Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum.
I just bought my first Jeep, really excited about it. Bought it used, so of course I expected some trouble here and there, and it was dirt cheap. Since I've never owned a Jeep before, I wasn't sure what to look at when inspecting it before purchase. It is custom lifted 3"

Drove it home on the interstate, no problems.

Then..

Once I had gotten in to my neighborhood, I hit a small bump where there was some construction going on, and my Jeep felt like it was about to violently shake apart piece by piece. The only way I could stop it was by braking down to about 15-mph. I'm sure everyone here knows what I'm talking about: Death wobble.

Anyway, I looked underneath, took some pictures. I read a little bit online about the track bars, sway bars, etc.. I know nothing about their role, but I was able to track them down and take pictures.

The sway bar has a bolt that is rubbing against the coil on the driver's side, as well as a small shiny patch next to a washer.

The track bar (I think I located it) Has a very bad play to it. You can see in the picture, the metal exposed is about 3/4" - 1". My mechanic friend said this is the steering link? If it means anything as well, the steering has lots of play to it, usually the steering wheel has to be at 11 or 1 o'clock before it engages.

Check out the pictures, is it obvious what needs to be fixed to fix the death wobble?? I can provide more pictures on request.

Thanks everyone!!

 

The first picture is the sway bar bolt rubbing against the coil

The second picture (which I think is obviously the worst) where there is looseness on the steering link.

The third picture is the sway bar link again, I only took a picture because it seems to maybe have a little play.

 

Edit: I realized that the problem in the 2nd picture is not the track bar, you can see the track bar behind the malfunction . So I believe this is actually my pitman arm connecting to my drag link, can anyone confirm? It looks very wrong, now I realize if this breaks while driving my steering could go out completely. I'm a little worried, can anyone at least tell me if it is safe to drive for a week until it can get fixed?

Thanks

 

I would not drive on roads in the same State as you knowing your joint is that close to falling out. Certainly not safe to drive.

 

and yes, that is the pitman. be safe man, please don't drive like that.

 

your swaybars are fine

 

Okay, thanks for the reply. So how would one fix that connection below the pitman? Is it clear to tell what part is actually broken? What is the name of that joint that you mentioned, is that connected to the drag link?

I appreciate it
Thanks

 

Take that castle nut off, remove that tie rod end (the piece that is connecting to the pitman arm) and take it to an auto parts store. Find a replacement, and get an alignment.

Looks like you have aftermarket steering so I really can't know which type of tie rod end you have. Might be a good idea to post some pictures of the rest of the front suspension for folks to check out.

If one is in that bad of shape, I'm guessing the other three aren't looking so hot either.

 

Might just be faster, safer and less expensive in the long run to have it towed to a reputable shop.