LBJ failures poll - gathering info - Please respond

Cacher123 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 10:58 pm

Gathering some info. Please respond. If u could drop in a short, concise post about your circumstance I'd appreciate it.
Oh, and by the way, I suggest that if u can find the time, you go over to the NHTSA site and file a complaint if you haven't already. The more they get, the more likely they are to do something about the issue.

Here's the link to file a complaint with the NHTSA:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/Consumer.cfm

DoverKJ · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:51 pm

My joints did not completely fail, although they were way beyond the upper limit of wear and had to be replaced immediately. After speaking to the service manager at my local dealership and having them check the LBJs themselves, they warrantied the LBJ and replaced them both. They had worn to the point of not wanting to drive the KJ in fear of a complete failure and the possibilty of a serious accident and damage.

waddy whiteguts · **Posted:** Fri Jun 23, 2006 11:58 pm

Original LBJs were replaced per recall. Replaced LBJs failed after recall. Aftermarket LBJs installed. 40k on my 02 KJ and on the 3rd set of LBJs.

MikeD0106 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 3:36 am

I've checked mine and have some other signs to believe they are going out on me. However, the dealer won't replace them yet because their tech says all is well since the little POS heat shield is there.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 12:31 pm

You should've added, "My LBJ's failed, I didn't take it to the dealer, and I replaced them myselves."

I think there are quite a few people in this category.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 1:25 pm

I voted as "mine failed..." but to be clear, mine were worn - they didn't actually BREAK.

At 15k on my 2003, the recall was performed. Heat shields were installed but I'm not sure if they actually replaced the LBJ's; I suspect not. At 42k, the LBJ's were way out of spec and the dealer replaced them under the recall/warranty at no cost to me.

PS at 53k I just had my outter tie rod ends replaced as they were "worn." What exaclty wears on them? Is it the point where they connect to the LBJ's?

Mutt · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 1:32 pm

After hearing everyones horror stories, I just ordered a little preventative medicine, Moog K-3199 Greaseable Lower Ball Joints. Why replace a known defective part with another known defective part?

My wife drives our Liberty around with my three children.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 1:47 pm

Moogs are next for me. Especially since I just found out my extended warranty is no longer worth the paper it's written on!

Jeep Dawg · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:01 pm

Let me ask a stupid question guys,
What is an LBJ?
I am not really sure what it is and how do I know if it failed.

AdamIsAdam · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:11 pm

Lower Ball Joint

raceinfan · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:26 pm

Jeep Dawg wrote:

Let me ask a stupid question guys,
What is an LBJ?
I am not really sure what it is and how do I know if it failed.

skrracing has a sticky post in either the General section or the 4x4 section as too how to check them with pictures if they fail you will lose the wheel (front) hopefully it's not on the highway

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 4:51 pm

My balljoints are just fine. Ome lift and stock tires. Some mild/hard off-roading. 20k.

Jeep Dawg · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 7:27 pm

OK thanks guys.
I was thinking thats what it was but not too sure.
i gotta check em. I have an 03 and an 04 sport.

Cacher123 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 7:40 pm

Clarification: Worn to the point where they HAVE to be replaced is considered failure.

Anyone who HASN'T complained to the NHTSA really should take the 5 minutes to fill out the complaint.

And UNDER WARRANTY means if the dlr replaced them w/o charge even if the vehicle was out of the warranty period.

waddy whiteguts · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 10:21 pm

Can change my vote to 'replaced under recall, failed again, replaced with Moog aftermarket LBJs outside of warranty, complaint filed'.

corwyyn · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 11:04 pm

Mine haven't failed yet (do I really want to write this with the KJ sitting less than 30ft away?) but I plan on checking them tomorrow. I am going to do the front brakes next weekend and was going to wait but I figure it only takes a few minutes per side and I really don't want to get caught by this. I currently have 55k on my jeep...

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sat Jun 24, 2006 11:06 pm

Jeep Dawg wrote:

Let me ask a stupid question guys,
What is an LBJ?
I am not really sure what it is and how do I know if it failed.

It's a Lyndon Baines Johnson issue. Should you or shouldn't you, grab your dog by the ears and lift him/her up in the air. Ear failure occurs quite often. :lol:

Actually, the LBJ is a big issue with the Liberty. Life is at risk if it fails on you while driving...especially going down a mountain on the highway.

skrracing · **Posted:** Sun Jun 25, 2006 10:56 am

We are going to move this and the other ball joint post to the poll section. Please note that we have been telling EVERYONE to check your balljoints and report them no matter who replaced them of if they failed or not. If you own a KJ and the balljoints are loose...then they are BAD because the KJ is way too new for this to happen. We have made all kinds of links to report this and folks are still not doing it. Please do so anything you have a ball joint problem. Thanks. Later...Clint

jeepkj02 · **Posted:** Sun Jun 25, 2006 1:14 pm

Mine has not failed yet. It is an 2002, and according to the Jeep site, the recall has been done (before I purchased the Jeep). So I am not sure when. Checked the ball joint and there is a heat shield. Is the covered by my powertrain warrenty. My suspension is all stock. I have 68,000 miles. So, there is 2,000 miles left. Would like to get some Moog BJ's.

Wahoo650 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 27, 2006 8:24 am

My LBJs were replaced under the recall back in early 2003, those replacements just failed Saturday at 54K (more like 42K on those LBJs). Dealer covered them no problem, now if I could get my tow fee back from Chrysler :evil:

.

What concerns me is DCX apparent willingness to risk lives. It's great my Jeeps covered and I won't be out of pocket, but will I be as lucky next time and not have an accident? Mine had been inspected back when I did the alignment/new tires in October. Last thing I thought would happen now. Clint's right, check them often!

Also, if your Jeep was covered by the recall, then they will be replaced for the life of the vehicle. I confirmed this yesterday with the service manager.

Matt

LBJ failures poll - gathering info - Please respond

Who is online