The Importance of changing out stock track bar and lower control arm bolts
05-05-2013 | 08:58 PM
#571
Forum Tech Advisor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 7
From: Billings, MT
Approaching 70k miles, started getting DW last week.
Hit a small bump in a curve and the front suspension took off.
Yesterday, I was merging from a highway onto the interstate and hit a bump. Holy sh_t, what a scary feeling to have at 70 MPH.
Braking didn't help, only letting it slow down on its own.
I'm thinking the Northridge kit is in my future, after I open things up to check out the condition.
I watched it move only a couple millimeters when the wheels were turned, not near as much movement as I've seen in the videos, but it sure shakes like a mofo.
Hit a small bump in a curve and the front suspension took off.
Yesterday, I was merging from a highway onto the interstate and hit a bump. Holy sh_t, what a scary feeling to have at 70 MPH.
Braking didn't help, only letting it slow down on its own.
I'm thinking the Northridge kit is in my future, after I open things up to check out the condition.
I watched it move only a couple millimeters when the wheels were turned, not near as much movement as I've seen in the videos, but it sure shakes like a mofo.
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05-06-2013 | 04:52 AM
#572
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,263
Likes: 9
From: Hamilton, NJ
Changed mine out today! What a relief. Took maybe a hour and a half. No problems I didn't even see any grooves in the holes! And yes the worst part was torquing them. 08 jk 37000 miles
<img src="https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=453182"/>
Took a pic but don't know if you can tell anything
<img src="https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=453182"/>
Took a pic but don't know if you can tell anything
05-07-2013 | 05:41 PM
#573
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 845
Likes: 3
From: Scituate, MA
I just finished reading this very long thread. for all that have had DW, please send a complaint to the NHTSA, they have a communication link on the web. The more complaints, the more pressure on Chrysler. After all WE bailed them out and Jeep sales...US are holding them together. Also if you haven't seen the letter from Congressman Waxman and Eshoo from CA, take a look here Eshoo, Waxman Urge Automaker to Undertake Customer Satisfaction Campaign for "Jeep Death Wobble" Problem Also send a letter to your state congressman. I tried to get more info from Waxman, but if you don't live in their district you can't contact them. Let's get this resolved before we have a forum member, family member, or friend injured...or worse. Stop spending your hard earned money, let Jeep share in the expense.
05-08-2013 | 07:59 AM
#575
Forum Tech Advisor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 7
From: Billings, MT
Have you watched the 2 YouTube videos in my Diagnosing DW Write-Up Thread?
05-08-2013 | 03:30 PM
#576
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 3
From: Fredericksburg, VA
Yes, I have. And I have gone through your checklist. The bolt kit will be part of a more thorough inspection. Thus far, I haven't found any visual clues of any problems. I have inspected all of the pieces and have gone through both the wheel manipulation and steering manipulation you illustrate. Wheels are balanced, alignment is proper. I plan on performing an inspection for ovalling and other sorts of wear. While I'm at it, I plan to replace the bolts with the kit as a preventive if not abortive measure.
05-08-2013 | 04:56 PM
#577
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Da Swamp, LA
Just installed the Northridge kit on my 12' and all four track bar bolt holes accepted the 9/16 hardware. Surprised me because I was under the impression that Jeep had used a 14mm track bar hole on the newer models. Huh?
05-08-2013 | 09:13 PM
#578
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Mountain Home ID
Great thread on this subject and I've watched the videos. A lot of information to take in. I'm taking delivery of a 2013 Rubicon which is also my first Jeep. Is changing out the bolts something I need to do right away? Will doing so prevent wearing out the mounts?
05-09-2013 | 04:28 AM
#580
JK Freak
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 991
Likes: 1
From: Archer, Florida
David at Northridge talked me into the bolt kit and glad he did.
When I took the trackbar bolts out of the front, there was visual wear on the threads.
The bar was replaced with an after market and new bolts installed.
I have 8000 miles on my JK...........
When I took the trackbar bolts out of the front, there was visual wear on the threads.
The bar was replaced with an after market and new bolts installed.
I have 8000 miles on my JK...........