Death Wobble!!!!!
#31
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As has been stated the steering stabilizer is like medication for a cold, the symptoms are hidden but the cold is still there. Wheel shimmy as it is called by the factory boys is caused by two things; improper wheel alignment or worn/loose steering/suspension components. Many factors contribute such as tire size and inflation, wheel offset, mud or snow in the wheel, tire ply damage and suspension modifications. Unlike the TJ and most 4x4 vehicles, the JK has no adjustment for caster. If you take it to a dealer or to a run it by the numbers alignment shop the alignment guide/reference will show caster as "not adjustable". You will need an adjustable control arm to adjust the caster. If you get the alignment set properly and you have no worn steering/suspension components you will have no problem with wheel shimmy or death wobble.
I found it interesting however to find an exception to the factory manual. In the case of a taller lift usually a full 3"s or more when the track bar angle is increased, the frame actually flexes simulating "worn suspension" parts. With the size of the frame on a JK you would never suspect that it would flex but it does. At Teraflex we added a brace as part of the drag link flip kit to control the frame flex. Its common on TJs but the frame on a TJ is much smaller than a JK. I doubt you will be dealing with this frame flex issue on lifts under 4"s but its something to consider if your running a tall lift with DW issues.
I found it interesting however to find an exception to the factory manual. In the case of a taller lift usually a full 3"s or more when the track bar angle is increased, the frame actually flexes simulating "worn suspension" parts. With the size of the frame on a JK you would never suspect that it would flex but it does. At Teraflex we added a brace as part of the drag link flip kit to control the frame flex. Its common on TJs but the frame on a TJ is much smaller than a JK. I doubt you will be dealing with this frame flex issue on lifts under 4"s but its something to consider if your running a tall lift with DW issues.
#32
JK Junkie
this happened to me on the highway at 70mph. hit a patch in the road, same one everyday but this day it wobbled so bad i had to hit the hazards and pull over to a near stop. took it straight to the dealer and they had a new stabilizer in the next day. and this was before my mods. after my bigger tires it doesn't hit patches or bumps as hard as it did stock
#33
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stabilizer vs shock
#34
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resistance
I have the death wobble as well and am riding on air. I took off the stock stabilizer and pushing with my hand, it goes in and out about 1 inch with no resistance either way. There was also fluid like the seal leaked. I have the fox and relo bracket so hope to have this resolved.
#35
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fixint the damn wobble
As has been stated the steering stabilizer is like medication for a cold, the symptoms are hidden but the cold is still there. Wheel shimmy as it is called by the factory boys is caused by two things; improper wheel alignment or worn/loose steering/suspension components. Many factors contribute such as tire size and inflation, wheel offset, mud or snow in the wheel, tire ply damage and suspension modifications. Unlike the TJ and most 4x4 vehicles, the JK has no adjustment for caster. If you take it to a dealer or to a run it by the numbers alignment shop the alignment guide/reference will show caster as "not adjustable". You will need an adjustable control arm to adjust the caster. If you get the alignment set properly and you have no worn steering/suspension components you will have no problem with wheel shimmy or death wobble.
I found it interesting however to find an exception to the factory manual. In the case of a taller lift usually a full 3"s or more when the track bar angle is increased, the frame actually flexes simulating "worn suspension" parts. With the size of the frame on a JK you would never suspect that it would flex but it does. At Teraflex we added a brace as part of the drag link flip kit to control the frame flex. Its common on TJs but the frame on a TJ is much smaller than a JK. I doubt you will be dealing with this frame flex issue on lifts under 4"s but its something to consider if your running a tall lift with DW issues.
I found it interesting however to find an exception to the factory manual. In the case of a taller lift usually a full 3"s or more when the track bar angle is increased, the frame actually flexes simulating "worn suspension" parts. With the size of the frame on a JK you would never suspect that it would flex but it does. At Teraflex we added a brace as part of the drag link flip kit to control the frame flex. Its common on TJs but the frame on a TJ is much smaller than a JK. I doubt you will be dealing with this frame flex issue on lifts under 4"s but its something to consider if your running a tall lift with DW issues.
So to completley fix the wobble issue, one should have a decent steering dampener, and a front adjustable track bar? Will a rear track bar bracket also contribute to a fix?
What else could one get to bring the caster or whatever it is back to more of a factory feel, setting, or elimiate the wobble/shimmy?
Would an adjustable track bar really fix some things up?
#36
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Just throwing this out there, but it seems like the most simple solution and obviously overlooked by all. I have a 2.5 Teraflex spring kit with 35's and had my air pressure set at 30psi. I took it to get the toe set at the alignment shop the other day, and the first thing they did was check the air pressures in my tires. They pumped them up to 50psi and did the alignment. Anyway, when I left, I noticed the jeep felt really flighty. After I got home I checked the air pressure and reset them to 30 psi and "poof", yes I said "poof", problem was gone. I'm just sayin, maybe check your air pressure. No promises or nuthin', but that's what mine was. Hope this was some help. Good luck
#37
I did take it to get balance and alignment but they didnot fix anything.
Anyway, best of luck. I'll keep you all posted.
#38
JK Junkie
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I have the same 'death wobble' problem. I just had the lift done with a brand new stabilizer and nothing..... Still happens..... I saw someone reply that you need to check castor and toe-in etc, they are right!!! Visited a workshop that specialises in 4x4's and they guessed my problem before i finished explaining. Taking the car there tomorrow and I'll let you know what happens.
I did take it to get balance and alignment but they didnot fix anything.
Anyway, best of luck. I'll keep you all posted.
I did take it to get balance and alignment but they didnot fix anything.
Anyway, best of luck. I'll keep you all posted.
Right now I just pray everytime I get in my Jeep that I dont have the death wooble. It's not a good feeling at all and I love love love my Jeep.
#39
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update
I have the same 'death wobble' problem. I just had the lift done with a brand new stabilizer and nothing..... Still happens..... I saw someone reply that you need to check castor and toe-in etc, they are right!!! Visited a workshop that specialises in 4x4's and they guessed my problem before i finished explaining. Taking the car there tomorrow and I'll let you know what happens.
I did take it to get balance and alignment but they didnot fix anything.
Anyway, best of luck. I'll keep you all posted.
I did take it to get balance and alignment but they didnot fix anything.
Anyway, best of luck. I'll keep you all posted.
Any new updates on this one as of yet?
#40
Ok. Got the car back. The boys at the workshop had a fun time figuring this one out. Basically they readjusted all the control arms, realigned the axles and all that camber and toe-in stuff. What they found was that even though the suspension i had was put in by a workshop (didn't do it myself) it was still out. For example the front and rear axles were not dead center, close but not quite. The front axle was also not parallel to the back one (arms were not adjusted properly) only by 1 degree or something like that. As the guys said, I noticed that too by the way, the wobble will only happen when driving straight, when turning or going around a bend it will not happen. That's definitely an alignment problem. Find a place that can do axle alignment and they should be able to help. Doing wheel balance to fix the wobble is a waaste of time from my experience. I've tried highways and bumpy roads and so far all clear. Mind you the guys did take almost two days to get it done. Tested it after each time they adjusted something, they said it took four goes to get every problem fixed. Hopefully this helps. Best wishes.