OMG Death Wobble Is Driving Me Insane
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OMG Death Wobble Is Driving Me Insane
Glad I found this site and I'm so hoping someone can help me out here. I have been experiencing awful death wobble at 40MPH for a few months now and can't for the life of me figure out what's causing it. Any help from experience would be appreciated.
Here is what I'm working with.
92' XJ Cherokee Laredo
4.5" Rough Country Lift
Replaced Upper/Lower Ball Joints
Upgraded Track Bar
New Sway Bar Bushings
New Tie Rods
New Center Link
New steering box
I've read just about every article I can find on the net and have gone over this thing several times and I'm stumped.
Here is what I'm working with.
92' XJ Cherokee Laredo
4.5" Rough Country Lift
Replaced Upper/Lower Ball Joints
Upgraded Track Bar
New Sway Bar Bushings
New Tie Rods
New Center Link
New steering box
I've read just about every article I can find on the net and have gone over this thing several times and I'm stumped.
#2
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Year: My Jeep is a GMC
There is not one fix all end all solution, every situation is different. Items checked/replaced in your list I didn't notice:
Control arm bushings
Unit bearings
Tires & wheels
Control arm bushings
Unit bearings
Tires & wheels
#3
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Year: '98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
1) Alignment
2) Track bar (Old bushings, but you already replaced, so can probably rule out)
3) Steering (Play in steering wheel before wheels turn, you can tell while Jeep is on ground and wiggling wheel back and forth, grab a friend and check)
3.1) Connection at pitman arm
3.2) linkage from steering wheel to box
2) Track bar (Old bushings, but you already replaced, so can probably rule out)
3) Steering (Play in steering wheel before wheels turn, you can tell while Jeep is on ground and wiggling wheel back and forth, grab a friend and check)
3.1) Connection at pitman arm
3.2) linkage from steering wheel to box
#4
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Year: 01
Model: Cherokee
1) Alignment
2) Track bar (Old bushings, but you already replaced, so can probably rule out)
3) Steering (Play in steering wheel before wheels turn, you can tell while Jeep is on ground and wiggling wheel back and forth, grab a friend and check)
3.1) Connection at pitman arm
3.2) linkage from steering wheel to box
2) Track bar (Old bushings, but you already replaced, so can probably rule out)
3) Steering (Play in steering wheel before wheels turn, you can tell while Jeep is on ground and wiggling wheel back and forth, grab a friend and check)
3.1) Connection at pitman arm
3.2) linkage from steering wheel to box
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BigWrench (08-14-2020)
#5
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 HO
A way to help identify a locations area DW may be occurring is also being more specific. You say it begins at 40mph. Is it when you hit a bump. Is the jeep just shaking. Do you hear a vibration/grinding noise. Does the steering wheel shake or go crazy. See where in getting at. We need more info. Also, what kind of TB did you install. Did you do the lift. Did you just buy the jeep
#6
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cyl
Death wobble at 53 mph
Searched and found this topic and glad I did. I also have the "death wobble". It happens at exactly 53 mph. If I accelerate through and past 53, it's okay. When I decelerate, it doesn't happen "IF" I drop the speed relatively quickly. If I "linger" from 54 down, it happens.
A friend said to check the sway bar because it may have been unbolted under the body and that's done for off-roading to increase front suspension flex. So, I did. One bracket wasn't tightened back down and the bushings are so shot, I can clearly see all the way through them.
Also, the upper end of the sway bar link on the driver's side is bent, and those bushings are shot too.
I ordered new end links and bushings and should be installing them soon, and will update with the results.
If that doesn't cure it, I'll start on the other items listed.
Thanks for the replies giving the different possible causes.
A friend said to check the sway bar because it may have been unbolted under the body and that's done for off-roading to increase front suspension flex. So, I did. One bracket wasn't tightened back down and the bushings are so shot, I can clearly see all the way through them.
Also, the upper end of the sway bar link on the driver's side is bent, and those bushings are shot too.
I ordered new end links and bushings and should be installing them soon, and will update with the results.
If that doesn't cure it, I'll start on the other items listed.
Thanks for the replies giving the different possible causes.
Last edited by mmsobyak; 09-22-2015 at 06:49 AM. Reason: Found answer to addtional question
#7
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I hate to tell you but a swaybar has nothing to do with death wobble,Its a list of things from tires out of balance,Wore out steering parts,Wore out trackbar,Wore out ball joints and even wore out unit bearings aka wheel bearings.Even not getting a alignment after a lift can cause it also.
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#8
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6 HO
I hate to tell you but a swaybar has nothing to do with death wobble,Its a list of things from tires out of balance,Wore out steering parts,Wore out trackbar,Wore out ball joints and even wore out unit bearings aka wheel bearings.Even not getting a alignment after a lift can cause it also.
#13
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 6 cyl
I'm assuming the last post was directed at the other member since I don't have a lift, but I just had new tires installed, just need to go pick it up and see if that's it. Keeping my fingers crossed.
#14
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Year: '98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Although I didn't mention specifically, I kind of assume balance is done with alignment.
That said, if alignment and everything else is spot on, I haven't had out of balance tires alone give me DW, just a bumpy ride.
That said, if alignment and everything else is spot on, I haven't had out of balance tires alone give me DW, just a bumpy ride.
#15
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 w/ tupy head
I've read a couple issues with km2's being hard to keep balance and causing d.w. . Its a free test for the op to try although I doubt he's coming back to respond.