I currently own a 2001 sport that I bought with 54,000 miles on it 6 years ago for my 16 year old son. I got it back a year ago and it now has 97,000 miles. I had to replace the cracked head about 8 months ago. I have replaced all the cooling system except the radiator. In the last year I have replaced and repaired things that were broken or not working. I have done all the scheduled maintenance: cooling, brakes, belts, fluids. The Jeep is running great and I drive it on long trips to the mountains 3 times a year. What kinds of issues have you had on your Cherokee that preventive maintenance could have been done prior to needing the repairs. Example: Rear wheel bearings, u joints, various sensors, ext... I plan to drive this Cherokee for several more years and don't want to be hundreds of miles from home stranded. I don't go off road other than dirt/gravel roads. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

 

Just keep up with what you're doing and you should be fine. My `00 has just about 232,000 miles on it and still runs pretty good.

 

Just a thought......but I'd consider replacing the old rad. The rad the only link in the cooling system chain who's sole function is to dissipate heat. To me it's easier to do maintenance in my driveway on a Saturday afternoon when all the parts stores r open vs doing repairs on the side of the road at 2 AM when nobody is open.

 

Check your motor mount bracket bolts, the ones that bolt the motor mount bracket to the block. Make sure they haven't worked loose.

 

I would say keep an eye on front end and suspension parts for wear. My 98 with 142k has just developed a front end knock when turning left. Going to jack it up and check tomorrow but it's something to keep an eye on.

Don't forget to grease too.

 

Yea, I've been debating on the radiator. DJ you talked me into it. I have checked the engine mount bolts and will keep and eye on them. I fixed all the oil leaks and took the starter out and cleaned it. I've tightened the flex plate bolts. On the 99 sport I owned the compressor clutch bearing went out at 1oo,ooo. I have a spare bearing for that. I keep reading about CPS sensors and needing to carry a spare. Is that really necessary?

 

djb383 is dead nuts on in his advice.

 

My 01 XJ has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I bought it in 2004 with 36,000 miles on it and now it has 316,000 miles. The only unplanned repair that left me a bit stuck was a failed thermostat. No warning signs and not original. Radiator and thermostat are probably the top 2 items to replace. The rest of the stuff will usually give you warning or can be inspected for wear. U-joints for example can be visibly inspected for making rust at the joints or checked for play. I've changed only one of them, the front left wheel joint. These Jeeps came with Spicer sealed u-joints that last nearly forever. The Cherokee is on the Top 10 Vehicles That Refuse to Die List for a reason...

 

If you're going to do the radiator you might as well do the water pump if it has been a couple of years since you replaced it last.

 

Thanks Busted Back. I replaced the water pump with a FlowKooler about a year ago

 

Hey.......I resemble that.

 

.......until people get hold of them.

 

radiator radiator radiator -- and enjoy the XJ

 

Agreed.. Radiator maintenance does NOT include replacement of the radiator. Regular cooling system maintenance, will prevent the need to EVER need to replace a radiator. DOing cooling system maintenance will let you know your radiator needs to be replaced long before it leaves you on the side of the road.

OP - Your XJ is barely broke in. Beyond regular maint and fluids, I'd be looking at refreshing all the rubber, bearings and joints of the suspension, steering and drive shafts.