion, La
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
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ZPt3egr08
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 0
From: Winnipeg, Canada
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
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 329
Likes: 1
From: Kennesaw, GA
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!!!
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12,907
Likes: 185
From: Maine
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.
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.
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JK Freak
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 553
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
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.
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.
