[jjg214]

hey, iv read a bit on the infamous "death wobble" but im looking for some more advice specific to my symptoms.

i have OME HD packs in the back and 2 inch coil spacers up front. the jeep has been riding this suspension for a few months without any problems. I took it on a 250 mile trip upstate and notice that at 50 mph when braking there is was a slight shake in the steering wheel. Now, the next day, im still upstate and it has progressed from a shaking in the wheel to the entire jeep shaking very violently.
It doesnt happen at any other RPM or MPH except when slowing from 50 to 45 while on the brake, if you coast through it nothing happens. so i suspect some problem with the brakes and would like to get ti resolved before i leave on monday. thanks for any help

[DC4W-93XJ]

sounds like tire balance is outa whack to me... only other thing it could be is your tow isn't set right...

[MJR]

Sounds like two issues. One being brake rotor warpage (have them machined or replaced) and what is called Death Wobble. This is most commonly a worn out steering dampner but could be loose/worn other parts including track bar, steering linkage, control arms, or suspension out of alignment.


Mike R

[jjg214]

the steering linkage is VERY loose, i can swivel it by hand. so i suspect this is the problem, but when i tighten it, nothing happens it stays just as loose, so i guess the joints at the ends are broken? i believe the name of the part im talking about is the drag link.

[MJR]

It's not unusual to be able to rotate it by hand (some resistance) but you can see where the play is when someone else turns the steering while you watch. The one from the steering box to RF is the drag link and the other the tie rod.

[jjg214]

its the tie rod then, it can be moved with 0 resistance and we tried to tighten it up, without success.