motobilt "I Build Stuff" Joined Jul 31, 2013 Messages 423 Location Dothan, AL Jul 28, 2016 #1 Many Jeepers have heard of the infamous "Death Wobble." Many a Jeeper are still trying to regain circulation in their fingers as they've clamped down on the steering wheel praying for mercy. Jeeps 1996 and up were designed with a suspension that utilizes coil springs and a track bar. Some dodge trucks also have a similar suspension design. Why do they call it death wobble? When death wobble occurs your steering wheel shakes violently back and forth along with the entire Jeep. It feels as if your Jeep is literally about to fall apart and kill you. What is actually happening when death wobble occurs? Just like when an opera singer hits the high note and the glass shatters, your Jeep hits the right frequency to shake violently. in the majority of my experience this is around 40-50mph. What causes death wobble? There are many parts in your Jeep's suspension and steering that can become worn, loose or broken. When this happens the tolerances are no longer in the acceptable ranges. How do you fix death wobble? There are many possible components that could have failed alone or along with other parts. The following list is a good place to start checking on your Jeep. Steering Stabilizers do NOT fix death wobble!!!!!! Ok here's the list. Track bar- Check the bolts at both ends to see if they are all tight. Check the mounting holes, as they can become wallowed out. Check the bushings, rod end or tie rod end for wear and tear. A good way to check is to enlist the help of a fellow Jeeper. Have them turn the steering wheel back and forth quickly as you are in front of the jeep looking for movement. Do not turn full lock to lock, just rock the wheel back and forth. (8 out of 10 times the track bar is the culprit!) Alignment- Make sure you have had your Jeep properly aligned, especially after any kind of lift kit has been installed. Tires Balanced- Make sure your tires are properly balanced. Not all tire shops are the same, and its often been my experience that unless you know your shop very well, you might want to get a second opinion. Tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings and control arm bushings. You are looking for movement where there is not suppose to be movement. The main idea here is to check all the moving components in the operation of the suspension or steering. Now that you've diagnosed the culprit causing Death Wobble, you should slowly drive your Jeep to the nearest offroad shop and have your faulty parts replaced.
Many Jeepers have heard of the infamous "Death Wobble." Many a Jeeper are still trying to regain circulation in their fingers as they've clamped down on the steering wheel praying for mercy. Jeeps 1996 and up were designed with a suspension that utilizes coil springs and a track bar. Some dodge trucks also have a similar suspension design. Why do they call it death wobble? When death wobble occurs your steering wheel shakes violently back and forth along with the entire Jeep. It feels as if your Jeep is literally about to fall apart and kill you. What is actually happening when death wobble occurs? Just like when an opera singer hits the high note and the glass shatters, your Jeep hits the right frequency to shake violently. in the majority of my experience this is around 40-50mph. What causes death wobble? There are many parts in your Jeep's suspension and steering that can become worn, loose or broken. When this happens the tolerances are no longer in the acceptable ranges. How do you fix death wobble? There are many possible components that could have failed alone or along with other parts. The following list is a good place to start checking on your Jeep. Steering Stabilizers do NOT fix death wobble!!!!!! Ok here's the list. Track bar- Check the bolts at both ends to see if they are all tight. Check the mounting holes, as they can become wallowed out. Check the bushings, rod end or tie rod end for wear and tear. A good way to check is to enlist the help of a fellow Jeeper. Have them turn the steering wheel back and forth quickly as you are in front of the jeep looking for movement. Do not turn full lock to lock, just rock the wheel back and forth. (8 out of 10 times the track bar is the culprit!) Alignment- Make sure you have had your Jeep properly aligned, especially after any kind of lift kit has been installed. Tires Balanced- Make sure your tires are properly balanced. Not all tire shops are the same, and its often been my experience that unless you know your shop very well, you might want to get a second opinion. Tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings and control arm bushings. You are looking for movement where there is not suppose to be movement. The main idea here is to check all the moving components in the operation of the suspension or steering. Now that you've diagnosed the culprit causing Death Wobble, you should slowly drive your Jeep to the nearest offroad shop and have your faulty parts replaced.
