Bunny hop

[Charlie2004]

Hi guys, I have a 2.5 2000 tj wrangler, have owned her for past 2 months. Since having her, at certain speeds she bunny hops/ judders. I ether have to put my foot the the floor to clear the speed or drop back. It mostly happens between 50mph - 55mph. Has anyone experienced this or know the cause? Thanks Charlie

 

[Vulture]

My first suspicion would be a tire balance issue.

 

[Charlie2004]

My first suspicion would be a tire balance issue.

Thanks, I’ll give that ago. I tried new spark plug and clean cat/ engine but that didn’t seem to work. Thanks again

 

[Gilaguy23]

Bunny hop? Death wobble maybe? We need more details. Do the steering wheel shake from side to side like its possessed?

 

[JMT]

 

[Rubiconned]

 

[Charlie2004]

Bunny hop? Death wobble maybe? We need more details. Do the steering wheel shake from side to side like its possessed?

Definitely not a death wobble, it judders between 50-55mph. Drives fine in 5th till you hit 52ish then judders till you hit 55mph. Absolutely fine after 55!

 

[Sayantsi]

Sounds like a tire(s) is out of balance, and at that speed, you get the right momentum to magnify it and make it really noticeable.

You can get the tires balance-checked - did you or the previous owner just put new tires on it?

 

[Ashim]

Sounds like you're shifting into 5th gear too early. What happens if you keep it in 4th at 52mph?

 

[DuckNut]

Sounds to me like a u joint is on its way out.

 

[Charlie2004]

Sounds like you're shifting into 5th gear too early. What happens if you keep it in 4th at 52mph?

Doesn’t happen if I do it in 4th, could that really be the reason? It doesn’t seem to struggle in 5th but maybe I am changing to early…

 

[Charlie2004]

Sounds to me like a u joint is on its way out.

She’s just had a good £900! service in September, u joint wasn’t mentioned. Lots of other problems, but no U joint.

 

[JMT]

She’s just had a good £900! service in September, u joint wasn’t mentioned. Lots of other problems, but no U joint.

I agree with the idea that it is tires out of balance. Very common, though usually at a lower speed like 40mph, but you’re in the UK, so are you referring to 50-55mph or 50-55kmph?

 

[Tob]

Sounds like tire imbalance. If you rotate the tires front to back, that will give you more information for diagnosis.