Death wobble - is this drag link end bad?

[damian2889]

My jeep has developed violent death wobble that ends only after I've nearly slowed to a stop. I know that I have some play in both ends of the track bar, I've already ordered a new one.

My question is - is this normal drag link rotation or is this up and down movement indicative of a bad drag link end?



Thanks!

 

[Tob]

My jeep has developed violent death wobble that ends only after I've nearly slowed to a stop. I know that I have some play in both ends of the track bar, I've already ordered a new one.

My question is - is this normal drag link rotation or is this up and down movement indicative of a bad drag link end?



Thanks!

Replacing the old trackbar will get rid of the death wobble. It’s hard to tell from the video what’s going on with the drag link. What I would do is take the cotter pin out and try tightening that castle nut above the pitman arm. The torque spec can be found in the FSM, which is available in pdf format in the resources section of the forum. Definitely report back with your results after the track bar replacement!

 

[AndyG]

My jeep has developed violent death wobble that ends only after I've nearly slowed to a stop. I know that I have some play in both ends of the track bar, I've already ordered a new one.

My question is - is this normal drag link rotation or is this up and down movement indicative of a bad drag link end?



Thanks!

You have the right idea by moving the wheel...I can’t tell about that connection but the link may have served its useful life span.

If it happens at a certain speed range it points to tire balance....a rotation can often prove that.


....if a bump does it it’s likely a loose comnection- watch every end like you are this one.

Also don’t negate the upper control passenger side control arm bushing...it can contribute.

 

[damian2889]

You have the right idea by moving the wheel...I can’t tell about that connection but the link may have served its useful life span.

If it happens at a certain speed range it points to tire balance....a rotation can often prove that.


....if a bump does it it’s likely a loose comnection- watch every end like you are this one.

Also don’t negate the upper control passenger side control arm bushing...it can contribute.

In addition to the track bar I've decided to replace the drag link and tie rod ends to be safe, they weren't too expensive and after ~250k miles if they aren't bad already they will be soon.

And tips on checking the control arm bushings? All the CA bushings look old and cracked but there's no obvious play in them.

I'm tempted to replace the lower front CAs because they're old and cheap to replace, but am more hesitant about the top unless I'm confident that it's bad, as I've reading that the axle bushing can be a PITA to get out.

 

[damian2889]

You have the right idea by moving the wheel...I can’t tell about that connection but the link may have served its useful life span.

If it happens at a certain speed range it points to tire balance....a rotation can often prove that.


....if a bump does it it’s likely a loose comnection- watch every end like you are this one.

Also don’t negate the upper control passenger side control arm bushing...it can contribute.

The DW is always initiated by a bump.

 

[AndyG]

In addition to the track bar I've decided to replace the drag link and tie rod ends to be safe, they weren't too expensive and after ~250k miles if they aren't bad already they will be soon.

And tips on checking the control arm bushings? All the CA bushings look old and cracked but there's no obvious play in them.

I'm tempted to replace the lower front CAs because they're old and cheap to replace, but am more hesitant about the top unless I'm confident that it's bad, as I've reading that the axle bushing can be a PITA to get out.

You can tow it out 5/8”
And hit a bump....if it stays calm start on the bushings-