Front hubs and inner tie rod ends shot

RespectMyLibertay · **Posted:** Wed Aug 01, 2007 12:04 am

My KJ is a 2003 with only 55K miles on it. I've been to two alignment shops recently after getting new tires. Both tell and show me that my hubs and inner tie rods ends are shot on both sides, so they cannot align it properly. What could have caused this so early? I've never heard of anyone having to replace their hubs before 75K miles, at the earliest. I've been on these forums for at least 2 years and I've never heard of anyone talking about replacing their inner tie rod ends, EVER! Both components are shot, on both sides, and I'd love to know what could have caused this so early so I can prevent it from happening again. Thanks for any help!

RespectMyLibertay · **Posted:** Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:41 am

No ideas?

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:56 am

What do they mean by hubs? Wheel bearings?

Check it all yourself and see if they are really bad.

Bigger tires and a lift(more so with the franken lift) will cause more wear and tear and suspension.

USAFCOP · **Posted:** Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:57 pm

Myself, and a few others have replaced Hub bearings already, it is not hard, but you will need a female torx socket. Mine went bad at about 35000 miles. I also have a brand new non ABS hub for sale in the for sale thread :wink:

myjeepwalks · **Posted:** Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:25 pm

Normal wear and tear. Bigger tires do tend to wear components out quicker. Gotta pay to play. :wink:

RespectMyLibertay · **Posted:** Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:42 pm

Hubs refers to the whole hub assembly, including wheel bearings, lugs, etc. I know they are shot, along with the tie rod ends, because the alignment shop jacked the front up and showed me the excessive play in the hubs and then the inner tie rod ends. IIRC, very few had problems with the original Frankenlift (with the Ranchos all around and red Skyjacker rear coils), which I have.
So I guess the only thing I can do to better my situation is replace the old worn OEM components with quality parts, like Spicer inner tie rod ends and BCA/National hub assemblies?
I have ABS, so I'll have to spend some extra $ because of that, but I found them ~$180 each from RockAuto.com, along with the tie rod ends for $32 each.

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:59 pm

I would get moog greasble tie rod ends.

Eddo · **Joined:** Thu Jul 07, 2005 7:01 pm **Posts:** 1214

The inner tire rod ends may not be worn. It's commonly miss diagnosed on the KJ.

The way most shops check is they lift the Jeep and shake the front tires from side to side. If there is excessive movement the usual diagnosis is tie-rod ends, usually the inner ones because you can view the outers.

However that method is incorrect. Do the test for yourself and you will feel the side to side play, but if you watch the steering wheel you will see it moves accordingly. Have some one hold the steering wheel tightly and you will feel more resistance and you shake the wheel from side to side. If all the side to side play they show you truly existed, the jeep would be wander all over the road.

Front hubs and inner tie rod ends shot

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