I have a 2004 Jeep Wrangler unlimited and I have a death wobble when I hit 65 mph. I have replaced the steering stabilizer and checked the track bar and it seem to be fine but I’m thinking tie rods and an alignment will fix my problem. Anyone know what I should do I am running 17 inch jk wheels with Goodyear Wrangler sra tires with no lift.
Help with death wobble that happens at 65 mph
- Thread starter Tzerambo
- Start date
GeorgeSully
TJ Enthusiast
No it gets worse and the way it happens is that when I’m going aground 60 I will give it a little more gas so it was go faster because it’s in overdrive and when it kicks overdrive off it jolts and starts the wobble then it just keep doing it untill I slow down to about 55. My tires should be balanced. And I had the stock 15 inch tires on it before and it would do the same thing but it would wobble a small amount around 45 mph untill 60 mph now it only ever wobbles at 65+
GeorgeSully
TJ Enthusiast
I would try an alignment then and check all the joints in the suspension. From where the Pittman arm connects to the tie rod ends. Do a dry steering test and if you can see movement put your finger over the joint while someone is steering it to feel for play. Also don’t crush your fingers if you do this.
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Do you think if I were to get an alignment i should buy the tie rod or track bar first because it’s like 70 dollars for an alignment and if I replace those I will need another alignment. So should I get those parts and make the repair shop put them on and do my alignment?
Do the dry steering check, that will tell you what is wrong if you are lucky. Track bars and control arms are also potential death wobble problem joints.
Agree. Check to see what is wrong. Guessing and throwing parts and money at it is unlikely to solve the issue until all is replaced. Get underneath with a good flashlight and see and feel each point for ANY movement. Good luck.
I did the steering test and the track bar moved but a very minimal amount I didn’t notice it at first
89grand
TJ Addict
See
A dry test will tell you in 5 minutes what is loose.
The speed change seems to be the cause , so you likely have worn steering components.
A track bar bushing can look great and be bad , the bolts can be bad and can also be under torqued .
Tie rod ends can be worn, and the drag ling end as well .
You can even have a loose track bar mount or loose pitman arm
All that is happening is you have enough loose it can auto gyrate,and the speed gives it the power to do that . Slap on bigger tires and it will /can happen at lower speed , and likely be more violent.
Death wobble isn't a jeep only problem , it's just that jeeps are light and often have big tires on them , which over power the vehicles' steering systems ability to fight back and keep it tracking once the wear or tire issue , or both are there. To make it worse ,big tires are hard to balance, and wear components.
It's actually all give and take , the worse a tire is the less worn
components can matter , and vice versa. Typically it's some of both working together, but even a low tire can set it off.
It's not alignment . And they sell new replacement track bar bushings .
A dry test will tell you in 5 minutes what is loose.
The speed change seems to be the cause , so you likely have worn steering components.
A track bar bushing can look great and be bad , the bolts can be bad and can also be under torqued .
Tie rod ends can be worn, and the drag ling end as well .
You can even have a loose track bar mount or loose pitman arm
All that is happening is you have enough loose it can auto gyrate,and the speed gives it the power to do that . Slap on bigger tires and it will /can happen at lower speed , and likely be more violent.
Death wobble isn't a jeep only problem , it's just that jeeps are light and often have big tires on them , which over power the vehicles' steering systems ability to fight back and keep it tracking once the wear or tire issue , or both are there. To make it worse ,big tires are hard to balance, and wear components.
It's actually all give and take , the worse a tire is the less worn
components can matter , and vice versa. Typically it's some of both working together, but even a low tire can set it off.
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Andy, you better get your grammar check fixed or @Chris will be on your ass! lol
I did the dry test and the track bar moved but so little that I barley noticed it. And the tie rods seemed to be fine but I think it’s a mixture of a lot of things because all of the front suspension are original so I’m sure all of it could be replaced. But I think a new track bar and tie rod should help out quite a bit but it might not entirely fix it. But since I have to lift should I just go with an oem track bar and tie rods or beefed up tie rods.
Well I wouldn't just go replacing parts....and if it's lifted I would definitely be particular about the length and type of the track bar... that is why there are adjustable track bars , to keep the axle centered after the lift . It has to reach further , unless the mounts are relocated.
It is possible you have several steering components slightly worn .
Or lost a wheel weight.
Be thorough , go slow , and you will find it . Keep us posted .
O sorry I just realized I meant to say since I have NO lift I’m sorry. I have no lift at all it’s stock still other than running 17 inch wheels. Sorry misspelled it