Front End Steering Rebuild Kits
Package kits bundle the wearing steering parts and ball joints.
2001 Jeep Cherokee Suspension Diagram
This interactive diagram shows the front axle, steering linkage and rear axle of the 2001 Jeep Cherokee. Hover over or tap any part to see what it does, the signs that it is worn, and the replacement parts we carry that fit your Jeep, down to the side and position.
2001 Jeep Cherokee 4WD Suspension Diagram (Full Chassis)
2001 Jeep Cherokee 4WD Front Suspension and Steering Diagram
2001 Jeep Cherokee 4WD Rear Suspension Diagram
We carry parts for it Not stocked yet Hover or tap any part.
The Cherokee rides on solid axles under a unibody. At the front, coil springs carry the axle, two upper and two lower control arms locate it, and a track bar keeps it centered. The steering gear on the driver side swings a pitman arm and a drag link out to the passenger knuckle, and the tie rod runs from the driver knuckle to the drag link. At the rear the axle sits on two leaf springs, each with a shackle at its rear eye. The diagram is drawn from a four wheel drive model.
We carry replacement parts for 40 of the 51 components on this diagram, 181 parts in all. See every part for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee.
Packages and kits
Shock Absorber Sets
Front and rear shock sets for the whole Jeep.
Complete Suspension Bushing Kits
Kits with the suspension bushings for the whole Jeep or the front end.
U-Joint Packages
Sets of the U-joints for this Jeep.
Front Suspension
1 Upper Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The upper ball joint is pressed into the upper ear of the axle's C and carries the top of the steering knuckle as it turns.
Signs of wear: Wandering, a clunk over bumps, uneven tire wear, or play when the tire is rocked top to bottom with the front lifted.
Tip: Offset upper joints are sold in degree steps to correct camber and caster on lifted Jeeps. Replace both sides and get an alignment.
See all Front Upper Ball Joint parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
2 Lower Ball Joint (driver and passenger side)
The lower ball joint is pressed into the lower ear of the axle's C and carries the bottom of the knuckle.
Signs of wear: Play at the bottom of the tire, clunks when turning, or a torn boot.
Tip: Lower joints usually wear first. Do both sides together.
See all Front Lower Ball Joint parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
3 Upper Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
Each upper control arm runs back from the top of the axle to a bracket on the body rail. On the driver side the arm bolts to an ear on the differential housing, on the passenger side to a bracket on the axle tube. With the lower arms they set the axle's caster.
Signs of wear: Clunks on acceleration or braking, a steering wheel that wanders, or cracked rubber at the arm ends.
Tip: Worn upper arm bushings often cause the clunk blamed on the track bar. Check both ends with a pry bar.
4 Lower Control Arm (driver and passenger side)
The lower control arms run back from brackets under the axle tube to brackets on the body rails. They push and pull the axle and carry the braking load.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps or when braking, the Jeep pulling under braking, or torn bushings.
Tip: Rust at the body brackets is common on older Cherokees. Inspect the brackets when you replace the arms.
5 Upper Control Arm Bushings (driver and passenger side)
Rubber or polyurethane bushings in both ends of each upper arm let it pivot while damping noise.
Signs of wear: Clunks, a vague feel on center, or cracked and shifted rubber.
Tip: Polyurethane bushings last longer but pass more vibration. Press them in with the arm off the Jeep.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
6 Lower Control Arm Bushings (driver and passenger side)
Bushings in both ends of each lower arm let it pivot at the axle and at the body bracket.
Signs of wear: Clunks over bumps, pulling when braking, or rubber pushed out of the arm.
Tip: Four wheel drive and two wheel drive Cherokees use different lower arm bushings at the axle end. Check which you have before ordering.
See all Front Control Arm Bushings parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
7 Caster and Camber Shims
Shims correct caster or camber when the axle sits at a new angle, for example after a lift.
Signs of wear: Steering that does not return to center, or uneven tire wear after a lift.
Tip: Have the alignment checked after fitting shims.
See all Front End Alignment Kit parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
8 Steering Knuckle (driver and passenger side)
The knuckle turns on the two ball joints and carries the hub, the brake caliper and the steering arm.
Signs of wear: Worn ball joint tapers, or a cracked steering arm after a hard hit.
Tip: Replace the ball joints while the knuckle is off.
We don't carry a steering knuckle for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
9 Front Axle
The four wheel drive Cherokee uses a solid front axle with the differential on the driver side. Shafts with a U-joint at each knuckle drive the wheels.
Signs of wear: Gear whine, a leak at the pinion, or clicking from the axle U-joints when turning.
Tip: Check the axle U-joints whenever the hubs are off.
We don't carry a front axle for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
10 Front Coil Spring (driver and passenger side)
A coil spring sits on a perch on each side of the axle and carries the front of the Jeep up to the body's spring seat.
Signs of wear: A sagging front, a cracked coil, or bottoming over bumps.
Tip: Replace springs in pairs and fit new isolators.
We don't carry a front coil spring for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
11 Coil Spring Isolator (driver and passenger side)
The isolator is a rubber pad between the top of the coil and the body's spring seat. It stops squeaks and road noise.
Signs of wear: Squeaks or creaks over bumps, or a pad that is split or missing.
Tip: Thicker pads and spacers raise the front slightly.
See all Front Coil Spring Isolator Pads parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
12 Front Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
The bump stop is a rubber cone under the body rail. It stops the axle hitting the body at full compression.
Signs of wear: A hard bang over big bumps, or a cone that is cracked or missing.
Tip: Extended stops are needed after a lift so the tires clear the fenders.
13 Front Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side)
The front shock runs up through the middle of the coil spring to the spring seat and damps the axle's movement.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after bumps, nose dive under braking, or oil on the shock body.
Tip: Replace shocks in pairs.
See all Front Shock Absorber parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
14 Front Sway Bar
The front sway bar runs across ahead of the axle in two bushings under the body rails. Its ends link down to the axle and resist body roll.
Signs of wear: Body lean in turns or a knock from the bar ends.
Tip: Bar sizes from 22.5 to 28 mm are listed. Measure your bar before buying bushings.
We don't carry a front sway bar for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
15 Front Sway Bar Bushings
Two bushings in straps hold the sway bar to the body rails.
Signs of wear: Clunks over uneven roads or a bar that moves in its strap.
Tip: Match the bushing size to your bar diameter.
See all Front Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
16 Front Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side)
Each link connects the end of the sway bar down to a bracket on the axle.
Signs of wear: A rattle or knock over small bumps, or worn rubber at the link ends.
Tip: Longer or quick-disconnect links are common after a lift.
See all Front Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
17 Front Track Bar
The track bar runs across the axle from a bracket under the driver side body rail to a bracket at the passenger end of the axle. It keeps the axle centered under the Jeep.
Signs of wear: Steering wander, a clunk when turning the wheel at a standstill, or a violent shake after a bump.
Tip: Have a helper turn the wheel with the engine running and watch both ends of the bar for movement.
18 Track Bar Bushings
A bushing in the axle end of the track bar lets it pivot.
Signs of wear: Clunks and steering wander, or rubber pushed out of the eye.
Tip: Check the ball joint at the frame end and the bracket bolts at the same time.
See all Front Track Arm Bar Bushings parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Steering
19 Drag Link
The drag link carries the steering from the pitman arm to the passenger steering arm. The tie rod joins it near the passenger side.
Signs of wear: Play in the steering, wandering, or a torn boot at the passenger end.
Tip: Center the steering wheel with the drag link sleeve after an alignment.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
20 Drag Link End at Pitman Arm
This end connects the drag link to the pitman arm on the steering gear.
Signs of wear: Play felt at the steering wheel or a loose stud.
Tip: It has a left hand thread into the sleeve.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
21 Drag Link Adjusting Sleeve
A short threaded sleeve joins the drag link end to the drag link. Turning it centers the steering wheel.
Signs of wear: A seized or rusted sleeve, or loose clamps.
Tip: Soak the threads before trying to turn it.
See all Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
22 Tie Rod End at Drag Link
The passenger end of the tie rod drops its stud into the drag link near the passenger steering arm.
Signs of wear: Play in the steering or uneven wear on both front tires.
Tip: Replace it with the other tie rod end and set the toe.
See all Front Inner Tie Rod End parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
23 Tie Rod End, Driver Side
The driver end of the tie rod connects to the driver steering arm.
Signs of wear: Play in the steering, toe wear, or a torn boot.
Tip: It has a left hand thread into the tie rod tube.
See all Front Outer Tie Rod End parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
24 Tie Rod Tube
The long tube between the tie rod ends sets the toe. It runs from the driver steering arm to the drag link.
Signs of wear: A bent tube after an off road hit, or seized threads.
Tip: A bent tube changes the toe. Replace it rather than straighten it.
See all Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
25 Pitman Arm
The pitman arm hangs from the steering gear on the driver side rail and swings the drag link.
Signs of wear: Play between the gear and the arm, or a worn stud hole.
Tip: Use a puller to remove it. Do not hammer on the gear shaft.
We don't carry a pitman arm for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
26 Steering Stabilizer
The steering stabilizer is a damper between the tie rod and a bracket on the axle. It soaks up kickback from bumps.
Signs of wear: Steering kickback or a leaking damper.
Tip: A new stabilizer can hide a worn track bar or ball joints. Check those first.
Driveline
27 Front Axle U-Joint (driver and passenger side)
A U-joint at each knuckle lets the axle shaft drive the wheel while it steers.
Signs of wear: Clicking or binding when turning in four wheel drive.
Tip: Replace both sides while the shafts are out.
28 Front Driveshaft
The front driveshaft runs from the transfer case to the front differential on the driver side.
Signs of wear: Vibration in four wheel drive or a worn joint.
Tip: Check the joints at both ends.
We don't carry a front driveshaft for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
29 Front Driveshaft U-Joint at Axle
The U-joint at the front differential end of the front driveshaft.
Signs of wear: Clunks when shifting into four wheel drive, or a squeak.
Tip: Grease it if it has a fitting.
30 Front Driveshaft CV Joint at Transfer Case
A double cardan joint at the transfer case end of the front driveshaft lets it run at a steep angle smoothly.
Signs of wear: Vibration or a clunk in four wheel drive.
Tip: The centering ball kit wears too. Check it when you replace the crosses.
31 Rear Driveshaft
The rear driveshaft runs from the transfer case to the rear differential.
Signs of wear: Vibration at speed or a clunk when shifting.
Tip: Mark the shaft before removing it so the balance is kept.
We don't carry a rear driveshaft for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
32 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Transfer Case
The U-joint at the front end of the rear driveshaft, by the slip yoke.
Signs of wear: A squeak or clunk when shifting.
Tip: Two cap sizes are listed. Measure before ordering.
33 Rear Driveshaft U-Joint at Axle
The U-joint at the rear differential end of the rear driveshaft.
Signs of wear: Vibration or a clunk when starting off.
Tip: Replace both joints together.
Rear Suspension
40 Rear Axle
The rear axle sits on top of the two leaf springs, held to them by U-bolts.
Signs of wear: Gear whine or a leak at a wheel.
Tip: Check which axle you have before ordering axle parts.
We don't carry a rear axle for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
41 Rear Leaf Spring (driver and passenger side)
Two leaf springs carry the rear. Each is fixed in a hanger at its front eye and swings on a shackle at its rear eye, and the axle sits on top of it.
Signs of wear: A sagging rear, a broken leaf, or a spring that has shifted on the axle.
Tip: Replace springs in pairs with new bushings.
We don't carry a rear leaf spring for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
42 Leaf Spring Eye Bushing (driver and passenger side)
A bushing in the front eye of each spring lets it pivot in its hanger.
Signs of wear: Clunks or squeaks from the rear, or a spring that moves fore and aft.
Tip: Kits often include the shackle bushings too.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Bushings parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
43 Shackle Bushings (driver and passenger side)
Bushings in the rear spring eye and the shackle's upper bolt let the shackle swing as the spring flexes.
Signs of wear: Squeaks or clunks at the back of the springs.
Tip: Replace them with the shackles if the shackles are rusted.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Shackle Bushings parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
44 Leaf Spring Shackle (driver and passenger side)
The shackle hangs from a bracket on the body rail and holds the rear eye of the spring, so the spring can grow longer as it flattens.
Signs of wear: Clunks, a rusted shackle, or a shackle sitting at an odd angle.
Tip: Longer shackles raise the rear slightly.
See all Rear Leaf Spring Shackles parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
45 Spring U-Bolts and Plate (driver and passenger side)
Two U-bolts each side wrap over the axle tube and clamp it to the spring with a plate underneath. The rear shock bolts to the plate.
Signs of wear: Loose nuts or an axle that has shifted on the spring.
Tip: Fit new U-bolts when you replace the springs.
We don't carry a spring u-bolts and plate for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
46 Rear Shock Absorber (driver and passenger side)
The rear shock runs from the spring plate under the axle up to the body.
Signs of wear: Bouncing after bumps or oil on the shock.
Tip: Replace shocks in pairs.
See all Rear Shock Absorber parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
47 Rear Bump Stop (driver and passenger side)
A rubber stop on the body rail above the axle limits how far the axle can rise.
Signs of wear: A bang over big bumps or a missing stop.
Tip: Extended stops suit lifted Jeeps.
48 Rear Sway Bar Not on every vehicle
The rear sway bar runs across behind the axle in bushings under the body rails. Short links tie its ends to the spring plates.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some Cherokees. We list its bushings and links for 2000 and 2001, but not every Jeep has one; look for a thin bar behind the rear axle.
Signs of wear: Body roll or a rattle from the rear.
Tip: Check the links and bushings at the same time.
We don't carry a rear sway bar for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee yet. Ask us about this part and we will try to source it.
49 Rear Sway Bar Link (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
Each short link ties the bar end to a bracket at the spring plate.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some Cherokees. We list its bushings and links for 2000 and 2001, but not every Jeep has one; look for a thin bar behind the rear axle.
Signs of wear: A rattle over bumps.
Tip: Replace both sides together.
See all Rear Sway Bar Endlinks parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
50 Rear Sway Bar Bushings (driver and passenger side) Not on every vehicle
Two bushings hold the rear bar to brackets on the body rails.
Not on every vehicle: Fitted to some Cherokees. We list its bushings and links for 2000 and 2001, but not every Jeep has one; look for a thin bar behind the rear axle.
Signs of wear: Clunks from the rear over uneven roads.
Tip: The factory bar is 16 mm. Match the bushing size.
See all Rear Sway Bar Bushings parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Brakes and Hubs
34 Front Wheel Bearing and Hub (driver and passenger side)
The hub bolts to the knuckle and carries the wheel on a sealed bearing. The axle shaft drives it through splines.
Signs of wear: A growl that changes when turning, or play in the wheel.
Tip: 2000 and 2001 Cherokees use a different hub from earlier years. Check the year.
See all Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
35 Front Brake Rotor (driver and passenger side)
The vented rotor sits over the hub and turns with the wheel.
Signs of wear: Pulsing when braking, or scoring.
Tip: Replace the pads with the rotors.
36 Front Brake Caliper (driver and passenger side)
The single piston caliper sits behind the axle on the knuckle and squeezes the pads.
Signs of wear: Pulling under braking or a sticking caliper.
Tip: Bleed the brakes after a caliper change.
See all Front Brake Caliper parts for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
37 Front Brake Pads (driver and passenger side)
Two pads in each caliper press on the rotor.
Signs of wear: Squealing, grinding or a low pedal.
Tip: The pad listed for 2000 differs from the 2001 pad. Check the year.
38 Rear Brake Drum (driver and passenger side)
The drum covers the rear brake shoes and turns with the wheel.
Signs of wear: A pulsing pedal or a scored drum.
Tip: Cherokees came with 9 or 10 inch rear brakes. Measure the drum.
39 Rear Brake Shoes (driver and passenger side)
Two shoes inside each drum press out against it.
Signs of wear: A weak parking brake or grinding at the rear.
Tip: Shoes differ between 2000 and 2001 and by brake size. Check both.
Engine Mounts
51 Engine Mounts
Engine mounts hold the engine to the front crossmember and damp vibration.
Signs of wear: A clunk when shifting or extra vibration at idle.
Tip: Support the engine before removing a mount.
Questions about the 2001 Jeep Cherokee suspension
What causes front end shimmy on a 2001 Jeep Cherokee?
A violent shake after a bump usually starts with play in the front end: a worn track bar or loose track bar bolts, worn ball joints, loose tie rod or drag link ends, or worn control arm bushings. A new steering stabilizer can hide it but does not fix it. Check every joint for play with a helper turning the wheel.
Which front hub fits a 2001 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2000 and 2001 Cherokee use a different front hub and rotor from the 1999 and earlier models, so check the year before ordering. Four wheel drive models take a hub with splines for the axle shaft.
Does the Cherokee have a rear sway bar?
Some do. A thin bar behind the rear axle, tied to the spring plates by short links, was fitted to some Cherokees. If yours has one, its bushings and links are listed here.
Which rear brake shoes fit my Cherokee?
Cherokees came with 9 inch or 10 inch rear drum brakes, depending on the rear axle, and the 9 inch shoe listed for 2000 differs from the 2001 shoe. Measure the drum or check the size stamped on it before ordering.
Do I need an alignment after replacing front end parts?
Yes. Replacing ball joints, tie rod ends, the drag link or the control arms changes the alignment. Have caster and toe checked after the work, and center the steering wheel with the drag link sleeve.
Printable 2001 Jeep Cherokee suspension diagrams
Numbered diagrams to print or save for the shop. The numbers match the numbered parts on the interactive diagram.
