View Full Version : I've got the Death Wobble


sarah
06-29-03, 10:29 PM
it's official, i've got the death wobble.

what a scary thing! pants go brown on the freeway in the second lane going 70mph!

since adding the lift the trackbar was never adjusted, and since it's rusted solid (thanks to the midwest) rick is working on greasing it and getting it loose. i guess i need an alignment too.

bah.

jim79cj7
06-29-03, 10:47 PM
Toe in BABY TOE IN !

Dukes69
06-30-03, 04:18 AM
Originally posted by sarah
it's official, i've got the death wobble.

what a scary thing! pants go brown on the freeway in the second lane going 70mph!

since adding the lift the trackbar was never adjusted, and since it's rusted solid (thanks to the midwest) rick is working on greasing it and getting it loose. i guess i need an alignment too.

bah.
FUN!!! Aint it :P I have some pretty bad death wobble in my XJ after I lifted it. I replaced alot of stuff . . . All the steering components - didnt fix it. Balanced the tires - didnt fix it. Replaced the track bar with a JKS track bar - fixed it! I would check to see if your tires are balanced. Check all your steering componnts. Check the Track Bar. I've also found that worn out control arms bushing can cause death wobble.

Becareful!! I couldnt slam on my brakes fast enough to get that pile stopped :P

Hope that helped

Trailbst
06-30-03, 07:00 AM
Good advice from both of you guys. Jim, you sound like my dad. TOE IN. He says that all the time. Toe IN, since the suspension will settle once the Jeep gets going and the tires will Toe Out a little, does that sound right??

sarah
06-30-03, 10:54 AM
cool beans! i'll get right on to fixing this myself tonite! ummm, wait, rick's out of town. LOL now i can call mine a HEEP too!! i guess at 70k miles, she's getting up there. :oink:

Trailbst
06-30-03, 11:32 AM
70K that's all, when I sold my XJ, it had over 207K, and it's still being driven. But all Jeeps are Heeps, aren't they??? I know mine has lovingly been called a Heep more than once.

sarah
06-30-03, 11:35 AM
when i got it, she had 26k - that was exactly 2 years ago this june 2003. dayum! been a good heep!! LOL

Dukes69
06-30-03, 02:47 PM
YEAH, check yor alignment too. You should have some toe-in already since you did your lift. I run a tape across the front of the tire, measure at a casting mark, write down the measurment. Goto the back of the tire, measure, write down. I try to get the front of the tire turned in about an 1/8th of an inch (toe-in). Reason for that is when you accelerate the wheels want to goto a toe-out condition. Having the wheels toe'd-in a little allows them to turn out and point straight down the road.

I think :P

sarah
06-30-03, 03:57 PM
wow, you guys are so smart. i love this board. although i am biased, i still do. :P jim and rick already did the measuring thing. it's way off i guess. beats me, maybe they'll log in and list my problems. LOL

Dukes69
06-30-03, 04:07 PM
Originally posted by sarah
wow, you guys are so smart. i love this board. although i am biased, i still do. :P jim and rick already did the measuring thing. it's way off i guess. beats me, maybe they'll log in and list my problems. LOL

WHERE ARE THOSE GUYS!!!:P At work or something:rolleyes: sheesh

Trailbst
06-30-03, 04:19 PM
work?? what's that, oh yeah, that's that place I have to go back to in a week and a half.

Dukes69
06-30-03, 05:27 PM
:rolleyes: :D

rick
06-30-03, 07:40 PM
YUP! *Still* at work in fact.... at 6:30 p.m. Waitin for damn contractors...

Yes, Sarah has at least one problem - toe in. It measures at about 5/8" right now, so it is way off. That was on the list of to do's after the lift, but it's been kinda crazy so we never even measured it. I think we were also thinking that if we relocated the track bars, we would do the alignment then. And replace the bushings, hmmm, I guess we'll get to it when we get to it, just like everything else...lol.

Dukes69
06-30-03, 07:47 PM
Originally posted by rick
YUP! *Still* at work in fact.... at 6:30 p.m. Waitin for damn contractors...

Yes, Sarah has at least one problem - toe in. It measures at about 5/8" right now, so it is way off. That was on the list of to do's after the lift, but it's been kinda crazy so we never even measured it. I think we were also thinking that if we relocated the track bars, we would do the alignment then. And replace the bushings, hmmm, I guess we'll get to it when we get to it, just like everything else...lol.

'bout a 1/2 inch off or so, not too bad. Check to see if your missing any wheel weights. I usually run some white out or sharpie around the weight, so I know if one has moved or been broken off. Before you relocate the track bar, check the ball joint at the frame end, if that is bad then relocating it wont do much. at 2 inches of lift, I dont think relocating the track bar is neccasary, thats just me. Pop off the steering and wiggle the ball joints to see if they're worn, they should be kinda tight. Hell, pump um full of grease, maybe that'll tighten um up.
good luck.

NAILER341
06-30-03, 11:55 PM
steering damper fixed my death wobble.... one more lace to look.
good luck :)

Dukes69
07-01-03, 12:03 AM
Originally posted by NAILER341
steering damper fixed my death wobble.... one more lace to look.
good luck :)

IMHO, Steering dampers just hide the actual problem, rather then fixing it.

I'm Jusayin'

ace
07-01-03, 10:11 AM
I had death wobble once, i think it was a mechanical problem, or it could have been the dog in the freeway. Not quite sure, but I do know that the right tires were clean up off the ground, I know this becuase of the streaks they left on the road, and in my pants. :sarah:

rick
07-01-03, 03:56 PM
Yeah, I think that's why non of this got addressed after the lift....we kinda decided to not worry about the track bars, and so with being busy and all, I guess we forgot about everything else too! :o It really needs new bushings all the way around anyhow, it has 70k on it. I guess that is next, assuming we don't need a new tie rod...that thing is locked man. I guess after a week of soaking with Liquid Wrench if it doesn't come off this weekend, we will be taking it off and using some more persuasive means of freeing them up ;)....

NAILER341
07-01-03, 04:11 PM
pb blaster works better than liquid wrench... try that :P

rick
07-01-03, 05:41 PM
Well....the death wobble has worsened... Sarah says it's doing it all the time now, so I am thinking that there is definitely a bushing badly worn, or the tires just took their time getting used to their new "harmonic friendly" position and have worn in a way that makes it happen more often. We'll see what fixin the toe does for it, hopefully tomorrow night. Anybody else have any other thoughts? Until then, she might have to suffer through drivin the CJ...lol!

:shades:

Dukes69
07-01-03, 05:52 PM
Check out Quadratec, the have stock control arms with bushings for like $12 http://www.quadratec.com/cgi-bin/sgin0101.exe?T1=56015+004&UID=2003070119424078&UREQA=1&UREQB=2&UREQC=3&UREQD=4&FNM=10

Also, I can almost guarantee that the control arm bushings are not causing the problem, they might be worn, but Its more then likely a worn out track bar and/or worn out steering. Control arms were very low on my list. it went like this:
New steering - Beefy V8 ZJ stuff - didnt fix it
New track bar - JKS Adj. - fixed it

I was still running the stock control arms that had clapped out bushings.
Good Luck

rick
07-01-03, 06:00 PM
Right on, I'm leaning toward track bar bushings, it seems strange that it just started doing it all the time, yet the lift has been on there for a few months now. Could be a combination of worn out stuff, it does have 70k on it. Maybe the tie rod ends are a bit shabby, but they aren't terrible.

Dukes69
07-01-03, 06:17 PM
Originally posted by rick
Right on, I'm leaning toward track bar bushings, it seems strange that it just started doing it all the time, yet the lift has been on there for a few months now. Could be a combination of worn out stuff, it does have 70k on it. Maybe the tie rod ends are a bit shabby, but they aren't terrible.

Unfortunatly the track bar isnt servicable. Usually what fails is the tie rod end at the frame side, and not the bushing at the axle end. If you look at the track bar you'll see what I'm talking about. Very crappy design.

Trailbst
07-01-03, 08:18 PM
Obvious question, but they need to be asked. Did you check all of the lug nuts??

rick
07-01-03, 08:50 PM
OH, NO SCHNITT...I guess I never thought about that, but I see exactly what you are saying. D'OH!!! I guess it's time to ante up to the adjustable....

Dukes69
07-01-03, 11:57 PM
Originally posted by rick
OH, NO SCHNITT...I guess I never thought about that, but I see exactly what you are saying. D'OH!!! I guess it's time to ante up to the adjustable....

I like my JKS, very beefy and stuff:8

sarah
07-09-03, 08:12 PM
well folks, here it is, the official DW update:

took it in to the certified goodyear tire shop, became a free member (woohoo!) met a dude that works there with a cj-5 (gary, get your butt on here!) and got the alignment and balancing done.

the alignment was a little off but no biggie. the problem was the front passenger and the rear driver tires were out of balance.

ater 2 or 3 hours of sitting there ( i lost count after watching the fresh prince at 6) she drives great - gliding smoothly along the wonderful california highway asphalt.

:yay:

we'll see if this really fixes the problem permanently. (hope it does, cuz that adjustable trackbar is a little pricey! ;)

Dukes69
07-09-03, 08:21 PM
Originally posted by sarah
well folks, here it is, the official DW update:

took it in to the certified goodyear tire shop, became a free member (woohoo!) met a dude that works there with a cj-5 (gary, get your butt on here!) and got the alignment and balancing done.

the alignment was a little off but no biggie. the problem was the front passenger and the rear driver tires were out of balance.

ater 2 or 3 hours of sitting there ( i lost count after watching the fresh prince at 6) she drives great - gliding smoothly along the wonderful california highway asphalt.

:yay:

we'll see if this really fixes the problem permanently. (hope it does, cuz that adjustable trackbar is a little pricey! ;)

Track bars are a little pricry, but if you plan on going any higher they are nessacery.

Mark the wheel weights with a sharpie, so you know if you lose one or if one moves. :D

BANG UP JOB!

sarah
07-10-03, 10:27 PM
ooook, death wobble has not yet ceased. anybody got a track bar they're not usin?? :P

jim79cj7
07-10-03, 10:29 PM
yes ............ Whats in it for me ?

Dukes69
07-10-03, 10:42 PM
Originally posted by sarah
ooook, death wobble has not yet ceased. anybody got a track bar they're not usin?? :P

Stock :confused:

jim79cj7
07-11-03, 01:32 AM
Originally posted by Dukes69
Stock :confused:

I Have the one off the rubicon . It is actually setup for about an 1" to 1 1/2" of lift , it has a deeper bend than most tjs. finding lots of little differences in the rubicon .

Dukes69
07-11-03, 02:16 AM
Originally posted by jim79cj7
I Have the one off the rubicon . It is actually setup for about an 1" to 1 1/2" of lift , it has a deeper bend than most tjs. finding lots of little differences in the rubicon .
I think thats the lift she has:D :D

SARAH!!!! YAY! :D

NAILER341
07-11-03, 09:39 AM
sometimes a plan DOES come together

sarah
07-11-03, 10:51 AM
Originally posted by jim79cj7
yes ............ Whats in it for me ?

how about a hookup on some bitchin' window stickers!? :P

NAILER341
07-11-03, 10:53 AM
Originally posted by sarah
how about a hookup on some bitchin' window stickers!? :P
hey, that reminds me :)

Trailbst
07-11-03, 11:07 AM
Jim, it's got to be a good deal, she used the "bitchin" to describe them!

Is this the last thing that you need to try to isolate the Death Wobble??

sarah
07-11-03, 11:24 AM
yes, this is the last hope of trying to fix it. brian said he had to do it when he had the lift. (i got the springs and spacers from him) i'm convinced it will fix it. as for the balancing, that needed to be done too. just empty every pocket. lol
:wave:

Dukes69
07-11-03, 11:52 AM
Originally posted by sarah
just empty every pocket. lol
:wave:

Aint that the truth :rolleyes:

owen1832
08-07-03, 04:06 PM
Unfortunately I am the king of death wobble and have had it proabbaly ten times in the time I have had my jeep. I have had it for a ton of different reasons so if it doesn't work it self out ask me caus eI have seen it all....:P

sarah
08-20-03, 05:28 PM
ok, sorry to keep bringing this thread back up - anyone have a quick & affordable fix for my lovely trackbar problem? looking for an adjustable and i have a 1" spring 1" spacer lift.

where should i get one?
TIA!

jim79cj7
08-20-03, 08:31 PM
Go back in time and see my previous post above . not adjustable but .................

JIM :{>

m1jeep
02-26-04, 12:13 PM
I've had my 2000 TJ since Nov 2000. I bought it with only 50 miles on the clock. Now I have 147k miles and running strong! I've had death wobble for about 2 years. The first year it only occured 4-6 times. I replaced the steering stabilizer with a Rancho (helped a little bit) then immediately with a SkyJacker brand and it went away...sort of. I was running black steel wheels at the time. I bought a set of alloys, DW was gone. Maybe because they're lighter and didn't aggravate the suspension and produce the DW?

The last month or two of the 2nd year it was happening every other bump on the freeway! It was sccccarrry! I couldn't go anywhere without it happening!

Here's what I've changed out:

steering stabilizer (x2)
steel wheels (x2)
NEW RS9000's
alloy wheels

Here's the fix:

It turned out to be the rubber bushing on the track bar, axle-end. It's "pressed in". Mine was a teraflex adjustable track bar but it's the same rubber bushing as an OEM track bar. When I got mine from Teraflex, they were still using RUBBER bushings. They sent me a polyeurathane replacement in the mail. I couldn't wait a week for it to arrive so I called Energy Suspension in San Clemente. A rep there gave me one for free.

It was a real PITA to get that pressed bushing out. But once I did and got that new poly bushing in, VOILA! NO MORE DEATH WOBBLE!

Here are a few pics of my severly worn, oblong track bar bushing:

Click here for the pics (http://www.walmart.com/agt/bounce.gsp?ID=6829C98331073349FC3B39A3818E7D75605E&sharee=m1jeep%40yahoo%2Ecom)

If the photos don't work, cut & paste the following URL:

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/m1jeep/album?.tok=ph8vOtABHNMI1Bfe&.dir=/Trac-bar+bushing+pics&.src=ph

H8PVMT
03-27-04, 06:46 PM
Got my 4" lift on and 33's and guess what? Death wobble like crazy. Tightened front sway bars but it's still there I little. Gonna get it aligned first... then ugh who knows. (Thought I was gonna die!)

NAILER341
03-27-04, 07:08 PM
Originally posted by H8PVMT
Got my 4" lift on and 33's and guess what? Death wobble like crazy. Tightened front sway bars but it's still there I little. Gonna get it aligned first... then ugh who knows. (Thought I was gonna die!)
HA! that death wobble is great stuff :) especially on the freeway at 60-70 mph in rush hour! :D :wave:
welcome to the club!

H8PVMT
03-27-04, 07:34 PM
Yeah, it's a club I would rather not have joined.:D

Dukes69
03-27-04, 08:02 PM
Originally posted by H8PVMT
Got my 4" lift on and 33's and guess what? Death wobble like crazy. Tightened front sway bars but it's still there I little. Gonna get it aligned first... then ugh who knows. (Thought I was gonna die!)

Bad alignment, incorrect caster, worn out suspension parts, out of balance tires all add to the wobble. Good luck tracking it down. Did you get a new front track bar when you lifted?

H8PVMT
03-27-04, 08:05 PM
No, I didn't. I didn't realize that when I did the lift I would have to change that as well. Still yet to get it aligned too. Nothing's open here in Ridgecrest till Monday. What would be a good track bar to get?

Dukes69
03-27-04, 08:16 PM
Originally posted by H8PVMT
No, I didn't. I didn't realize that when I did the lift I would have to change that as well. Still yet to get it aligned too. Nothing's open here in Ridgecrest till Monday. What would be a good track bar to get?

An alignment is still a good idea. I have Currie track bars front and rear and love them!:D JKS/ORGS is the same thing, as far as I can tell. Very Beefy and strong. How about control arms? What came with the lift?

H8PVMT
03-27-04, 08:30 PM
I am still going to get the alignment, and kit didn't come with control arm, just new sway bars. So the only thing new on the lift are the sway bars, shocks, and springs.

Dukes69
03-27-04, 10:27 PM
Originally posted by H8PVMT
I am still going to get the alignment, and kit didn't come with control arm, just new sway bars. So the only thing new on the lift are the sway bars, shocks, and springs.

With 4 inches of lift, I would imagine that you are at the limit of your down travel. The control arm will contact the spring perch when the wheel moves down. Check it out, you'll know what I'm talking about. This is when a nice set of adjustable control arms will come in handy. You'll also notice, when you get the alignment done, that the caster is off. This, again, is when a nice set of arms will help you out. Lower adjustables will probably be your best bet, for now. Good luck!:8

H8PVMT
03-27-04, 11:06 PM
Would this help me with the death wobble though? The general concensus I have noticed is that the track bar will fix this. I need the thing to be driveable, then I can worry about the flex factor. I use it as my daily driver and I don't want to careen into another car when the wobble ocours.

Dukes69
03-28-04, 04:07 PM
Originally posted by H8PVMT
Would this help me with the death wobble though? The general concensus I have noticed is that the track bar will fix this. I need the thing to be driveable, then I can worry about the flex factor. I use it as my daily driver and I don't want to careen into another car when the wobble ocours.

I had some bad death wobble on my XJ, I got a JKS track bar and it fixed it right up. With my TJ, I had a Currie track bar, but still had the wobble. It ended up that my caster was off, which requires adjustable control arms. I have adjustable uppers and fixed lowers . . . I still have a little bit of the wobble, which will be fixed when I can afford adjustable lowers. My point being that it can be a number of different things that can cause the wobble. In my opinion (which isnt worth much to some on this board:D ), If you can afford it, dont band-aid the problem. Fix it and do it right the first time (i.e. nice control arms and track bars) I wouldnt spend any money on somthing you'll probably just end up replacing again.

:8

H8PVMT
03-28-04, 05:01 PM
I value your opinion. I am just new to the whole lifting thing and didn't realize what a can of worms I opened when I did it. Both the track bars and control arms are a nice chunk of change, but if that fixes the problem it would be worth it.
I would think that with the lift kit there would have been some warning about this. Let this be a lesson to all... there is no such thing as a cheap lift. ;)

H8PVMT
03-28-04, 05:29 PM
Anyone happen to know a good website to get a Jks track bar and control arms?

Dukes69
03-28-04, 06:12 PM
Originally posted by H8PVMT
Anyone happen to know a good website to get a Jks track bar and control arms?

Check out our sponsor at: KBoffroad (http://www.kboffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc). See what Bill can offer you. Make sure you mention MJR for a discount! :8 I really like RE arms, but JKS arms are just as nice.
I got my TJ track bars from Jason at 4x4groupbuy.com, he had a pretty good price on them. My XJ track bar I got from Dirk at dpgoffroad.com which was a good price as well. If you shop around, most places will beat or match competitors pricing. Have fun! :D

H8PVMT
03-28-04, 06:45 PM
What are your thoughts on these?

Track Bar (http://www.kboffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KO&Product_Code=RE1600)

Lower arms (http://www.kboffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KO&Product_Code=RE3720)

NAILER341
03-28-04, 06:48 PM
re makes some great stuff. dont forget to ask for your mjr discount.:wave:

tweezle
03-28-04, 10:06 PM
All this death wobble talk makes me scared to get a lift.

H8PVMT
03-28-04, 10:13 PM
Trust me, it can be frustrating but after two days of having mine I still think it's worth it. Night and day difference. Nothing like having complete strangers say "nice jeep" when your driving down the street.

Dukes69
03-28-04, 11:50 PM
Originally posted by H8PVMT
What are your thoughts on these?

Track Bar (http://www.kboffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KO&Product_Code=RE1600)

Lower arms (http://www.kboffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=KO&Product_Code=RE3720)

RE does indeed make some nice stuff. If I were you, I'd get the Super Flex, not the super ride you listed. You'll be happy you did. As for their track bars, I dont really have any experience with them. I DID, keyword "did", have on on my Jeep when I bought it, but soon replaced it because it was all rusted out(Jeep came from back east). I've heard of a lot of guys running the RE TB with no problems. :8

H8PVMT
03-29-04, 12:05 AM
Sweet! I will Look at the super flex, wasn't sure how much more it was but I will check. Trying to keep the visa from catching on fire. I will order tommorrow and be sure to ask them for my MJR discount. Thanks for all the help, not just from you Dukes, but everyone else. I am sure now I can get rid of this problem, and eventually meet up on the trails with everyone.

Dukes69
03-30-04, 11:03 PM
how did it go with the alignment?

H8PVMT
03-31-04, 02:21 AM
Haven't done it yet. Didn't want to waste the money on the alignment when I am going to just rip it apart to put the track bar and lower control arms on, and get it aligned. So I parked it till I get my new parts. I don't need anymore near death expieriences this week.

Dukes69
03-31-04, 12:58 PM
Originally posted by H8PVMT
Haven't done it yet. Didn't want to waste the money on the alignment when I am going to just rip it apart to put the track bar and lower control arms on, and get it aligned. So I parked it till I get my new parts. I don't need anymore near death expieriences this week.

Smart move:D

Davisrats
05-08-04, 08:05 PM
After reading thru some of these, I fixed the DEATH wobble on my 1990 XJ. New tires and an alingment.

The previous owner put a track bar, ball joint, bushing ETC and left the POS wornout cheepo tires on it.

Ron
90 XJ & 80 CJ

sarah
05-08-04, 08:40 PM
Allright!! Another win! Congrats, prolly is alot more comfortable to ride in now too.

JeepJunkie
05-08-04, 09:49 PM
i was riding on a 2 lane highway up north(on my merry way to Eureka) and my aunt and I experienced some death wobble in big diesel crew cab long bed dodge pickup....quite scary....

loop choke
08-23-04, 08:47 AM
Sorry to bring up an old thread. I have DW bad!!!!!!! Scared the heck out of me. Happened at 80 MPH on the freeway. Luckily there was no traffic around me.

So, I have an 04 Rubicon with the RE 3.5" standard kift. It only came with springs, shocks, trackbar re-location kit and sway bar QD's. If I replace the entire steering system and get new control arms and front trackbar, will this crap go away? I want this fixed NOW so I am willing to throw money at it.

Please let me know. I can't drive it much longer like this.

Thanx.......

Jason

goodtimes
08-23-04, 10:29 AM
Before spending any money, make sure everything is tight (control arms, track bar, TRE's, etc.). Then get out the tape measure and check your toe-in. Shoot for 1/8" or so. All that stuff is free, so IMO it is the best place to start.

loop choke
08-23-04, 10:44 AM
Before spending any money, make sure everything is tight (control arms, track bar, TRE's, etc.). Then get out the tape measure and check your toe-in. Shoot for 1/8" or so. All that stuff is free, so IMO it is the best place to start.

I have checked all that except the tow in. I will check that later and see. I know for a fact that I need a new steering system already. The tie rod is worn out already because of the angle changing when I installed the lift.

Jason

mikeythefireman
08-23-04, 02:49 PM
Yay! I just started getting DW too! I feel like part of an elite club now. Not sure why, but all of a sudden it's bouncing and jerking like crazy. That's some scary chit! I about wet myself when it happens. It first happened after getting a tire replaced at 4wheelparts, I had all the others balanced at the same time. So, my first step to fixing it is finding a place that actually knows how to balance the tires and have that taken care of. Then I'll re-read this thread and prolly get a new track bar or something else expensive. :D

NAILER341
08-23-04, 02:52 PM
Yay! I just started getting DW too! I feel like part of an elite club now. Not sure why, but all of a sudden it's bouncing and jerking like crazy. That's some scary chit! I about wet myself when it happens. It first happened after getting a tire replaced at 4wheelparts, I had all the others balanced at the same time. So, my first step to fixing it is finding a place that actually knows how to balance the tires and have that taken care of. Then I'll re-read this thread and prolly get a new track bar or something else expensive. :D
IF YOU TOOK TIRES INTO 4WP IN PERFECT BALANCE, THEY WOULD KNOCK THEM ALL OUT before you left their shop. [oops caps]
once again... americas tire ;)
:wave:

mikeythefireman
08-23-04, 03:09 PM
I know, I know....its a little late now, though. I've already got the warranty and all that garbage. :D

rick
11-21-04, 06:15 PM
Well, an update on the Sarah Edition wobble...

Sequence of events:

-Installed 1" springs and 1" spacers
-Jeep starts wobbling on freeway at 70 mph
-Checked that everything was tight, decided tie rod ends were a bit loose and track bar ball joint was effed
-Replaced track bar with Tera adjustable and new rod ends
-Death wobble went away (well, it was no longer DEATH wobble anyway, just a shimmy at 40-50 mph)
-Shimmy turns into occasional death wobble again
-Discover track bar axle bushing and frame ball end wasted after 8 months
-Dukes replaces axle end bushing last weekend
- Jeep still shimmys a bit but at a higher speed (~60 mph) and not very much

Then....I swapped the front axle this weekend and put some Tera lower CAs on and the jeep doesn't wobble anymore. This confirms my suspicion that caster is as much at fault as something loose. I think you might not notice a slightly loose track bar end or something if the caster is ok... Of course, the lower CA bushings on the stock arms weren't in great shape (they weren't falling apart though either).

Of course, I've spoken too soon before, so we'll see how long it lasts ;) We do still need a new front track bar because the frame end is worn out. Hopefully after that all remnants of death wobble will be exorcized from the beast...

flywaterguide
11-22-04, 11:09 AM
My DEATH WOBBLE FUN ZONE!!!

I’ve had death wobble again and again over the year that I’ve had my jeep. Not real fun by any stretch of the imagination. Back in October I went from 33’s to 35’s. Started getting DEATH WOBBLE, time and again. Took it in for an alignment. It really fixed it.

So, Thursday night I rotated the tires for the first time. Note that I haven’t had any death wobble at all since the alignment. Anyway, as soon as I started driving it… BAM! Death Wobble!! So a fooled around with the alignment, and I don’t know if I made the toe-in better or worse. I do know that as soon as I got up to about 40 mph, it was Death Wobble city! I would have to stop and pull over.

I took it in for an alignment, since I though that I screwed mine up, and it didn’t help. Then they re-balanced all the tires. One tire was about a pound out of balance and another one was about half a pound. It seems to be much better, but it doesn’t feel like it did before. Everything feels tight up front.

I have a Full Traction 4� lift, and (just off the top of my head) I think it has an adjustable front track bar. I’ve ordered all new steering, so hopefully this will permanently solve my death wobble problem. I’ll keep you posted. It does look like Death Wobble happens a lot!

Best,

Flywaterguide

Black & Tan TJ
11-22-04, 04:06 PM
Well, an update on the Sarah Edition wobble...
Then....I swapped the front axle this weekend and put some Tera lower CAs on and the jeep doesn't wobble anymore. This confirms my suspicion that caster is as much at fault as something loose.

I've been fooling around with my caster via adjustable upper control arms for awhile. Never really had the death wobble just a slight shake after hitting bumps, driver side mostly. Toe-in and trackbar adjustments all good and everything's tight. At present the adjustable control arms are maybe one turn out from the shortest adjustment and the shake for the most part is gone. Caster does seem to be a major player here too. When I go for a re-ballance I'll have them put it on the rack and tell me where my caster is. I've heard it should be around 5.5 degrees w/4" lift.

For those of you with adjustable uppers how are yours adjusted?

B&T TJ

tjrubicon
11-23-04, 07:15 AM
for those of you with adjustable uppers how are yours adjusted?

B&T TJ

I'm running mine at 3/8" over stock length, per the instructions for my lift. Seems to be ok, haven't found a place that will align it so I can have it checked though?

Venomized
11-23-04, 12:18 PM
This is a good list of what to check for when the DW sets in.

Kevin' Offroad DW article (http://www.kevinsoffroad.com/techarticles/deathwobble.html)

A DW discusion thread at NAGCA.COM

DW Thread @ NAGCA.COM (http://www.nagca.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8730)

DW is caused by a multitude of problems and it may not just be 1 solution. Check EVERYTHING first, repair second. I lifted my Grand 2.5 inches and had no DW issues. That was after a new SS , but before an alignment, new front trac bar and slighlty warn balljoints. All but the ball joints has been taken care of and it is still smooth with no DW at speeds up to 100 mph. I have taken RR tracks at 75mph and no ill effects with DW.

Check first, repair second. Jeep does not have to mean Just Empty Every Pocket.