The track bar keeps your Jeep XJ's axle centered under the body

A track bar is a metal rod that runs from your Jeep XJ's frame to the axle housing. Its job is to stop the axle from sliding side to side when you turn, brake, or hit bumps. Without it, the axle would drift left or right, throwing off your alignment and making the steering feel loose and unpredictable. On the XJ, the track bar connects the driver's side of the frame to the passenger's side of the axle (or vice versa, depending on which end you're looking at).

The track bar is held in place by rubber bushings at each end — one where it connects to the frame, one where it connects to the axle. These bushings wear out over time. When they do, you'll notice the axle wandering, the steering feeling vague, or clunking sounds when you go over rough ground. A worn track bar doesn't fail suddenly the way a brake line might, but it does get progressively worse and makes the Jeep harder to control.

Key Takeaways

  • The track bar is a rod that keeps your axle centered under the body and prevents side-to-side movement during turns and bumps.
  • Rubber bushings at both ends of the track bar wear out and cause clunking, vague steering, or a wandering feel at highway speeds.
  • You can inspect the track bar yourself by grabbing it by hand and checking for play in the bushings, or by listening for clunks when turning sharply.
  • Replacement involves removing the old rod and bolts, then installing a new track bar with fresh bushings, a job that takes two to four hours with basic tools.
  • Aftermarket track bars made from heavier steel or with polyurethane bushings last longer than OEM parts and are common upgrades on lifted XJs.

Signs your track bar bushings are wearing out

The most common symptom is a clunking or knocking sound when you turn the steering wheel sharply, especially at low speeds in a parking lot. This happens because the worn bushings allow the axle to move slightly, and the track bar rod itself shifts in the bushing. You might hear it once per turn or multiple times depending on how much play has developed.

At highway speeds, a worn track bar often causes the steering to feel loose or vague — the Jeep drifts slightly side to side even when you're holding the wheel steady, or it takes more steering input than it should to keep the vehicle centered in the lane. Some owners describe it as the Jeep "wandering." This happens because the axle is no longer held firmly in place, so road imperfections push it around more than they should.

If you suspect a worn track bar, you can do a quick check yourself. With the Jeep parked on level ground, grab the track bar rod with both hands (it runs horizontally under the Jeep, connecting frame to axle) and try to move it up and down or side to side. If there's noticeable play or movement in the rod itself, the bushings are worn. You can also have a helper turn the steering wheel while you watch the axle from underneath — if the axle shifts noticeably side to side as the wheel turns, the track bar is likely the culprit.

How to inspect the track bar on your XJ

Start by safely raising the Jeep on jack stands — never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Once the front end is in the air, get underneath and locate the track bar. On the XJ, it runs from the driver's side frame rail to the passenger's side of the axle housing (or the reverse, depending on your model year). It's a single rod about the thickness of your thumb, and you can't miss it.

Grab the rod firmly with both hands and try to move it. Press up and down, then try to twist it. Any movement in the rod itself (not the Jeep bouncing on its suspension) means the bushings are loose. Next, have someone turn the steering wheel lock to lock while you watch the axle. A healthy track bar keeps the axle centered; a worn one lets it shift visibly. You can also look at the rubber bushings themselves — if they're cracked, split, or visibly compressed on one side, replacement is due soon.

Replacing the track bar yourself

You'll need a socket set, wrenches, a jack and jack stands, and a new track bar assembly. OEM Jeep track bars are available from any Jeep dealer or online parts supplier. Aftermarket options from companies like Rough Country or Teraflex are also common and often come with polyurethane bushings that last longer than rubber. Expect to spend $80 to $200 for the part itself, depending on whether you choose OEM or aftermarket.

The job itself is straightforward. Raise the Jeep safely on jack stands, then locate the bolts at each end of the track bar — one at the frame, one at the axle. These are usually 18mm or 19mm bolts. Remove them, and the old track bar will come free. Install the new one by sliding it into place and threading the bolts back in by hand first, then tightening them firmly with a wrench. Tighten the frame end first, then the axle end. The whole process usually takes two to four hours if you're working alone and taking your time.

After installation, lower the Jeep and take it for a test drive. The steering should feel noticeably tighter, and any clunking should be gone. If you hear clunking after replacement, double-check that both bolts are tight — loose bolts are the most common reason for noise to persist.

OEM versus aftermarket track bars

The original Jeep track bar uses rubber bushings that are designed to absorb vibration and noise. They work well for normal street driving but wear out in 80,000 to 120,000 miles, depending on road conditions and driving style. Rough terrain, frequent turning, and potholes all speed up wear. OEM replacements are identical to what came on your Jeep and cost $80 to $120.

Aftermarket track bars, especially those designed for lifted XJs, often use polyurethane bushings instead of rubber. Polyurethane is stiffer and lasts longer — often 150,000 miles or more — but it transmits more vibration and noise into the cabin. Many owners of lifted XJs prefer this trade-off because the improved durability and tighter steering feel are worth the extra noise. Aftermarket bars also tend to be made from heavier-gauge steel, which resists bending better if you hit a rock or pothole hard. Expect to pay $120 to $200 for an aftermarket option.

Track bar wear and lifted XJs

If your XJ has been lifted, the track bar is under more stress than it was designed for. A lift changes the angle at which the track bar sits, which puts uneven pressure on the bushings. This is why lifted XJs often need track bar replacement sooner than stock vehicles. Some owners of lifted XJs replace the track bar with an adjustable aftermarket version that allows them to fine-tune the axle position and reduce the stress on the bushings.

If you're planning to lift your XJ, replacing the track bar at the same time is a smart move. A fresh track bar with quality bushings will handle the new geometry better and last longer than the original part would under the added stress. Many lift kit instructions include track bar replacement as a recommended step, even if it's not strictly required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my XJ if the track bar is worn?

Yes, but the steering will feel loose and vague, especially at highway speeds. The Jeep is still drivable, but it's less safe because the axle isn't held firmly in place. Worn track bars are not an emergency repair, but they should be replaced within a few hundred miles to restore proper handling.

What's the difference between a track bar and a sway bar?

A track bar keeps the axle centered side to side. A sway bar (also called an anti-roll bar) reduces body lean when you turn. They do different jobs and both can wear out independently. A worn sway bar causes body roll; a worn track bar causes axle wandering.

Do I need an alignment after replacing the track bar?

Not usually. The track bar doesn't affect wheel alignment the way a tie rod or control arm does. However, if your Jeep was pulling to one side before replacement, have an alignment done afterward to rule out other issues.

How long does a track bar replacement take at a shop?

Most shops charge one to two hours of labor for a track bar replacement. At typical shop rates of $75 to $150 per hour, labor will run $75 to $300 depending on your location and the shop's experience with XJs.