Hi All,

Been awhile since I posted. Fortunately haven't had to much to look into or problems to solve.

Jeep is a 2002 Liberty Automatic 3.7L 4x4 with now 137,000 miles. Always regularly maintained etc.

6 months ago I bought and had installed JBA Gen 4.5 UCA's along with all new suspension.

I had the Jeep in for service Tuesday and the front upper ball joints are already shot. Has anyone else had this issue?
I just have the normal 2.5 inch of lift no clevis lift or conduit nuts or anything added. This is my daily driver so didn't go crazy with stuff.

For the rear I have the Bilstein extended length shocks.
On drivers side the upper bolt seems to keep working loose and on the passenger side the lower bolt seems to be doing the same thing.
Shop told me this is due to the shock bushings wearing out. I again explained the parts are all only 6 months old...
Has anyone had this issue?

I have a call in to JBA about this and waiting for call back. I'm confident they can help as have had good experiences with them thus far.
But really trying to get to bottom of this ASAP as right now I'm not driving the Jeep due to this.

On a side note:
Starting at about 50 mph up to 60ish I'm getting a pretty serious vibration that I can feel in seat of my pants and the steering wheel.
Have looked at U- Joints, and replaced front drive shaft a couple months ago. Also have checked out both front CV's and everything looks good.
This is happening during acceleration, deceleration with OD on and off and even while rolling in neutral. The balance of the wheels was also good during last oil change and tire rotation 3,000 miles ago.

Could this be related to the rear shocks and or ball joint issues? Or what should be the next thing I look for?


Last night I replaced the Canister Purge Solenoid as it had deteriorated and was making a obnoxious sound similar to a drum playing off beat at idle.
Not that is at all related to these problems even though I was hopeful.


Thanks in advance.

Have you check the tires to see if they are cupping? (for the vibrating issue). Specially if you are having suspension issues that could be whats going on there.

_________________
2010 Jeep JK - Mango Tango
TeraFlex 2.5 suspension lift
Rancho RS9000Xl adjustable shocks
Tom Woods 1310 Front driveshaft
JKS Quicker front Disconnects
Synergy 1.75" Wheel spacer

No haven't that is a good point though. I hope aren't as those also are only 6 months old. But will take closer look into it for sure.

Tires are 265/75/16 Duratracs and sad to say still running 3.73's just haven't been able to make jump to 4.10's and probably won't.

Pin pointing this problem is driving me crazy. And want to avoid throwing to many parts at it for process of elimination.

Just got call back from JBA. They too were surprised the ball joints have failed already. But are sending me out replacements. I have to say I am very happy with the service they provide and knowledge they have as well.

In regards to the rear shocks they told me that at time I ordered my parts they weren't yet aware of the issue. But I guess Bilstein usually sends to sets of bushings for the rear shocks. But sounds like they don't do this for the 2.5 inch extended length ones. But also sounds like they should. So what it sounds like JBA is doing now when the extended length shocks are ordered. Is including the other size bushing with them. Which they are sending me along with the replacement ball joints.

So thank you JBA!

So now that this should take care of the suspension issues and those noises and vibrations.
Hopefully it will be easier to pin point the vibration I'm getting between 50-60 mph.

Stupid ? but did you ever grease the balljoints after installing them? If not that is why they took a dump after 6 months,they must be greased upon install and every oil change.

Yes Sir most certainly did.