What Is A Track Bar On A Jeep TJ?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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First, let’s cover those basics: A track bar is a vital component of your Jeep’s suspension system. Its purpose is

to keep track of the relation between the Jeep’s body and its axle assemblies

. … Track bars are designed to prevent unwanted lateral movement of your vehicle’s axle assemblies.

How do I know if my jeep track bar is bad?

  1. Vibration in the steering wheel.
  2. Vehicle drives loose.
  3. Noises from under the front end.
  4. Wobbling at higher speeds.

What does jeep track bar do?

First, let’s cover those basics: A track bar is a vital component of your Jeep’s suspension system. Its purpose is

to keep track of the relation between the Jeep’s body and its axle assemblies

. … Track bars are designed to prevent unwanted lateral movement of your vehicle’s axle assemblies.

Whats the purpose of a track bar?

The track bar

restricts the suspension from moving side to side, which could damage the vehicle

. The track bar is made up of the rigid bar which runs on the same plane as the axle. It connects one end of the axle to the car body on the other side of the vehicle.

Can you drive a Jeep without a track bar?

Yep

you won’t be able to steer without the track bar there to keep the axle from moving side-to-side

instead of turning when you turn the steering wheel.

Do you need an alignment after replacing track bar?

Generally no. Usually all that is affected, is steering wheel position (It was more than likely adjusted last when track bar had play). Toe is unchanged as you are only replacing track bar, which is frame to axle. Although

an alignment is never a bad idea

.

What is a Jeep death wobble?

The death wobble refers to

when your entire Jeep starts shaking in an uncontrollable and violent manner

. Not to be confused with an alignment issue or a normal amount of road vibration, the death wobble will impact your entire vehicle, not just the steering wheel.

What are symptoms of a bad track bar?

Symptoms: Track bars take a lot of load and an improperly adjusted, damaged, or loose track bar can cause the axle to sit off-center,

cause clunking or popping when steering or going over bumps

, and can cause the steering wheel to be off-center.

Does the track bar affect steering?

The track

bar on the front of the vehicle is wearing

, causing problems with the steering column. As the track bar assembly wears down, it places more torque on the steering column of the automobile. This worn track bar makes it difficult to turn the steering wheel.

Will a new track bar fix death wobble?

Many aftermarket track bars, as well as the stock track bar,

are completely ineffective in managing Death Wobble

due to their “effective angle of operation”, particularly if you are above say 2 or 3 inches of lift.

What does death wobble feel like?

When death wobble occurs, you will feel

a shaking in the steering wheel

, which will increase or decrease with speed, and depending on severity, shaking throughout the cab.

Can a bad track bar cause death wobble?

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF DEATH WOBBLE? FRONT TRACK BAR BOLT: DW can arise as a

result of loose or worn out suspension and/or steering components

, with the most common cause being a loose front track bar bolt, worn out track bar bushing, or failing front track bar mount.

Do all vehicles have track bars?

Mostly you’ll be replacing your updating your track bar in the front of the suspension of your vehicle. However some of the newer vehicles will have them in the rear. These

all have track bars on the back

. If you have coil springs and and a solid rear axle you likely have a track bar in the rear.

Do I need an adjustable track bar with a 2.5 lift?


You do not need an adjustable track bar on

a 2.5′′ lift. Axle shift is minimal, 1/16 to 1/8′′, you will never notice it.

What is the difference between a track bar and a sway bar?

While your Jeep’s track bar will prevent chassis and suspension wobble, a sway bar (also known, ironically, as an anti-sway bar)

will allow your Jeep’s body to remain level while engaging in turns

. It may also be called a roll bar, anti-roll bar, or stabilizer bar.

What is the track bar for on a Dodge Ram?

A track bar is a suspension system component typically used in coil spring suspensions. It is a rigid steel

rod tying the axle to the frame or body of a vehicle to prevent the axle and wheels from moving side to side

. A track bar may be used on the front or the rear suspension.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.