Welcome. If the bushings in the lower control arms are worn out, it could definitely make the tops of the tires lean inwards. Will it correct the lean for sure? Only one way to find out, but if they're shot, they definitely need to be replaced.

Regarding your overheating tranny, when's the last time the fluid was changed? It should be replaced every 50-60k miles, along with the 2 tranny filters, regardless of what the manual says. If that's been done and it's still overheating, try draining a few mm of fluid out. The one time that a shop put fluid in mine, they managed to overfill it a little bit. Too much fluid will cause the fluid to foam up, which causes it to not flow properly, resulting in overheating and possible trans damage. It is MUCH better to have it a few mm under filled rather than a few mm over filled.

 

In addition to the control arms, the springs can weaken over time and contribute to the camber problem.

 

And btw, welcome!

 

Thank you

 

Welcome to the site!

I think the above answers are presupposing that you've checked your frame and it is solid? Some Patriots have had premature rust on the frames resulting in failure. This is a worst case scenario, but it's a possibility. Let's hope not.

 

Welcome to the site!

I think the above answers are presupposing that you've checked your frame and it is solid? Some Patriots have had premature rust on the frames resulting in failure. This is a worst case scenario, but it's a possibility. Let's hope not.

Frame is solid still,floorboards all that a 👍 👌. So I notice where my bushings are worn is the rear lateral tow bar....the bushings are shot....if o change this does the control arm need changed also? The actual control arm housing looks good still..

 

I have had the rear of my 2010 rebuilt 3 times. First time at the dealership replaced the uppers for the very same reason put it on the rack and the rear alignment was close but not dead on. That lasted about a year and again had the tops leaning in severely roasting my tires. Second time took it to a tire shop. They used aftermarket adjustable uppers and again had the rear alignment close but not dead on causing rear tire ware. Went back to the tire shop a third time and this time they found aftermarket adjustable toe links. After the third rebuild the alignment was as close as possible and has held up well. I must say being in the snow belt the car was undriveable when it had the tire lean issues. Literally felt the the ass end was trying to pass the front causing constant left to right swerving above 40 MPH. Bottom line is go with aftermarket upper and toe links that are adjustable and get a 4 wheel alignment After installing.

 

Thank you for your post! It reminds me of some posts I'd seen a few years ago about people whose Patriots were unstable in slippery conditions. I admit I kinda blew them off because I've never had the problem with either of our Patriots -- 2008 & 2014, both FWD. Both our Patriots are fine in snow and ice even without 4wd.

Later in its life a mechanic told me the rear of our 2008 wasn't adjustable because the bolts were frozen with age and it was "close enough" that he didn't think it was worth ripping it all apart.

 

Frame is solid still,floorboards all that a 👍 👌. So I notice where my bushings are worn is the rear lateral tow bar....the bushings are shot....if o change this does the control arm need changed also? The actual control arm housing looks good still..

I’ve replaced these 3 times now on our patriot does the same thing in 2 months. All new rear struts upper control arms links and even brake rotors pads and calipers and still eats tires and brakes… these Jeep’s are total junk

 

Welcome to the site! No, it's not a piece of junk. You just need to find a mechanic who can diagnose your problem. If everything is installed correctly and properly adjusted, your vehicle will track straight and the tires will last as long as they should.

While the OEM tires from the factory wear out quickly (35,000 miles) I doubt few owners still have their originals on their Patriot. A quality tire installed on a properly aligned vehicle will last 50,000+ miles at a minimum, allowing exception for aggressive off-road tires, but those are a different animal altogether; I'm talking highway tires under typical conditions. Don't be discouraged; find another mechanic. A franchised CDJR dealer ought to know more than the local guy because they get factory training, but that is not always the case, especially when it comes to mechanical repairs -- sometimes the local guys can do better. They've got horse sense the young guys haven't had the opportunity to develop.

One thing you said that intrigues me: your Patriot is eating up the brakes, too? This is unusual, frankly, strange. The brakes on both my Patriots passed 100,000 miles on the original pads & rotors (and rear drums), though granted it was my rears that needed replacing first. I'm not a mechanic, but those brakes failing prematurely may be a clue to whatever your larger problem is. Maybe someone else will see that and chime in.

Again, welcome!

 

I agree with Ignatz. It's becoming exceedingly more difficult to find competent mechanics that have experience beyond replacing parts based on scan codes. He's correct about the brakes, as the Patriot's OEM Akebono components have a reputation of long brake life, so the OP has some underlying issues. Some Patriots are awesome out of the factory and some are lemons, the same for all brands. I suspect some of these problems posted are of the lemon type vehicles and some are the result of factors not shared - maybe poor maintenance and abusive use. Proper maintenance is so crucial, especially with an entry level vehicle like the Patriot. Yes, in my younger days I had brake pads wear down to the metal (ignorance and busy family life). You abuse your vehicle like that and other problems are going to grow, the domino effect.

LOL, I DO make excuses for the lowly Patriot. It IS an entry level vehicle that was developed during Chrysler's dark years (bankruptcy, takeovers, etc.). Major improvements were made post 2011+ and my 2wd has been VERY good regarding reliability (knock on wood)..

To the original poster, spend lots of time attempting to find a good suspension specialty shop, a tough endeavor. As a minimalist, I avoid 4x4 based on my workplace experience: more complicated = more upkeep costs. Sorry for my old man rant.

 

As a minimalist, I avoid 4x4 based on my workplace experience: more complicated = more upkeep costs. Sorry for my old man rant.

I, too, am a minimalist which is probably why we have a Patriot and a Compass in the driveway. FWD is enough for the use most Patriots get, and as we know (or will painfully learn), "complexity is the enemy of reliability."