I have a 2006 Wrangler TJ and it has a very scary death wobble when I hit bumps or potholes. It shakes so violently its hard to hold onto. I have had it to a 4x4 shop (actually two) first they said it was a sway bar, then tires , then wheels, then alignment. Did them all no relief. Tightened all the shocks. It had upgraded lower control arms already but not upper they are stock. Took it to my already trusted mechanic and he said everything is tight. Iam replacing the steering stabilizer next. One of my issues is that I cant find a pic of front end of what it should look like. Everytime i see one it looks different than what I have. It has 160 k but still runs great. I never dreamed it could be this complicated!!! It feels stupid to just start replacing parts that look fine (yes they are tight) Is there any hope. Im sure if i took it to any local 4x4 shop they will just replace every single thing and
Death Wobble
- Thread starter mark weaver
- Start date
Post photos of your front end.
Perform a dry steering test, that's where you start with diagnosing this issue.
Perform a dry steering test, that's where you start with diagnosing this issue.
Get the steering stabilizer out of your part cart. It has nothing to do with it, and it is a very controversial topic (even though it is 100% true that a SS doesn't have an effect on DW, plenty of people on here don't even use them and drive down the freeway to trails).
Get your tires road force balanced. Like Chris said, do a dry steering test. It's guesswork without these two first steps. ANY play is a suspect. There's likely play somewhere at 160k, it doesn't take much for a coil spring SFA vehicle like Wrangler's to start getting DW. Mine was control arm bushings and 14 year old tires on a cheap RC lift. Diagnosing DW can be a fucking nightmare, but take your time and be thorough. Don't do the parts cannon, a couple people on here have said they rebuild their entire front end and STILL had DW because of a different issue (like old tires or balancing issues, even really bad caster angles can cause it AFAIK).
This should help; https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/still-having-death-wobble-issues.74928/
I have a similar issue, though more of a distressing front end and steering wheel shimmy, just under 60 mph
With a 'Dry Steering Test', what do you look for?
With a 'Dry Steering Test', what do you look for?
Trac bar moving back and forth from worn bushings or wallowed bolt holes. Slop in tie rod ends and drag link.
speeding_infraction
TJ Enthusiast
What do you guys use to get the suspension parts unsuspended? I don't have anything tall enough...
Jack it up by the axle with a floor jack, set jack stands under the frame and use some timbers if needed under them for height, remove wheel(s) and lower onto the stands. Thats all Ive ever used to install lift kits etc.You can jack just the axle up to fit shocks or whatever. But...Pull the shocks and let the axle hang. Then grab a handful and wiggle it. You'll see why there is DW IMHO if you have worn parts. I never really paid much attention to it until I was doing something on my 99 and was amazed.
speeding_infraction
TJ Enthusiast
Just a collection of YT vids so people (myself included) know what kinds of things to look for.
If anyone knows of some better videos, please add.
If anyone knows of some better videos, please add.
As Chris stated, post pics.
1. If you stated yours look different than most, post pics and guys here will know what you have.
2. Just do that, so that people can help, good lighting and get pics of everything from the front, sides, and behind the steering and front suspension.
Jab1719
New Member
This was my issue. Upgraded and now I am good to go
Hasselblad
TJ Enthusiast
Mine was the soft bushing in the JKS track bar.
(figured that out after several thousand in other parts.
speeding_infraction
TJ Enthusiast
UT grad correct?????
No I skipped college and went straight to work lol. Does it show?
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