'97 Cherokee Sport, Budget Boost, bought a used set of 30" tires w/ Grand Cherokee Wheels. When I'm on the highway, around 55-60, the car shakes pretty bad. Its nice and smooth riding around town and once I get past the shake speed.
There is (1) total wheel weight on all four tires. The shaking is not consistent. Sometimes its at 55 mph, sometimes its around 60ish. Sometimes its worse than others.
Could it just be a balance issue? I'm planning to take the wheels in later this week or next to be balanced, but just want your guys opinion on if you think this is it.
I suppose it could be a balance issue. However, on other cars I've owned, they have shaken at the same speeds, and it was attributed to bad tie-rod ends. Worth checking if they're older. Good luck.
Typically a speed-sensitive wobble is indicative of a balance issue, you could rotate the tires and see if the behavior changes or just have them balanced.
Wobble, particularly the very violent variety called death wobble, is commonly caused by worn tie rod ends or ball joints. However when those are the cause it typically starts up as the result of a bump, a certain turning behavior or some other factor that sets up an oscillation in the steering components rather than a specific speed. Speed-specific is more commonly associated with wheel/tire balance or more rarely with an unbalanced driveshaft.
Thanks for the info. I guess I could have noted that the stock wheels as well as another set of 30" mud tires ran fine, nice and smooth. When I put the current set on, one wheel was loose, popped off at about 5 mph. Put it back on (no other damage then the fender getting buggered up) and drove down the highway the next day, noticed it then.
I do have some, what feels like play in the rear suspension. If i put my foot on the top of the rear driver tire and push hard, i feel the play and/or hear a click. Thought maybe that could have something to do with it?
I'm not sure I'm reading what you're dong to cause the click right, but i'd retorque the lugnuts and maybe check the outer axle bearings and the drum brake setup if it doesn't go away.
if you're feeling the wobble in the steering wheel and not through the body of the vehicle it's probably something up front though.
Got the tires balanced, they noted they were pretty out of balance. Much smoother up to about 55. At 55 I got death wobble the other day now. My first experience with it so nice and shocking.
Death wobble is definitely fun the first time. Its probably one or more steering prices worn out. If you're not sure of maintenance history there I'd take the flamethrower approach and do all TRE's and ball joints. Costs less than 250 after shipping on rock auto as of my last time doing it.
You can, if you're budget conscious, have a friend turn it lock to lock in park while you lie in front of it and look for any signs of uneven movement. A mechanics stethoscope can help identify grinding noises, too. Special attention should be paid to leaking parts with shredded grease boots, that tends to be a solid indicator or health even if it's not exactly a guarantee.
Start with tie rod and ball joints. Check your track bar for play also. If you're on a tight budget, you can do just the tie rod ends, but its much easier to just replace the whole enchilada. If you replace tie rod ends you will likely need an alignment after. Also if you are running 30s you may want a beefier steering stabilizer. A bad one will not cause death wobble, but it never hurts to upgrade if you are lifting and running bigger tires. Good Luck!
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