My dad and I were driving today when my JK started to shake violently like the wheels were going to fall off. I pulled over and everything looked fine. I drove it again and nothing happened. Has anybody else had this happen to them? I think I'll still take it to the Dealer since it's only 4 months old.

Plus, I already read the recall thread and didn't notice anything about this problem.

Thanks!

 

Are you still stock? There have been more than a few reports of "death wobble" from the JK, even in stock form. Otherwise you might want to make sure your track bars are tight.

 

Yep, it's still stock. Any idea on what people have said the problem might have been? Thanks

 

Here you go.
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...t=Death+wobble
This is an extremely important condition especially JK owners with children. If anyone finds a definitive solution please make it a sticky!
Good luck Sooner. Hasn’t happened to me yet…knock on wood!

 

How do you define "definitive solution"?

There are various causes for shakes and shimmy's. With everything from wheel bearings, weights, poor tires, suspension joints, shocks and poor aftermarket designs.

Heck, even snow or mud packed in the wheels can cause these problems.

 

I had the exact thing in my new JK only 6000k - it turned out to be the tie rod end near the left front wheel on the steering link from the box to the steering arm on the hub - it had 1/8th inch slop from new

Ado

 

So any one of these can cause DEATH WOBBLE! Why only on chrysler products? None of my other vehicles have ever had a "DEATH WOBBLE". This condition can kill a person.

 

ESP....

First time it kicked in I was like WTF?

 

It's inherent to the 5-link design. My 2003 Dodge Ram Cummins had it when we first installed the 5" lift. Usually it is easily found if you spend some time digging around under your Jeep and narrowing down possibilities. It can be frustrating, but once found, you will have learned alot about your Jeep.

Be thankful your new JK has a solid front axle. I would take the 5 link design over a IFS system anyday.

 

DW seems to be pretty elusive and from experience can be a result of a plethora of distinctly separate reasons. Mainstream knowledge seems to blame the condition on improper front end alignment. In prior models (TJ's, XJ's, ie. Coil spring front) caster in the range of 4-5 degrees and toe-in set between 1/16 and 3/16" is recommended. A reputable alignment shop should be able to accurately verify these numbers.

It has also been said that the tie rod arrangement that comes stock on TJ/XJ/JK can result in similar conditions and bump steer. Ther are kits out there that correct the linkage

I would think that lifted vehicles are more susceptible as a result of possible improper installation of the lift.

The particularly bothering issue is the fact that seemingly low mileage "stock" vehicles are experiencing the condition.

The steering stabilizer is nothing more than a band-aid in this situation. They were designed to mitigate sharp bumps from telegraphing to the driver, but certainly not intended to correct other more serious conditions. If you have a new(er) JK, replacing or upgrading the stabilizer serves only to attempt to mask the problem and leak money out of your wallet.

On stock vehicles, take advantage of the warranty. If your dealer can't find the problem, take it to another dealer, until the problem is corrected. If your state has a "Lemon Law", and the problem is not corrected in a reasonable number of attempts, you have legal recourse. Take notes, keep records, and good luck.