Symptoms
Violent front-end shaking after a bump at 35–50 mph that only stops when you slow right down; vague steering and wander.
The fix, step by step
- With the truck on the ground, have a helper rock the steering wheel while you watch every joint.
- Start with the track bar: OffroadXtreme says the lower track bar bolt is the usual cause.
- Clean and torque the bolts to the manual and replace a worn track bar or bushing.
- Then check the tie-rod ends, drag link, steering-box mounts and ball joints, and replace anything with play.
- Finish with an alignment.
Tools & part numbers
- Torque wrench
- tie-rod end puller
- ball-joint press
- pry bar
- factory manual for torque specs confirm in manual
Where to buy the parts
Steering linkage parts for 1993–1998 Grand Cherokee ZJQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Rough Country HD steering upgrade (TJ/XJ/ZJ)Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Proforged lower ball joint (YJ/XJ/ZJ)Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Track bar, tie rods and ball joints (RockAuto catalog)RockAuto ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ 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.