Death Wobble From Hell!!! Help.

WKENDWARIOR69 · 01-17-2010, 10:17 PM

Hey guys, I have been working on this problem for awhile. I can't seem to find out what causes it. I have changed the steering stabilizer, replaced the whole steering linkage with a Currie HD system (had too, old one bent). Replaced track bar mount to the Nth degree system in turn forcing me to change out the drop pitman arm. Adjusted toe-in in by up to 1/4" and out by 1/4", had the tires rotated and balanced. Adjusted caster from pos 5degs to pos 12degs. checked all bolts and rubber bushings on my JKS lower control arms, and stock upper control arms. Change the brakes, checked bearings, and spindle ball joints. Everything looks to be right, and as far as i know there is nothing else to check.

Any help would be great, thanks guys.

**MisfitSeven** · 01-17-2010, 11:20 PM

my buddy had a simple fix you might want to check. he had his rotors turned and that fixed his DW after lifting his TJ.

**02tjsport** · 01-17-2010, 11:27 PM

Check the trackbar bolt on the axle side. That hole wallows out and causes DW. Take the trackbar off, push the bolt in the hole by itself and see if it is wallowed out. It should fit flush in the hole.

Mine did the same thing, my DW was so bad it sheared the frame side trackbar bolt while it was wobbling.

Upgrade to a bigger size bushing (I went with a 1/2" bolt) they are cheap from mcmaster.com.

Or, you can weld a 1/4" thick plate of steel the front side of the mount and drill it for the stock bolt size.

97tjfinatic · 01-17-2010, 11:36 PM

check your u joint on everything sounds stupid but if your u-joint is goin bad it could cause a pretty bad vibration or wobble. Then your driveshaft falls to the street

trust me happened three days ago

WKENDWARIOR69 · 01-18-2010, 08:02 AM

I will check my track bar connection at the axle tonight. When I have someone steer the wheel back and forth I cannot see any movement at that joint, but will still check.

It cant be the brakes cause I just changed them to see if that effected the wobble.

This is no wobble from a bad u-joint, I have pulled my drive shaft and checked all. Also note that this is not a problem that only shows up at 45+ mph. I can hardly get out of 2nd gear or 1st sometimes before the shaking starts so bad that I am smoking the tires from the side to side motion.

Anyway keep the ideas coming and I will check what ever you guys think of.

Thanks.

**Wheelin98TJ** · 01-18-2010, 08:24 AM

How did you check the ball joints and bearings?

Have you tried pushing on top of the front tires while the Jeep is sitting on the ground? This is another good way to find something that is loose.

tlendt · 01-18-2010, 08:30 AM

If nothing else works you might get your tires "road force" balanced. Many of your bigger tire stores have these machines. Cost me $20/tire but it worked.

Niceface · 01-18-2010, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02tjsport

Check the trackbar bolt on the axle side. That hole wallows out and causes DW. Take the trackbar off, push the bolt in the hole by itself and see if it is wallowed out. It should fit flush in the hole.

This happened to me several weeks ago. Tightened up the bolt, torque'd it down, and all the play/wobble went away....for now. I'm sure it's lurking somewhere, just waiting to cause havok again! Curse you DW!

robncar · 01-18-2010, 09:53 AM

If you have aftermarket wheels, make sure the star washers are not on the wheel studs to retain the rotor hats. Factory wheels will clear, aftermarket may not. The washers will not allow the wheel to sit flush on the hub.

AngusTJ · 01-18-2010, 10:00 AM

I hate DW!!

WKENDWARIOR69 · 01-18-2010, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlendt

If nothing else works you might get your tires "road force" balanced. Many of your bigger tire stores have these machines. Cost me $20/tire but it worked.

what is this? how do i know they are doing it and not just the normal balancing act.

WKENDWARIOR69 · 01-18-2010, 10:13 AM

I have removed the stars awhile ago. good thoughts.

jjenkins11 · 01-18-2010, 10:16 AM

i tried/replaced a few things on my 'stock' jeep...and what finally fixed it was new tires...

tlendt · 01-18-2010, 10:18 AM

Call and ask if they have the machine. I watched them do mine through the window in the waiting area. I have regular access to a good Coats spin balancer and it just couldn't get it. The road force balancing was like magic; it exceeded my expectations. And cured my death wobble.

**Wheelin98TJ** · 01-18-2010, 10:21 AM

Here is a locator for shops with a road force balance machine:

Locate a Hunter GSP9700 Wheel Vibration Control System