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Strange Steering Or Suspension Issue

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by John Gedde, Aug 13, 2021.

  1. Aug 13, 2021
    John Gedde

    John Gedde Been around the block once or twice...

    Middle Island, NY
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2019
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    125
    Lately my Jeep has started doing something very disconcerting while driving. In fact, I first noticed on the highway and it really scared the bejesus out of me.

    Basically, the Jeep 'points' itself in a different direction when on the throttle vs letting off the throttle. In fact, under throttle I need to turn the steering wheel a good 1/8 turn or more to compensate.

    Under throttle it feels very much like the Jeep is 'crabbing' and going down the road crooked while on the throttle. I inspected the rear suspension and attachments and don't see anything obviously wrong. Also measurements taken from front hub to rear hub on both sides are the same. My first theory was that the rear axle had somehow cocked and when more load was applied due to acceleration, it had more authority as far as the Jeep's orientation.

    Any ideas folk?

    Thanks!
    John
     
  2. Aug 13, 2021
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    have you looked at spring/frame bushing
     
  3. Aug 13, 2021
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    Aug 13, 2015
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    6,656
    Does it have a rear locker?

    What kind of angle is your drag link?

    Spring bushings, loose u-bolts, sheared leaf spring pin… anything that could allow (or has allowed) one axle to shift under power, or the steering to move under droop as the front end lifts from acceleration.

    Do you notice it under hard braking also?
     
  4. Aug 13, 2021
    John Gedde

    John Gedde Been around the block once or twice...

    Middle Island, NY
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    Oct 23, 2019
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    125
    Thanks Ron and ITLKSEZ!

    No rear locker. It's stock height so the drag link angle is the way it always was. In fact, she's completely stock all around...

    I really think it's something in the back since anything in the steering would make it just pull one way or another - at least I think so. In my case, it feels like the vehicle is rotating with respect to the road. I haven't done a lot of hard braking, but I do seem to remember that under hard braking the rotation is in the opposite direction. I'll try that tonight.

    What I forgot the mention in the OP is whatever is causing is a new problem and is getting worse the more I drive it.

    I guess what I need to do is get her up in the air and check all the stuff you've mentioned. I'm wondering if I should lift by the pumpkin or someone lift the Jeep so there's no load on the rear suspension. Not a lot of options to get jack stands under there to safely support her while I'm monkeying around underneath with the axle free to move as I check stuff.

    John
     
    ITLKSEZ likes this.
  5. Aug 13, 2021
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    Before you lift it, get underneath with a bright light and check for shiny spots on metal parts. On/under leaf springs around the axle, on the sides of the spring eyes, etc… The shine will be a dead giveaway as to where the motion is happening.

    Look at where the spring eye bolt passes through the spring. It should be relatively centered in the eye. If not, the bushing is gone.
     
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  6. Aug 13, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    I'd say one side of your rear axle is moving forward under torque- which way does it make you go when the hammer is down?

    At rest are the spring hangers equal angles?

    Check the front to- you never know.
     
  7. Aug 13, 2021
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    I agree. It sounds like bad bushings, loose U-bolts or a broken center pin. It wouldn't hurt to inspect the frame for cracks around the spring hangers too.
     
  8. Aug 13, 2021
    John Gedde

    John Gedde Been around the block once or twice...

    Middle Island, NY
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    Oct 23, 2019
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    125
    Hey Fellers,

    It's fixed. Somehow, and I'm almost embarrassed to say, all 8 nuts on the spring U-bolts were loose. One had almost spun itself off completely. How this happened I have no Idea. I'm tempted to get me some jam nuts for 'em.

    Thanks!!!
    John
     
  9. Aug 14, 2021
    jeepstar

    jeepstar Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sheboygan
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    please do. that's scary.
     
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  10. Aug 14, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    From the factory, they have hardened split lock washers.
    McMaster-Carr

    My local Ace has these; maybe the big box stores too.

    You should re-torque them after some miles. Maybe at 100 miles and again at the next oil change? Might be something to check at routine service time. Shackle bolts too? No need to be fancy, just put a wrench on them and test.

    Any exposed bolts like that should be tested occasionally, IMO.
     
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2021
    John Gedde likes this.
  11. Aug 14, 2021
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    You might want to separate the springs from the axle and check the heads on the center pins. Even if the ubolts are loose, it seems odd that there would be enough room in the hole in the spring pad to allow the pin head to move enough for you to feel it doglegging. That little pin was only designed to hold things in place until the ubolts are tightened, not to withstand the forces of axle torque; they bend and shear easily if the ubolts aren’t tight enough.
     
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  12. Aug 14, 2021
    John Gedde

    John Gedde Been around the block once or twice...

    Middle Island, NY
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    Oct 23, 2019
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    125
    The lock washer thing is a good idea, but split lock washers aren't reliable. For aerospace work (which is what I do) they're not allowed. I'm gonna put some Nord locks on there. I've used them on projects for a while and have never seen one loosen up on me... Yeah it ain't stock, but....

    Nord-Lock Washers

    John
     
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