Common Jeep Repairs (2022 Update)
Jeeps are a very popular vehicle in Oregon & Idaho. Due to the famously tough terrain and heavy snowfall, people need a vehicle they can be confident will get them to where they need to be no matter the obstacle. Jeeps are tough, there’s no question about it. However, like any vehicle, they will run into car issues that need to be repaired eventually. While you may not need too many of them, being aware of the most common Jeep repairs will benefit you. It can sometimes be hard to tell when exactly your vehicle needs service.
Don’t Get Caught by Surprise
One thing that often happens with Jeep owners is that they’ll come in for service and be shocked to hear that they need a lot of work done. The good thing about Jeeps, and this may sound like a double-edged sword actually, is that they tend to continue to run pretty well even if there are underlying problems. It’s not uncommon to hear things like “I need that much work done? I haven’t had to get anything fixed on this Jeep in years.”
Obviously, no one likes to get caught by surprise like this. This is especially true when it comes to vehicle maintenance. The good thing is there are only a few major issues that are seen somewhat consistently when it comes to Jeeps. Once they are fixed, you can pretty much bet on the fact your Jeep will be able to stay on the road for many more miles. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every single model of vehicle has its own unique quirks and issues. You may not experience any of these common problems and in fact, could be experiencing something completely different. The following Jeep repairs, however, are the ones that have been encountered the most often, so keep an eye out for these issues.
Suspension Components
Suspension components, including track bars, drag links, ball joints, and tie rod ends, tend to be the most commonly damaged components that require replacement or repair when someone brings their Jeep in for service. This really shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise considering very few people purchase Jeeps just to commute to and from work. Usually, a Jeep gets put through its paces on some pretty unforgiving terrain which puts great strain on the suspension as you’re driving over unpaved land or large rocks and considerably high speeds.
In fact, suspension issues are so common with Jeeps that the problem has developed its own interestingly creative name among Jeep owners: the Jeep Death Wobble. Perhaps this is a bit of an exaggeration, however that uncontrollable wobble isn’t something you really want to be driving on for any significant amount of time so if you’re noticing a wobble, bring your Jeep in for service as soon as you can so it can be fixed.
Cooling Components
Obviously, keeping your engine cool is necessary to keep it running. Many Jeeps eventually have an issue where something goes wrong with the cooling system. This goes beyond making sure that you change your coolant when required. While this is important, the components themselves need to be minded. The water pumps and radiator have a tendency to need to be repaired. Both of these issues can reveal themselves in similar ways. Keep an eye out for any coolant leaks. Check your thermostat occasionally. Generally, when a water pump or the radiator itself is experiencing issues, the engine temperature will run too high, which is a recipe for an expensive and potentially dangerous situation. Check for cracked or damaged pumps every so often to get out ahead of the issue.
Axle Shaft U-Joints
Here is another issue related to the handling of your vehicle. Again, no surprise here. 4 x 4 vehicles often need to have their axle shaft U-joints changed. This is especially true if you off-road often. Eventually, the damage is done. While it can be hard to tell when a U-joint goes bad, there are some telltale signs. Keep an ear out for squeaking while driving, a clunking sound while shifting, vibrations while you drive, and transmission fluid leaking. All of these “symptoms” could be another issue. Regardless of the root cause, it’s not going to be something good, so be sure to bring your Jeep in for service if you experience any of these things.
Routine Maintenance
Those are a few of the most common repairs that we see come through when it comes to Jeeps. But, that doesn’t mean those are the only issues you may run into. All vehicles are susceptible to similar problems when it comes to not staying on top of routine maintenance. Jeeps are no different, even though they can run well for a long time without any noticeable problems. Here is what you have to make sure you’re mindful of as you drive your Jeep over the years.
It’s very important to stay on top of your oil changes. The sticker on your windshield isn’t meant to just guilt you into bringing your vehicle in. It’s important to get your oil changed very 4,000 to 5,000 miles so there isn’t a chance for old oil to gunk up the engine with pollutants. If oil isn’t changed often enough, dirt and other solid material can build up in the engine, drastically shortening the life of the engine, if not the vehicle itself.
Another bit of maintenance to be aware of, especially with Jeeps, is the state of your tires. Since you’ve probably bought a Jeep to handle tough terrain and intense weather conditions, it’s doubly important to make sure your tires are up to the task of handling it. This includes checking your tread, making sure you have enough pressure in your tires, making sure your tires are properly aligned, and actually having the right kinds of tires for the terrain you’re going to be spending most of your time driving on. Remember, it’s not just about off-roading. There are specific tires for summer and winter months to offer better handling. This is especially important when talking about heavy rain or snowfall.
By keeping up with the maintenance on your vehicle you can help ensure that you’ll be able to drive your Jeep for longer.
Conclusion
Most likely you bought your Jeep because you wanted a vehicle that was tough and could take anything you threw at it. Oregon is famous for its rugged terrain and many drivers like to have the ability to off-road when the mood strikes. As tough as your Jeep is, however, inevitably it will need to be repaired at some point. If you haven’t had your Jeep looked at lately or you’ve noticed that something doesn’t seem right when you drive it, it’s time to take it in for a look. Addressing issues before they become major problems, including keeping up with routine maintenance, will actually end up saving you money in the long run.
At Mac’s Radiator, we have years of experience servicing Jeeps at a fair price. Let us help you keep your Jeep on the road for many years to come. Call us today to schedule an appointment to bring in your Jeep so we can provide the service needed.
