BUY JEEP PARTS: Dana 44 | Catalytic Converter | Jeep Gas Cap | Distributor | Carburetor

In all of your future Jeep Creep questions, please list your first and last names, your hometown, and your state/province/country, so that we can publish that information here. If you don’t provide this information, we may not be able to publish your question and answer. Don’t forget to be as complete as possible with the description of your Jeep and its problems, too. In addition, if there is a recall issued on a Jeep model by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), I will publish it here for your information and education. See all of the posted recalls at www.odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm.—Jim Brightly

NHTSA Recall No. 09V119000: Chrysler is recalling 42,469 MY 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in salt belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District Of Columbia. The front suspension upper control arm ball joint may experience a loss of lubrication which could lead to corrosion, accelerated wear, and possible separation while driving. Failure of the ball joint could result in a loss of steering capability, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the front upper control arm assemblies free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403.

NHTSA Recall No. 09V118000: Chrysler is recalling 4,336 MY 2009 Dodge Journey, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander and Wrangler vehicles. Wiring may be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver’s airbag may not deploy as intended. In the event of a crash, the driver’s airbag may not properly inflate and may not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries. Dealers will inspect the driver’s airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403.

NHTSA Recall No. 09V117000: Chrysler is recalling 102,354 MY 2001-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles with heated seats and with Chrysler recall no. 06V-197 completed (03-04 MY) or seat heater elements service replacement (01-02 MY). The front seat electric heater elements could overheat. Overheating could potentially cause a fire or injury. Dealers will replace the front seat heater elements free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403.

Zipper Lube

I read your Q&A about Jeep zipper care and have a follow-up question. I have been thinking for a while now that some kind of lubricant would help, and seeing your answer confirms that for me. The question I now have is what works the best and how to apply it, i.e.: do or can you get the lubricant on the cloth that the teeth are attached to or, if not, how would you put it on the teeth, etc.?

Sean R. Guy
Jackson, Mississippi

First Response: There may be a better lubricant, but I prefer spray silicone. It goes on dry, doesn’t attract dirt and dust, and lubes very well. If you go to Bestop’s Web site, you can find their zipper lube.

Sean’s second letter: Thanks a lot, Jim. I appreciate your response. Right after I sent you that e-mail, I found someone selling “Zipperease” for Jeep zipper repair on Ebay. I researched Zipperease and discovered that it is a wax-based stick that is sold primarily to divers for use on wet/dry suit zippers. I went to my local dive store, bought some for a couple dollars and applied it to the zipper on my door and it works great. Plus the zipper is quiet now as a result of the compound. According to the label, the compound is stain free. Having said that, I like the idea of not attracting dust and dirt with the spray, so I will check out the site and get some to see which one I like the best.

Second response: No problem, Sean. But I have a feeling your door window zipper is going to be covered with dirt after your next trail ride. The wax may work wonders in a wet, dust-free environment, but on the trail I think it’s going attract dust like a magnet does iron filings.

Axle Flipping

I was just wondering what is involved with flipping your axles under your springs? Do you have to change steering geometry or driveshaft angles? Also, what is the best way to free up a sticking lifter? Is there an additive that works best?

C. Witty
Sault Ste. Marie, Canada

I’m sorry, but you’ve just thrown me for a loss and a loop! Are you talking about flipping the axles upside-down or doing a spring-over conversion? The best way to free a sticking lifter is to change it. The next best way is to change your oil to ATF. Do not drive it with ATF in the crankcase, just allow the engine to idle, reach its full warm-up temp, and then do some easy revs. Change the oil back to engine oil (preferably synthetic) and change the filter, too. Add a can of Marvel Mystery Oil and you should be OK. Don’t overfill the crankcase, though.

Skunk Works

Our Jeep has a skunk-like smell, and it is really noticeable when the heat is on. Is this something we should be concerned about? What could it be? The smell is inside and outside and it comes out of the heater, it seems to have only happened the one time and now we are thinking maybe there was skunk in the area.

Rachel Phillips
Bowen Island, Canada

Thanks for replying, Rachel. If it happened while you were driving, you probably either hit it or just missed it. Be thankful it didn’t spray your exhaust, or you’d have to change the exhaust or get rid of the Jeep!

Bushed Bushings

OK, this will be strange because I own a 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ 2WD and want to replace the suspension bushings. Does the 4WD XJ use the same bushing as the 2WD? I’m looking at a bushing kit for the 4WD and wondering if it will fit my 2WD.

S. Clark
Pearland, TX

Clark, stop by the closest auto parts store or a Jeep dealer and ask them to look up the part numbers to both bushings. That’ll tell you.

Broken Bolts

Martin’s first letter: We were installing a 2-inch lift yesterday and replacing the old shocks. The upper mounting screws in the rear snapped off. We are trying to reverse thread the old bolt but the tool broke. We may drill two new holes 3/8” away from existing but could use some suggestions.

Martin’s second letter: I have a ‘99 Cherokee. We were installing a 2-inch budget lift and were removing the rear shocks. But since the Jeep is 10 years old we snapped off three out of four of the upper mounting bolts. And of course we sprayed Kroil on all the bolts and let it set in before we carefully attempted the removal. We ended up using an air hammer and popped out the rusted nuts that were welded in place leaving a hole for us to use. We then inserted a 1 1/4” 10mm grade 8 bolt and fastened it in place with lock washers thereby creating new mounting studs. And voila! We got our shocks mounted and are driving the Jeep today.

Martin McKenna
Dundee, IL

Good job, Martin! Just goes to show what Jeep ingenuity can do.

s usual each month, I’m shouting out a big THANK YOU to Paul Schupp at Rock Lizard 4x4 in Kingman, Arizona, for his invaluable assistance in answering many of the Jeep Creep questions.