Jeep Liberty: Steering Stability and Suspension

Mr_Shiftright

This topic covers any problems or concerns regarding the Liberty's suspension and steering systems.

missdruiidro

I bought my 05 Liberty sport this January, and I drive it less than 5500 miles.
I just had a accident and it is because of I suddenly lost both my brake and steering function. I hit the front car by 25 mph. After the accident, I send my liberty to 3 different autoshop to do the inspection, but none of them can find a problem. I don't dare to drive this car again, because I don't know when will it happen again. Does anyone ever has this problem before? What should I do right now? Thanks!

jeepindenver

My wife's 04 Liberty has lost power steering a few times at low rpm. Raising the rpm's to 2500 restores the power steering. Of course the car would not act up at the dealership and they could not find anything wrong.

Nervous in Denver

john81

I can help with the power steering problem. This is fairly simple as explained though the principles of hydraulics. The power steering pump is just that, a pump. It pumps fluid to create enough flow and pressure to allow movement of the front wheels by the steering wheel. The steering pump supplies fluid to the steering gear which takes mechanical turning (steering wheel) and translates that to hydraulic advantage (hydraulics part of the steering gear) and moves the wheels.
So, taken that you have to "rev" up the engine to 2500 rpm indicates that "at that point", sufficient pressure is achieved. Now, what about at idle? Are all belts tight? Changed the steering wheel pump? Is the pump damaged? What is the pumps pressure flow at idle? Is the system fouled with dirty fluid? What is causing the loss of pressure? Bad gaskets or seals? Loose hydraulic lines between the pump and steering gear? Visible sign of leaking fluid?
Once pressure is achieved at 2500 rpm, go back to idle and see how long pressure is maintained before steering failure. Keep a log of time (in seconds) so to tell the maintenance people.
I have seen where lubricants accidently get on the belt, which is counter productive, because the belt is suppose to be held tight to allow proper grip to rotate. Lubricants cause the belt to slip. Is fluid getting on the belt or pully system causing the belt to slip?
Were all these things checked?
I would take it back and have all those things checked and have all documentation written on paper that no problems were found, or if they did find something, indicate what was changed and why.
John

tigerkuds

I was driving my 2005 Jeep Liberty on a smooth paved highway at 130 kph when all of a sudden I seem to lose control of the steering wheel and the front tires seem to wobble.

The feeling is like when you drive over a rail road track where the tires would wobble left and right and the steering wheel would turn left and right as well except that it's not bumpy like on a rail track. I didn't notice anything bumpy that woudl suggest something I drove over that would cause the wobble.

I was fortunate not to panic or I could have pulled the steering wheel hard which could have resulted in a rollover at that speed. I stopped and had it towed to my dealership.

Now, problem is they can't find anything wrong. They'll again take a look at it today. If they can't find anything wrong with it, how could anyone drive it again especially with a wife and kid inside?

Has anyone experienced this? Thanks.

Mr_Shiftright

You might switch tires and wheels front to rear. Sounds like a wheel balance or tire issue. If you did the switch, you'd still feel the wobble, but it would be in the back end and you'd feel it in the seat of your pants.

bvcrd

I would think if it were a balance issue, you would have felt it more often, like all the time instead of "all of a sudden." It could have been that you lost a wheel weight if that were the case. It could be that your ball joints are bad. There is a history of them being of poor quality. Could be other suspension/steering components. Did it continue to do it after that one time? Maybe go back to that section of road if possible and try to duplicate it. Could be you drove over some weird section of road surface.

tigerkuds

It happened on a superhighway and I had been driving for almost 2 hours when it happened. I don't think I hit something bumpy on the road or I would have felt it. And I don't think it's a balance issue. The liberty had no problem whatsoever and I was very satisfied with it until that horrible moment. I even drove it at 80 kph for 3 kilometers to get to the nearest town and didn't notice a thing.

As of yesterday, they tried to duplicate the problem and had it road tested. They were not able to duplicate the problem. They also told me that they can't find anything wrong. I don't know how much they checked though. I told them I won't mind them driving the jeep for 3 hours on the highway at 130 kph. That's because I'm not satisfied that a 10 or 20 minute road test is enough. If they have to drive the vehicle for 1 day at 130 kph I won't mind at all.

bvcrd

You could take it to a independent mechanic for a safety inspection. If that passes, there is only one other explanation...........Aliens.

tigerkuds

I thought about that but then on the other hand, I thought dealers are more qualified and knowledgeable with their own products.

Aliens are out of equation. I didn't experience any missing time. ;-)

bvcrd

It depends on the tech at the dealership. Some are very good, while I have found that some knew less than me about the CRD. Aliens have gotten smarter than they used to be. They now can "bend" time so that it appears to be happening in real time, but in reality, you are several days older than you were.

onecobra

I just happen to run across your post, while researching Jeeps.I may be able to help.

I had a similar problem that you described on a new car. My problem did not show up until I had several thousand miles on the tires. When I reached about 75mph, the right front tire [and the car] would start shaking violently... felt & sounded like the tire had come a part[or running over railroad tracks, as you described].I took the car to the dealership and they checked the front end out, including the tire, test drove & could not duplicate.

As soon as I left the dealership, I duplicated the problem at about 75mph. I went to a tire store & had them inspect the inside of the tire. They did not see a belt problem, but I replaced with a new tire. Problem solved. Apparently a belt was seperating at high speeds, and was not visable when static.

tigerkuds

Thanks for the info. The shop just phoned to tell me that there was a problem with the u-joint and they are replacing it. I'll post more info after I talked to them about the detail.

lhsmom

This week I lost control of my 03'Liberty.Same wobble and ended up in corm field.Towed by flatbed. The left front tire and left front tire turned inward.Dealer said cause was the left front ball joint(replaced in 11/04'under recall).Final est not in yet, but will be costly.Insurance adjuster said would not pay for the "cause" but would pay for damage resulting from the accident.Since it will be over 1500.00 in damage, the ins co is sending an Adjuster out to inspect the vehicle.Has anyone had a similar cituation? What did ins pay? I don't feel safe in this vehicle. I wouldn't put my family back in it. Will be selling it.

lhsmom

7/18/06 finally picked up my 03'Liberty from the dealer. Insurance pd over 3k. Took awhile to get parts. The dealer was to put on a Reconditioned LT Axle Assy but couldn't locate one, they ordered a new one (which I wanted). Not problems so far. Today we are trading it off. I think Jeep should reinburse the insurance company and me. No deal. Premium for insurance went up. The ins adj said because the jeep has 80k of miles and the ball joint assembly has at least 40k (replaced in 2004 under recall)it is considered normal wear! That means another 40k miles they will need to be replaced again!
Getting rid of the piece of crap. To bad though, it was fun to drive.

bob131

I have a 2002 Jeep Liberty Limited since new. I had the ball joints replaced during the initial re-call when the car was new. This car always seemed to have trouble tracking in a streaight line. I am constantly steering to keep the car straight. I recently had 4 top of the line Michelins installed and the front end aligned and the car still has this problem.
Has anybody else out there experienced this?

ladybug8

Same Here; I have a 2004. Car is aligned based on 4 different mechanics at 4 different shops. I have no idea but it pulls to the right and no one can fix it b/c car is aligned perfectly. I just tune it out and don't even pay attention to it anymore.

bob131

Mine doesn't pull to one side or the other, it swims back and forth.

ladybug8

that's scary; have you called the actual Jeep 800 number? They aren't but so helpful but maybe there is something they might know of? I wish i could help more.

jayrider

my 03 is a bit jittery at low speeds but doesn't pull. It is fine over 15-20 mph but just off idle it does feel vague and a bit loose. Maybe the new recall fix will cure it but I remember a post a while back from europe that the front suspension was engineered with rubber bushings to allow heavy off roading and the compromise was some looseness in the front end. Who knows. Still love my Liberty.

ladybug8

Yeah I wouldn't trade mine either; I still feel safe and I love driving it :-)

mwillyard

My Jeep has 32K miles, and was doing great, but now when I am turning a corner, (not all the time of course why would it be that easy), shifting from higher gear to lower, the steering wheel tightens up, like having standard steering, and then just snaps out and back to power, won't be good during the Winters in the mountains of Colorado. Thought it was out of power steering fluid, and I had to add a little, but that's not it. Does anyone have any idea as to what's going on. Thanks

renegader

Rubber bushings are installed on steering box (transmission). I had some problems with pulling, but they were fixed. Tried some changes with bushings (my sooner posts). No influence on pulling. Im sure it can be fixed with alignment of lower arms. My Liberty is 04/2002, CRD 2,5 l, manual, 75.000 miles.

farout

renegader: I just saw your post about the 2.5 CRD. I wish you would join in at the Jeep Liberty Diesel Forum. I have a 2005 CRD with almost 19,000 miles, I got it Sept. 29,05. We are more pleased with it all the time. What kind of fuel mileage do you get. How much is diesel a liter over there? I am always interested in Jeeps in Europe, and the cost of things compared to here.

Farout

renegader

Hi farout, I am getting about 10,5 liter/100km on board computer, the real fuel consumption is about 10% higher. Look at my sooner posts, there were more about my fuel consumtion displayed as mileage.

Diesel Fuel costs about 1 EUR/liter, doesn´t matter if here in Czech, or in Austria or in Germany.

Now after installation of Powertrax locking unit in rear axle surprisingly I get only 9,5l/100 km on board computer - about 7,5% better!!! TracLok had to go out because of problems.

lhsmom

9/9/06 DITCH YOUR LIBERTY!
Finally received responce from Jeep. They will not reinburse me for my deductable nor my insurance company due to the failure of the "ball joints". If I had drove Interstae 75 home from work that day, I believe I would not be here! Sorry Sorry Jeep! Would not own another Jeep/Chrysler vehicle. You're lives are in danger!

farout

Ihsmom: You need to report this to www.nhtsa.dotgov/ Did you go to the Zone Rep in your area? I had 4 sets of top and bottom left and right side ball joints on our 2002 Dodge Dakota. When we got rid of it it had 92,000 miles and needed the ball joints replaced again. DCX knows these are a problem with several models of DCX production.
I would encourage to not take no for an answer! What year was your Liberty and how many miles did it have, and what state do you live in? Maybe I can suggest something if you would like.

Farout

lhsmom

Did you check your ball joints? There is a recall on them. When they fail you loose complete control. You must check them every 20k miles. My 03 Liberty Sport had the ball joints replaced from a recall and then failed again causing an accident and nearly my life.

lhsmom

farout: 2003 Liberty Sport, 88k miles(40K on the replaced ball joints in 2004) I live in northwest Ohio-only miles from Jeep/Toledo where they build the crap. I did speak to the District Mgn for Jeep with no resolution. I did also post the problem with nhtsa site(one week later they announced another recall). All I wanted was my $500 deductable reinbursed to me and my ins co to be reinbursed so the premium would go back down. I will not obtain legal advise as I would pay more and have more stress than what it's worth. WOULD NOT OWN A JEEP LIBERTY OR A CRYSLER PRODUCT AGAIN. Thanks for for feedback.
lhsmom

siberia

Hi All,

I like the CRD as much as any vehicle I have owned and it has exceeded my expectations in doing everything that I bought it for. But, the following has led me to the conclusion that my CRD is the last new DC product I will ever buy:

An engineer wrote, “The [ball joint] specifications were changed, the durability cycles were changed, as well as the loading factors, all downwards from standard JTE specs. This was to follow a directive to reduce cost of SUV parts, because, as so many people have noted here, SUV's aren't used offroad generally. The point is, the joints have a full lifetime as designed and predicted. The issue is not with the parts being poorly made, the issue is the wrong spec was used.”

This seems to have originated by an argument between the Executive Engineer (just below VP of Engineering) of Vehicle Development (who was an old Jeep guy) and Financial (which had the backing of Bob Eaton). The parts meet the specification, but the specification was changed to save money - as with Neon head gaskets, AC, and exhaust donuts.

From:

http://www.allpar.com/model/jeep/liberty-2005.html

market525

I've scanned this section, but did not see this problem mentioned. We have an 02 Liberty Sport, bought it new, it has 38K miles. We've had the first lower ball joint recall done, and it is now in for the 2nd lower BJ recall. They called me today to say that the both upper control arms have "torn" bushings. The repair consists of REPLACING both upper control arms - for a mere $700. Keep in mind I said this car has under 40,000 miles! We purchased the extended warranty, which will cover this repair except the $100 deductible, but I am shocked to have upper control arm bushing problems. Anybody else out there heard of this ?

Thanks, Steve

renegade02

I have an 02 renegade with 82k miles and just got the ball joint recall done. They didn't mention any problem with the upper bushings. Mine has many hard mile on it, and if there would be a common problem I would be surprised not to have it, so I would advise to complain more to your serviceman about it being too early for Bushing replacement.

siberia

You should be skeptical about needing upper control arms and bushings. There is a serious design flaw in the lower ball joints but the upper control arms and ball joints are designed okay.

It's quite a cost savings for DC if they can nail you for $700 of unnecessary repairs while changing the lower ball joints. DC should not be able to profit from the lower ball joint design mistake.

martinj71

I have a 02’ Jeep Liberty with 38,000 miles. I am getting a clunking sound in the front end when I go over any bump, and if I go over a slight hump in the road and the suspension stretches (front end goes up) I hear an almost metal on metal sound kind of a screeching sound. I bought the new front sway bar bushings, but that wasn’t it . I see you had the upper control arm bushing problem. Can you tell me if your was making similar sounds?

Thanks

Jim

market525

Well, it's even better than I was told. They replaced: lower ball joints (2nd recall) both upper control arms (bushings & control arms are one unit). Then, when they put it back together & but it on the ground, they told me the ball joints made a popping sound. Took it back apart & replaced both steering knuckles, too! Unbelievable! Without extended warranty, this would have been well over a $1,000 repair! Less than 40K miles at that! I paid for a front end alignment (which I find illogical) and the $100 extended warranty deductible - so $180 total. But needless to say, I've certainly lost confidence in this vehicle.

market525

Jim
The car was making zero noises. Drove & steered fine. Reading some of these breaking ball joint stories really surprises me; I just did not realize the severity of the problem.

Sounds like you'd better get to the dealer ASAP.

martinj71

I see a few people talking about a (2nd recall) what is that about and how do I find out what recalls have been done on my Jeep. I ask because I bought this about 6 months ago. Thanks for the info.

Jim

siberia

Jim,

Bad upper control arm bushings can make exactly the sound that you describe and if they are bad this condition is not immediately dangerous as it can take quite a while to wear to destruction. Upper ball joints and control arm bushings generally last a long time in this suspension configuration because the don't carry near as much load as the lower ball joints.

You need to inspect your lower ball joints ASAP because if they the cause of this noise you might not have much time before one or both if them pop and your Jeep drops to the ground. This is easy to do yourself but I don't have time to write the instructions.

Maximum allowable axial play is 1.5mm or about 1/16 inch.

And one other thing, if your upper bushing are gone and you have metal to metal contact the top of your tires should be leaning very noticeable inward. Stand far enough behind or in front of the vehicle to observe front and rear tires and compare vertical alignment. The top of the front tires should appear slightly out compared to the rear not in.

Stay safe.

market525

Jim,
Your dealer can tell you exactly what's been done to your car. They will run the VIN (vehicle identification number) through their (Chrysler's) computer system. Would take them a matter of minutes to do.

Steve

martinj71

Everyone, thanks for being so helpful. I called the dealer last night and the (2nd recall) has not been done on my Jeep. They are on national back order right now, so I wont be able to get it in till Monday or Tuesday. The service manager told me he would also check on the upper control arm bushings while I had it up there,,, free of charge. Thanks again all.
Jim

martinj71

One more question. Jeep Liberty, 02’ 38k… when I come to a stop. 80% of the time it wants to fall on its face (stall) anyone else experience this?

joebj1178514

My 2004 Jeep liberty (45K miles) just started to act up today. I warmed up my car for about 2 minutes and backed out of my parking spot while turning the wheel when I heard a loud blunt noise coming from the rear axle area. This loud noise only happened when backing out and turning the wheel at the same time, this didnt happen when backing out straight. The sound is like something snapping or something getting hit with blunt force, kind of like a football hitting the side of a car.

I also have a problem when driving foward and turning the wheel all the way to the left/right to make a turn. The car struggles to turn, as if the front wheels pivoting makes it diffucult for the car to move. The car almost stutter struggles (not an engine stutter) to make the turn when turning the wheel.

I thought this may be a lower ball joint problem, but the lower ball joint problem should not be applicable to the rear wheels of the car, but then again, the noise/stuttering only happens when I turn my steering wheel. Any hints?

I've tried to be specific as possible. Anyone out there have any ideas of what the problem is? Please help me.

I'm planning on going on a 13 hour road trip, but I might have to save that plan for later.

market525

Does the car have a limited slip differential? And has the rear axle lube been changed? - usually recommended at 30K service intervals.

jeepgirl05

My Jeep Liberty Diesel '05, smells like the back passenger tire is on fire, its not actually on fire, but smells like it could be. Can see smoke coming from it? The brakes are squeaky too. I live in Montana, lots of snow here, neighbor says take it to straight stretch of road, run it forward @ bout 20mph, then do the same thing but go backwards. He claims its something to do with snow packed up in the break area up front?? Sounds bogus to me.
Thnx!

Mr_Shiftright

I wouldn't mess around with theories. Have the back end jacked up and the tires spun to see if the brakes are binding back there for some reason.

bartolo

I have an 04 sport with 36000 miles. lately I,ve Notices the same sounds you described. Every time I take a slight pump, I hear a screeching from the front end, like the sound of and old spring mattress. The lower ball lower ball joint seem to be find, However the upper control arm bushings are beyond my limited mechanical know-how. Would like to know if you ever got the problem fixed,and if so can you point me in the right direction. Would appreciate any insight on the matter. I,d like to be better informed before going to the shop.

nygrl

Hi - I'm hoping someone here might be able to help me. I have a Jeep Liberty Renegade 2002. 92k+ miles.

Over the last couple of days, I've notice some knocking noises and the "creaky spring" sounds described above.The lower ball joint was replaced under the recall in Feb '07.

Took the Jeep in to the dealer today. They heard the knocking too, and put it up on the lift, looked it over, but could find "no noticeable cause" for the knocking/squeaking noise. They tightened everything up, lowered it down, drove it around, but still heard the knocking.

A few hours later, the dealer called and said they discovered that the problem is the "lower control arm" and some bushings. "Actually, all of your control arms could stand to be replaced," he said. "The cost to replace this one alone will be $618, not counting tax."

I just want to know if this sounds right. The dealer charge of $420 for the part seems kind of steep for only one lower control arm (not both sides) compared to what the part is going for online. Plus, the ones I've seen online include the ball joint, but I don't need the ball joint!

One mechanic in town said it's very rare to have to replace the control arm. Do you think I could talk to my dealer about the possibility of just replacing the bushings? Or is it better to bite the bullet and do the whole thing. I need to make a decision in the a.m.! : )

Thanks.

caribou1

If your vehicle was involved in a crash or extremely rough riding, then it could be safer to change a lower control arm. In normal use you need to change what you call the "bushings" and check the alignment of your front wheels. Whatever you decide, don't forget to have the alignment checked.
According to your description I would also look at the silent blocks of the stabilizing bar. By lifting the truck from underneath the cabin (using a lift with 4 pads) and removing the front wheels, you can easily see what's wrong. It's trivial in this case.
Good luck

joeyfelix21

I have a 2008 Jeep Liberty w/ Command-Trac 4x4 & Goodyear Fortera HL P235/60R18 tires. By 2300 miles I had very noticeable tire chop/stair stepping on the outside & inside tread of both front tires, worse on the outside. They said the alignment was out of spec, fixed it and replaced the front tires. Took it back in at 4500 miles for the same reason, this time they say the alignment is perfect & that it's because the tread is soft with no support between the spacing, and that it's normal for these tires and to rotate every 3000 miles. The rear tires are wearing perfectly smooth/even all over, so I'm confused about their expanation. Does anyone have any thoughts about whether this is normal/acceptable or if there is a possible underlying reason for the tires to wear like this at such low mileage? Thanks, Joe

parrotpastor

I just had to have my Liberty 05 diesel's steering gear replaced. The dealer said that quite a few Liberties were showing up with this same problem this past year. Anyone know about this? Is this something dangerous to Liberty owners? I'm wondering just how wide-spread this situation could be with Liberty's.

Mr_Shiftright

No record of recalls on TSB on the steering. There was a factory recall on lower ball joints, which is definitely a safety issue.

September 2006
Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall No. F23 -- Lower Ball Joints

Effective immediately, this recall (Safety Recall F23) cancels and supersedes Safety Recall C36 Lower Ball Joints. Please remove and discard from your files all copies of Safety Recall C36 (dated December 2003). All vehicles involved in Recall C36, whether completed or not, must have this recall performed.

Models
2002-2006 (KJ) Jeep(R) Liberty
NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles built through March 15, 2006 (MDH 031510).