Anyone know a Jeep/suspension expert?

[Gracie]

I have a 96 Grand Cherokee Limited 5.2L. At highway speed, when hitting any small type of bump, the car will randomly start shaking/shuddering so hard that I think the car is either going to fall apart at the seams or flip over. I have to hold onto the wheel with all my strength since it won't steer and take my foot off the gas and coast over to the shoulder since the brakes don't work when this is happening b/c the wheels are shaking too much. The shuddering/shaking lasts as long as it takes the car to stop. It's like if I was driving 100 mph over really bad cobblestones. It only happens occasionally, and cannot be reproduced on demand for my mechanic. We have awful roads here in MA and I hit bumps all the time, yet it only happens randomly. Three mechanics, including a dealership, have no idea what this is and all 3 say that there's nothing broken when they've put it up on the lift. I have had a front end alignment and wheel balancing, but it was a waste of money.

I googled "Jeep suspension system" and found 2 Jeep forums much like this one and I posted my message on both of them. Those BBs don't get as much traffic as here, but I haven't gotten a good response. On one board, someone right after me posted the exact same problem and said no one can fix hers either!

I have another appointment at the dealership next Monday. I'd like to go there with some ideas for them to try (even though that's their job :rolleyes: ) because it's almost like they don't believe me or don't believe the seriousness. I know they would if they experienced it, but they could keep it for weeks and it wouldn't happen for them.

Does anyone know a great mechanic that could at least offer a suggestion even if they were across the country???

Loren

[Beth]

I wish I did know of someone who could help you. All I have to offer is some moral support.

Have you had anyone run an electronics test on the car? I don't know if there is any way they can do that and try to simulate the problem, but I often suspect electronic faults and shorts when nothing else can be found. They can be intermittent and very hard to find. Are there any sensors, regulators or other electronic parts connected to the front wheels, suspension or anything that might cause a jerking or shaking? Something connected to the hydraulics of the power steering since you can't steer??? I'm really just making some wild stabs to see if it sparks any thoughts that haven't been covered.

Please be very careful and either persist until you can get it fixed, get Jeep to buy the car back, or find someway to get another vehicle. Perhaps Jeep will buy it back and study the problem, especially if someone else has reported the same problem. If there is something this seriously wrong that can't be found or fixed, they could have a tremendous liability on their hands if your car or one like it is involved in a crash. They shouldn't want to take that risk, and please don't you.

[HejazSunKat]

Loren - Do you listen to National Public Radio? If so have you heard of Car Talk? Are you brave enough (or desperate enough) to call a radio talk show with your problem? These guys are great and alot of fun too.

http://cartalk.cars.com/show/

[gabbyh]

Loren,

Hi! Yup, I know one, I married him! My husband was working for Jeep when we met, in research & development...and he is somewhat of a "suspension" expert ;-}

Please feel free to contact us...send me an e-mail, I'll send you my Phone # and he'll give you some ideas...

~Gail H.

[gabbyh]

Loren,

I just e-mailed you my phone no....

[Gracie]

Thanks all of you!

Linda, I've heard of Click and Clack but never listened to the show. I hear it's great. I just went to the website and emailed my question. The website is pretty funny. I may just call and leave my message. What do I have to lose?

Gail, I'd love to talk to DH. I sent you a reply email.

Beth, thanks for your kind words. It is very scary since it happens out of the blue and the shaking is so violent. One of these days I'm not going to be able to get off the road without someone hitting me (since it always happens on the highway).

Keep the ideas coming! I've obviously stumped 2 good mechanics and a dealership (intelligence as yet unknown).

Loren

[Gracie]

Gail's DH ROCKS!!!!!

I finally found someone who knew what I was talking about and even better knows what is probably causing it.

Gail I sent you a thank you email, but words just can't convey how thankful and appreciative I am.

Loren

[Beth]

That's wonderful! Hope you can get it fixed now -- and maybe help that other person get theirs fixed.

Thanks Gail! Now I don't have to worry about Loren shaking herself into a wreck!