Wobbly steering

[Logan6464]

I have a 2001 Sahara on 33s with a 4 inch lift and whenever I hit around 35-40 mph the steering gets wobbly and very sensitive. It send me back and fourth on the road and whenever I correct it it over corrects with the slightest movement. Anyone know how to fix this. I was thinking a steering stab or an alignment but not sure.

 

[98TxTJ]

I have a 2001 Sahara on 33s with a 4 inch lift and whenever I hit around 35-40 mph the steering gets wobbly and very sensitive. It send me back and fourth on the road and whenever I correct it it over corrects with the slightest movement. Anyone know how to fix this. I was thinking a steering stab or an alignment but not sure.

Possibly just alignment, the should check for worn ball joints or tie rod ends first, because if those need repair, the alignment won't help.

Folks on here helped when I had something similar.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...after-front-end-work-fixed.46771/#post-800788

 

[AndyG]

Sounds like bump steer, post a pic of the front end components when possible.

 

[Rubicon88]

Most times with the behavior you're describing it's the track bar.
That said..have helper steer back and forth NOT Running.....
while stationary.
2-3 inches back and forth.
Watch every joint including the the pitman arm where it mounts to the box...that is a harder material and the pitman arm can get sloppy on there.
Look at all tie rods and track bar.
I bet you'll find slop on one of the above. Possibly more than one too.

We deal with sawing at the wheel all the time and most cases it's the above listed components.

Good luck

 

[BuildBreakRepeat]

How is your caster? (Return to center)

 

[Rubicon88]

To add...make sure your 33's aren't worn all messed up too.

The feedback from badly worn 33's can be massive

 

[Goatman]

Everyone above could be right. I'll add that when my tor was off (like a 1/2") and I drove to the store to get parts, on back roads that were a bit worn and wavy the tires would take turns deciding which would track true. At around 25 mph it was real sketchy. The effect was less severe on a better road, but still there.
But unless you just did something to screw up your steering i would guess it is probably a little bit of everything going on. Get a buddy and do a dry steering test to see what moves. Any part that moves even a little before the other piece joins in needs replacement. If you have a bunch of old rusty parts underneath then just replace everything with a ZJ 1 ton upgrade. It's not expensive but can make a dramatic improvement in your steering.
If the Jeep is new to you then also see if you have a dropped pitman arm installed. That can also F. up your steering (bump steer as above). If you can post some clear, well lit pics of your steering system it may help diagnose the problem.

 

[AndyG]

All good posts. I’m always reminded when I see these threads you have to be thorough to diagnose your own stuff...everything from the control arm bushings, the track bars, the track bar bushings and bolts, sway bar frame bushings , sway bar links and bushings, all the steering linkage ends, hub unit bearings, ball joints, tires, shocks, alignment,bump stops ...it’s all one big interconnected system of chutes and ladders and every connection and setting is factored in by the manufacturer...I’m not trying to make it overcomplicated, but if you are going to fix your own stuff or want to be sure the shop shoots straight, you need to grasp how it all works together. Don’t be intimidated, take the time, you will be glad later you did if you plan to own one of these a while.

 

[Tob]

Is your front sway bar connected? Almost sounds like a bunch of body roll felt from slight steering corrections.