Grand Cherokee 2WD Limited V8-4.7L (2002)
Alignment: All Technical Service Bulletins
Steering - Lead or Drift To Either Side of Road
NUMBER: 02-006-04
GROUP: Suspension
DATE: August 20, 2004
THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 02-001-02, DATED JUNE 10, 2002, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED
FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE ADDITIONAL MODEL YEARS AND A
CHANGE TO THE TJ CROSS-CASTER AND CROSS-CAMBER SPECIFICATION.
SUBJECT:
Special Offset Ball Joint - Allows Adjustment To Caster And Camber Angles
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves the replacement of one or both front upper ball joints when front end alignment specifications can not be obtained using normal
alignment practices.
MODELS
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may experience a slight lead or drift to either side of the road. This condition may occur when there is no driver input to the steering
system, or when the driver must maintain a constant input to the steering system in order to maintain a straight ahead direction of the vehicle.
NOTE:
THIS BULLETIN WILL NOT EFFECT SITUATIONS WHERE A LEAD OR DRIFT CONDITION IS PRESENT ONLY WHEN BRAKING.
DIAGNOSIS:
The front end caster and/or camber angles on certain Jeep vehicles are fixed. For Grand Cherokee vehicles both the caster and camber angles are
non-adjustable (fixed). For Wrangler and Cherokee vehicles only the camber angle is non-adjustable (fixed). The offset ball joints listed in this bulletin
allow for the adjustment of these "fixed" front end alignment angles by an amount of up to 1.5 degrees. The offset ball joint should be used only as
required.
It is very important that the following steps are performed in order and prior to any consideration being given towards the use of an offset ball joint(s).
1.
Verify matching original equipment tires and wheels.
2.
Verify correct tire inflation pressures.
3.
Inspect for tire condition and abnormal wear. Refer to the appropriate Service Manual, Section 22 - Tires, for additional diagnostic assistance.
4.
Inspect for and correct any worn or damaged steering and front suspension components.
5.
Inspect for and correct any worn or damaged wheel bearings/hubs.
6.
Verify that no brake drag is present (front or rear).
7.
Road test the vehicle to determine if the slight lead or drift is present and not crown sensitive. While road testing, verify that the condition is
present even when the transmission is in neutral.
8.
If the condition is present, cross switch the front tires. If the condition follows the tires address the condition with the tire manufacturer.
If a slight lead or drift condition is still present after the above steps have been performed, perform the Repair Procedure.
