Need help asap. Bent bracket on axle with steering damper and (tie rod, whatever the bar is that has a big bend to clear front dif)
Steering damper is bent and leaked out fluid. Have death wobble around 50 but need to make it to Atlanta tonight. Anyone with a spare damper or a jk to compare bracket with? I-24 Now, about 15m away from I-75 south.

Please call asap
Patrick
770-856-6286

 

Have limited tools, will accept help over the phone if possible

 

Something else has to be wrong. You can drive a JK without a steering Stab. Just take the steering stabilizer off and it should drive fine. If it doesn't you might want to check your trackbar and Draglink. Wish I was closer I could have helped you get back on the road.

 

Your toe should be 1/8" in measure from the same lug front and back of your front tire and adjust it until it is.

 

That is your trackbar. It is the primary cause of DW when not properly torqued down, and once DW starts, it gets worse. The longer you drive it with DW, the more damage you will cause to more parts, and the more difficult and time-consuming it will be to repair. You may find this image helpful ...

http://blog.bushwacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/jeep-wrangler-tj-front-end-diagram.jpeg

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I replaced bolts with 9/16, brand new tie rod and new control arms, torqued to spec. New stock steering damper, and measured toe in.

All take off parts still look good. No unusual appearance. Holes are still round, no ovalling or wallowing out. Getting tires balanced now.

Had friend turn wheel while I inspected and felt around, nothing seemed out of place.

How do I check ball joints? What else should I look for?

No DW since replacing damper, but I know the damper is not the cause or solution for DW...

 

Easiest way to check for BAD ball joints is to lift Front tires off ground, grab a crow bar, stick under tire, and pry up and down. If there is more than the allowable play (i think .25") then they're probably bad.

Mine were SHOT! Had about 1" of up and down play in the tire,lol. New Ball Joints and haven't had an issue in over a year.

 

Thanks, Delux. I'll take a look tomorrow morning.