Jeep Death Wobble

[Jeeputah]

I am looking for someone who can help me diagnose what is causing my death wobble so I can replace the right parts.

I am new to wrenching on things and enjoy the challenge, but lack knowledge.

I'd rather not go to a mechanic and get charged for a bunch of crap that isn't even wrong with it.

 

[TRD270]

Year? Model? Lift? etc. etc.

 

[gijohn40]

also tell us where you located so someone near by can maybe stop in and take a look at it for you... show you the areas that need attention.

 

[Jeeputah]

I live in Sugarhouse utah, Thanks for any help too I really appreciate it.

2008 Wrangler X, 4 inch procomp lift, It looks all factory to me minus the longer sway bar links, springs, shocks and the steering stabilizer. Could be wrong.

Also I noticed last week the Steering Stabilizer rubs against itself. Not sure if that would add to the wobble, either way its still bad and would need to possibly relocate it if I can. Will post pictures when I can.

 

[thenag]

ton of info right here;
http://www.jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30723

nathan

 

[smartass_kid]

serious as shit...are all tire lugnuts tight? i've worked on my stuff before while it was up in the air, quick-tighten nuts, lowered to ground and forgot to tighten back down. drove to store and felt wobbly as hell. came home, jacked it back up and noticed first nut came off quick. *slaps forehead*

so, check for any loose bolts or major play in components. maybe simple as that and you'll spot it right away. previosu owner might of re-used parts they weren't supposed to and now it's worn out with lift.

 

[Pike2350]

You could take it into a shop...I know Jack-It diagnosis' that stuff and doesn't give you a bunch of unneeded suggestions (I'm biased and I'll admit I work there) Other then that, the main culprits that I've heard of through the tech are worn out Trackbar bushings and control arm bushings. After that you are likely looking at balljoints.

Does it do it more when you are steering (going into a freeway corner) or when you are on a more rough surface (I know 900 E between 2100 S and 3300 S is pretty rough and causes my truck to get death wobble)

 

[Jeeputah]

yeah 2100 s does it unless i drive slow down that road. It only happens at about 30-40 mph and I hit uneven surfaces, have to come to a complete stop almost to make it stop.

 

[TJDukit]

Sounds like full on DW my guess is the trac bar which is what it turns out to be most of the time on these.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Start by having someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you look at each suspension and steering connection on the front end to check for any play in bushings and tie rod ends. Most "shops" will basically screw you over as already mentioned and not even fix the problem. I don't get over that way very often, but there are several forum members who live over there. I became very familiar with death wobble back in 1999 on my first Jeep and have learned a lot since, so let me know if nobody local to you will lend a hand.

 

[TurboMinivan]

Sounds like full on DW my guess is the trac bar which is what it turns out to be most of the time on these.

I'd second the suspicion of the front track bar. At least in the TJ world, that is most often the culprit. It is a good idea to start the Jeep (so you have power steering) and have a friend turn the wheel--lots of little back-and-forth movements, barely turning the wheels. While he keeps doing this, you need to kneel/lie/crawl under there and look for any play where the track bar joins the axle. If you see any slop, there's your problem. Common causes include incorrect torque on that bolt, worn bushing, and/or an oblonged hole in the bracket.

HTH

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Start by having someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you look at each suspension and steering connection on the front end to check for any play in bushings and tie rod ends. Most "shops" will basically screw you over as already mentioned and not even fix the problem. I don't get over that way very often, but there are several forum members who live over there. I became very familiar with death wobble back in 1999 on my first Jeep and have learned a lot since, so let me know if nobody local to you will lend a hand.

Yup.

I'd second the suspicion of the front track bar. At least in the TJ world, that is most often the culprit. It is a good idea to start the Jeep (so you have power steering) and have a friend turn the wheel--lots of little back-and-forth movements, barely turning the wheels. While he keeps doing this, you need to kneel/lie/crawl under there and look for any play where the track bar joins the axle. If you see any slop, there's your problem. Common causes include incorrect torque on that bolt, worn bushing, and/or an oblonged hole in the bracket.

HTH

 

[gijohn40]

also have a professional alignment... the caster and toe in will cause this just as well... Usually when they lift a vehicle they forget to adjust the caster... or they move the pinion up so the driveline is correct and it ****s up the caster....