Symptoms
Violent front-end shake after a bump at speed, wandering, clunks. OffroadXtreme says the track bar is the usual cause.
The fix, step by step
- With the engine running and a helper turning the wheel back and forth, watch the track bar ends, the frame-side bracket, the tie-rod and drag-link ends and the steering box for movement.
- Replace worn bushings or the whole track bar (an adjustable one recenters a lifted axle), tighten the bracket bolts, and replace worn linkage.
- Inspect the unibody around the steering box and track-bar mount for cracks, which NAXJA members warn about.
- A steering stabilizer hides wobble; it doesn't cure it.
Tools & part numbers
- Helper
- pry bar
- tie-rod puller
- torque wrench
- alignment afterward
Where to buy the parts
Rancho RS62109 front adjustable track bar, 1984–2006 TJ/XJ/MJQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown 52003918 front track bar, 1984–90 XJQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown RT21004 heavy-duty steering kit, 1991–2001 XJQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Old Man Emu OMESD40 steering stabilizer, 1984–2006 XJ/ZJ/YJ/TJQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Cherokee XJ parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.