Bent Axle or Blown Ball Joints/ Hub Bearing?

[tj3089]

So a couple weeks ago I was off-roading at night during a rainstorm and I hit a pretty big ditch/ square edge that bottomed out the front suspension, and I think bent something or took out my ball joints. Now the front passenger wheel and tire look obviously angled, even to the naked eye.

What should I check out first? I don't notice any play when the tire is lifted off the ground. Does it need more force?

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[Walldo]

Looks like a bent axle tube. Look for cracks around the FAD or stress cracks at the differential.
Good Luck

 

[Glamisfan]

My guess would also be a bent axle around the FAD. A very competent shop can straighten the axle and truss it, or you should be able to use your insurance to replace the entire axle.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I think they mean axle tube. The axle itself is likely not bent, but the tube it runs in, yeah, or a problem where things are pressed together in the FAD area, or the differential housing casting.

 

[Lost1wing]

I wouldn't panic too much right now. Until you check the alignment, it could be just the toe. On vehicles that have caster/camber adjustments, I can see something like this happening. I can't see an axle tube bending on what you described. I have seen steering parts bend throwing the toe out make wheels appear to lean. It's free to check the toe in your driveway. Good place to start.

 

[Gvsukids]

It's free to check the toe in your driveway.

Also free at Belle Tire.

 

[tj3089]

I wouldn't panic too much right now. Until you check the alignment, it could be just the toe. On vehicles that have caster/camber adjustments, I can see something like this happening. I can't see an axle tube bending on what you described. I have seen steering parts bend throwing the toe out make wheels appear to lean. It's free to check the toe in your driveway. Good place to start.

Well after the hit, my steering wheel was crocked. So I did an alignment in my driveway with the Iron Rock Off Road alignment tool. Toe in was about 1/8" and I straightened out the steering wheel.

It drives fine and I only noticed the angle after walking back to the my jeep after work.

Let me double check the alignment and look for signs of a bent axle.

 

[tj3089]

I'm assuming these cracks and gaps shouldn't be there?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I'm assuming these cracks and gaps shouldn't be there?

Correct.

 

[tj3089]

Correct.

What would be the best course of action? I currently messaged my friend that works at a shop to see if they can straighten it and truss it. I'll also make an appointment at the dealership to see how much it would cost to repair it or if it's covered under warranty, which I doubt.

1 ton time? It only took me 20k miles to break these

 

[ShadowsPapa]

What would be the best course of action? I currently messaged my friend that works at a shop to see if they can straighten it and truss it out. I'll also make an appointment at the dealership to see how much it would cost to repair it or if it's covered under warranty, which I doubt.

1 ton time? It only took me 20k miles to break these

IF the shop can truly straighten it, weld and truss it - sounds one way to go.
If it's not true, there's forces on the shaft and bearings you don't want.

I see you have a diesel, otherwise, take-outs are out there, but I bet mostly from gassers.

I guess, if it was me,
gather the information for replacement in a shop
Repair - trussing, reinforcing (if it can be made true)
Replacement with heavier axles or - someone who has take-offs for sale (but they'll likely sell as a set, not just the front.

Let's see what others say here................

 

[tj3089]

IF the shop can truly straighten it, weld and truss it - sounds one way to go.
If it's not true, there's forces on the shaft and bearings you don't want.

I see you have a diesel, otherwise, take-outs are out there, but I bet mostly from gassers.

I guess, if it was me,
gather the information for replacement in a shop
Repair - trussing, reinforcing (if it can be made true)
Replacement with heavier axles or - someone who has take-offs for sale (but they'll likely sell as a set, not just the front.

Let's see what others say here................

How unsafe is it to drive around in this condition? I have my adventure bike to commute on, and my TJ as well. It is getting close to winter though, and my TJ doesn't have a top anymore.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

How unsafe is it to drive around in this condition? I have my adventure bike to commute on, and my TJ as well. It is getting close to winter though, and my TJ doesn't have a top anymore.

That's a definite - it depends.

Hit another bump that jars something that's already loose, it will drop farther. More out-of-true means more stress on the bearings on the axle shaft itself.

 

[bleda2002]

How unsafe is it to drive around in this condition? I have my adventure bike to commute on, and my TJ as well. It is getting close to winter though, and my TJ doesn't have a top anymore.

Hit a bump and you could finally break the axle tube out. Id not drive on this unless absolutely necessary.

Maybe time for an ultimate 44 or 60 depending on tire size

 

[tj3089]

If I plan on staying with 37s for a while, would it be better to go with an ultimate dana 44 from Currie or the hd60 that runs stock steering and brake components?

I'm leaning towards the HD60 since it is not much more. Then I can upgrade the steering later.

https://www.currie4x4.com/currie-hd60-jeep-gladiator-front-axle-assembly

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