How to Diagnose DEATH WOBBLE
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- čas přidán 5. 08. 2017
- We analyze what causes death wobble and also learn how to check the following common causes:
- Ball Joints
- Tie Rod Ends
- Wheel Bearings
- Track Bar Bushing/ Mounts
- Control Arm Bushings
The vehicles in the video are Jeep Grand Cherokee WJs, but this information is applicable for any vehicle experiencing Death Wobble.
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We hope you enjoyed this video and will keep in mind that all information included is intended to be purely academic and in fact is only the opinion of D&E. We are not professionals, nor are we qualified to knight you a professional. D&E want to ensure that anyone modify or fixing their own vehicle does so in a safe manner which leaves the vehicle in a legal, roadworthy state. In short, DON'T BE A MONKEY WITH A TOOL BOX! If you don't know what you are doing, leave it the professionals! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Im a safety inspection officer and this video just explained basically the whole suspension portion of a safety inspection lol no wonder your method works
Really?? Well I guess that explains it then.
If You are a Safety inspection officer, you shouldn't be watching a video like this. You should be making one to teach people.
Okay, This is by far and away the best damned video on death wobble that I have ever seen, and I am so happy to have found it. I have both a 97TJ and an 04 Grand Cherokee. The Cherokee recently began to display the “Death Wobble” about 3 days after I bought it. My wrangler stopped having death wobble after swapping out the wheel bearings, and after 372K it needed them. Truth be told the 12 point bolts are actually a T13mm socket and it is best to use that particular socket after I found out the bolts strip faster than a drunken prom date. Having been a jeep guy for 22 years, most jeep videos treat death wobble as if it were some kind of occult secret that only the initiated could ever understand. While I have not experienced REAL death wobble, like other folks, I can tell you that when it happens to you the first time it is one of those things you do not forget. Again, many thanks for posting this video.
Thanks buddy. It really isnt a very complicated thing to diagnose
Best explanation I've heard on youtube ever, or anywhere for that matter.
I just learned about death wobble today. This is extremely helpful! Great video!
No shyt huh excellent video
I’m not gonna lie I really regret getting rid of the first Cherokee I ever had and death wobble had a major role in my decision. Everything that was wrong with that was so easily fixable/normal broken jeep Cherokee shit
Great presentation Dude
Yep, I second that. No pushing their own product as a 'cure-all', just a very logical approach. Workin' through mine at present. You just earned another subscriber.Well done!
My brother used to work at Jeep as a service advisor. He said anytime they had someone come in saying they had death wobble, they would just throw a new steering stabilizer on and send them on their way. When I started to experience it, that’s what he told me I should do, and I almost did. Glad I watched this video before doing that. Had to replace my wheel bearing and track bar. Now I guess I should tell my brother how wrong he was.
Not calling anyone out, but yes. A steering stabilizer will MASK the issue, but the issue still exists and will be back once the stabilizer breaks in a bit
14:31
I used your video to diagnose the “death wobble” in my 1931 Model A Ford. Using the 9/3 12/6 tire trick, I quickly found a lose tire rod end. It was an easy fix to tighten it up (the Model A has a unique tie rod end where there is a cap the screws out - it was almost completely out). Great video that will work for many make and model cars. Great work.
Having watched more videos than I can count related to this topic, yours is very informative. Stressing the importance of replacing all you can while your deep into a repair is time and money saved. This is never mentioned enough by others. You make this point. Great video!
It all started with plugs…..then saw the water pump leaking from the weep hole. Couldn’t get the mechanical fan off of the old pump and fan clutch, which ended up being a ford mech fan lol. Checked the timing chain, out of spec. Rear main was likely leaking, oil pan was pitted with rust, did em both, as well as high volume oil pump. Lots of cleanup on the inside from the bottom of chum that had built up in my engine. Stat, stat housing, upper and lower radiator hoses, heater core hoses, vibration dampener, tensioner, idler pulley, certainly water pump. I just got it back together today after a nightmare of a time with the freak weather I had where I live. It started and ran better than it did when I parked it almost two months ago now. Although I still have quite a list to go of things to replace. Don’t buy a vehicle when you’re dog tired and in a desperate situation of needing a 4x4 for work, doesn’t end well, let me tell you!
Thank You, Never had this issue before. When it happened, it was a terrifying experience. Thank you again for taking the time for people like myself to help ensure diagnosing issues....
Great video and explanation of the causes of death wobble. I’ve used these same techniques myself, and had great success. One small suggestion I would make, has to do with the tools involved in diagnosing the ball joint wear. Rather than a prybar and fulcrum, such as your chunk of wood, I use a long-handled shovel under the tire (although you could also use a short-handled shovel to get the job done). The angle between the handle and the shovel creates its own natural fulcrum and does a great job. Most offroaders have a shovel of some sort, although they might not have a long prybar. Plus, fewer tools means simpler prep and cleanup.
my take with your approach... appropriate examination...
"R" (all raised suspension) "opened eye opener"
By far the best explanation of death wobble that I've ever heard!!!
Thank you so much for the detail you put in this. Preparing to buy my first Jeep ( 2004 or 2005 TJ) and I've experienced death wobble in my first pick. This video gives me enough to start looking more critically.
Great tutorial. I bought a 2001 when Laredo ended up doing all the fixes you suggested. I didn’t know which one was the actual culprit but a Jeep with 220,000 miles deserves all the love you can give.
And no more death wobble?
Great video, expensive to have repaired, but very in depth explanations of the reasons why death wobble occurs.
Thank you for this video! My death wobble started when i got wide rims. Its so bad i cant drive it. This was a very detailed video!
So thankful for this video! I recently inherited a 2003 Jeep Wrangler with over 150k miles on it completely stock! I have been experiencing death wobble and can’t wait to diagnose it! I have never owned a Jeep before so I’m trying to learn as much about them as I can. Thank you so much!!
This is seriously the best explanation of this issue I have heard. People need to understand it isnt just a loose track bar or bad steering damper!
Watched 2 other videos for this. They only looked at stabilizer bar and replaced it. They didn't go any further. Thank you for this video. Own a 96 Grand Cherokee with death wobble. Also own 86 commanche.
This was a great video. Love that ball joint test. I’ve done track bar, all tie rod ends, one hub, all control arms and still death wobble. All parts were worn out but still haven’t found the last culprit. Can’t wait to do that ball joint test. Thanks so much!!!
@@SCOOBYDOOBIEUFO yes on that jeep I was talking about it was slightly worn ball joints. For some reason out of the half dozen jeeps we’ve had that jeep was super sensitive to death wobble. Any part that was worn would cause it. After ball joints it went away. We have a road that had a angled bump that we could generate death wobble on and after ball joints nothing. It was gone, till the motor gave up.
Thank you D&E, because of you I was able to diagnose and fix my death wobble. Best down to earth jeep channel on CZcams IMO
What was it? I've replaced so much
A great explanation. I have a JKU 2012, and I just replaced the ball joints which cured the death wobble. I also broke a bolt in my wheel hub assemblies, so I changed both of them while I was under there. About a month later, I upgraded my tie rod and draglink and it truly feels like a brand new front end!!! Thanks for the video.
Most informative video I've seen on Death Wobble yet. I'm replacing EVERYTHING this summer.
I have had death wobble in many wj's. This is guy is right on the money on all counts.
Your love and enthusiasm for Jeeps and espceially WJs makes me so happy!
Great video. I did all of the tests on my 2000 XJ. I ended up noticing play where the drag link meets the pitman arm. I changed the drag link, the steering stabilizer ( which was completely trashed) and pit new tires on. Drives like new now.
A Solid training video...thanks bro for a very insightful video on what to check and how...
Really appreciated the tests for checking all points and explanation of what is acceptable tolerance of movement. Very helpful.
Would liked to have seen more about tie rod ends.
Great video, I fixed my ranger by replacing most of my of my ball joint to greasable ones now feels great even up to 90mph
Excellent, thanks , I have the wobble just starting and had some idea of what's wrong but didn't think of wheel bearings . Health and happiness to you and your family. .
This helped a whole lot!!! I got a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4.0. and as soon as I get some daylight, I'm gonna diagnose all of this. I have a strong idea that it's my track bar, according to your video. Thank you so much!
Glad the video helped. Good luck!
Hey, thanks for the video. I've already checked some of that stuff. I'll have to check some of the other things. Thanks. :) Came here from your steering stabalisor video.
Thank you this video helped me a lot on my 02 WJ Laredo. Bought brand new has 224k miles on it. I just redid my whole suspension front and back. Felt death wobble for the very first time in my Jeep. Right away people said it was my front stabilizer. I was like hmm is brand new. Nope it was my passenger side tie rod that was a little lose on the bracket on the bar. Amazing what a little movement can do. Yes you're right when you said is crazy out of control jolt & you can't control. I was on I95. Luckily I was on the slow lane and pulled over. People listen to him this video helped me out a lot.
I own a 2011 jeep patriot and I bought it from my mom 3 years ago and I’ve always had this “death wobble” problem since I have had it and I’ve been doing research on it so I know what to look for in my jeep components. Just wanted to say thanks for this amazing video and for going into detail on what you should look for.
Thanks!
Really good presentation and explanation. I’ve got the 50mph wobble even with balanced tires. Gonna ccheck ball joints now.
Did you ever figure it out I have same problem only wobble around 50mph
Brilliant video. Very very informative. I'd say you are the expert!
I have my 2000 Nissan Pathfinder, rear wheel drive, up on stands in my driveway right now because of this! I'm replacing the upper and lower control arms/trailing arms now. I will be checking closely on the sway bar links, coil springs, and shocks to see if any excessive wear or damage has been done to those during the time I've had the death wobble. The Infiniti Qx4 is almost an identical design as well. Years 1997 - 2004 are victim of this condition. Thanks for putting your video up and saving lives!
Thank you sir . Very informative. Easiest to follow instructions I have had so far. Have a massive death wobble on my 2009 Wrangler. I'll start checking with your instructions. Thanks.
Glad you found the video helpful! Good luck with your DW
Great in depth explanation and break down!
One more thing that people overlook, the break calipers can and will cause death wobble as well.
1. Piston sticking and/or seizing due to lack of fluid flow, torn boot where debris and moisture corrode the Piston to the point it fails causing the pad not to move in and out. Dual pistons calipers can have a partial failure causing the pad to tip resulting in rub and uneven pressure.
If a piston is sticking or seized rebuild the piston or replace the caliper entirely. Do not try to free it cause it is damaged and the corrosion will create more damage as it moves in and out. Lubing it may free it up but it failed for a reason. It's a sealed unit and cannot be exposed to the elements so if this happens repair immediately.
2. Break pad guide/clips are dirty corroded or damaged not allowing the pad to move in and out freely. Cheap easy fix. Usually caused by reusing the old guides.
3. Caliper guide pins old dirty, corroded or simply not lubed up. The guide pin boot is either damaged allowing dirt and debris to get In drying the lube out causing it to stick or fail which prevents the caliper from moving in and out, or it is old and worn and it no longer returns back to rest position.
3. Lastly and least likely but does happen...The break pedal push rod that goes through the booster into the master cylinder is at improper length not allowing fluid to flow back into the master from the caliper causing the caliper piston to hang up or freeze due to lack of fluid.
All of these things puts uneven pressure on the rotor causing the wheel to track out of round creating a wobble/shimmy. Check rotors for excessive heat. With that being present as well as noise and pulling to one side are indicators of break problems caused by friction due to worn out, damaged or improperly installed/replaced components.
All of which need to be addressed immediately!
Overall excellent in depth quick description that conveys to all vehicles straight axle or independent 👍
Fantastic explanation and walk through dude thank you so much !!! My 99 is hurting pretty bad atm.. death wobble with a vengeance. Now I know to start with the track bar !!!
Bless you fellow bearded jeep brother
Dang... sorry to hear that. Good luck with it!
Recently got death wobble in my truck.
Haven't fixed it yet, but when I googled it i found your clip and I now believe I maybe understand it better and what to look for.
Big thank's
Thank you so much. I have had my jeep for ab a month or so and i experienced it today twice for the first time. I will definetly give this process a try
Good luck!
I agree with DudeDylanB best explanation on CZcams period. I almost went out and bought the Rough Country dual stabilizer for my death wobble problem. I'm gonna check all my joints first might still buy the Rough Country but now I know that the dual stabilizer isn't the main reason for it. Thanks D&E In The Garage!
Glad to help! Hope it all works out for you!
D&E In The Garage hey I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ for the 4 1/2 inch lift kit I just got it two months ago and I just started getting death wobble. Me and my uncle put some new parts in it and the death wobble is bad. I did some of the tips that you showed in the video and everything seems to be solid and I did not see any play when I put something under the tire and I rocked it back-and-forth. If there’s a way you can contact me that would be great I need to get this fixed as soon as possible
Phenomenal. Best explanation I've come across. Like military precision.
Haha.. Thanks a bunch!
awesome vid man im a first time wj owner and just had death wobble today and your vid is the only one worth watching thanks alot and keep up the good work .
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it. Good luck with your DW
Well explained video my friend also just learned today there also a steering gearbox stabilizer that attaches to the pitman arm that may help a bit.....but all the explained topics are very well noted!!! 🙏
Thank you for your in-depth overview & how to check for the dreaded death wobble. I bought a 2017 JKU and experienced the death wobble after I had the Old emu 2-inch lift installed. So now will be checking everything you suggested in your video. Hopefully, I find the cause of it as now every bump I hit I think it's going to happen again.
Good luck!
Thanks for sharing the information. I had never heard of this condition 🤔 before it happened to me & terrified the breath out of me. Your video was placed in my path in a time of need & has truly helped me to know how to continue on my journey of getting my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee back in shape. I have been chasing issues every since I've taken ownership that I didn't realize I was getting into. God Bless & again many thanks.
Best explanation and visualization of diagnosis the death wobble that I've found. Thank you for you expertise in fixing the death wobble.
I thouroughly enjoyed your video and found it highly informative. It has helped me understand a few things i didnt know before. I am the only one who works on my rigs so these videos are my bible. And you sir have just helped me perform a miracle and take one more step in the direction of solving the dreaded wobble. As a loyal jeep owner i certainly hope you will make many more videos as you clearly know what the hell youre doing and most importantly you are able to explain it as well. Thank you and i hope to see lots more. 👍👍
thanks for the vid. my 05 dodge durango does this every time i reach 70mph it shakes/vibrates like crazy on certain types of highway roads. also when i hit a hump it hops up and it moves to the left or right until it gains traction again. very scary. i changed the shocks because they were froze its not as bad now but it still does it so like you say best to change out everything you spoke about.
Echo the comment best explanation ever about anything. Masterfully done.
Why thank you :-) Glad you enjoyed it
Don’t personally drive a Jeep, but my Ford F-250 suffers from death wobble also. Your video and one other on CZcams give the two best explanations I’ve seen.
Thank you your video salved my dearth wobbly. I have watched a few other videos and yours by far is the BEST!! Seriously Thanks
Man Yu Hit Every Detail On The Head I Really Appreciate This Man Yu Didnt Cut Corners Or Jus Give False Info Thank Alot💯
Great explanation!
This really helped me fix my wobble before it became Death wobble.
Thank you
Glad it helped! thanks for the feedback
Thank-you for making this straight to the point and very clear as to what you recommend doing big help
Thank you so much for this indepth video! I now know what I need to do. You rock sir!
GREAT explanation!
I really appreciate the differentiation between “Death Wobble” and “Bump Steer”. I thought the presenter used a highly effective mix of technical jargon & common slang terms - while providing good explanations of both.
Thank you!
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you enjoyed it
Great video! You can use cardboard under the tires to test on a solid surface
Thanks is a really good idea! Thanks!
Very good...the best explanation ever...All the others just talk w no content. Thank you
Thank you so much. This is great. The guy is a great teacher. I have a 2005 Sequoia with a random shaking that comes and goes. The mechanics first said it was likely a bad tire rib, so I bought new tires. Same problem. Then they said it is one of the rear air bag suspension. So they put that in. Same problem. So I too it back and they said it was a front and real wheel out of balance, and so they balanced the wheels (this time for freed). Same problem. So I took a video of the shaking of the steering wheel and the truck vibrating while driving. Yesterday, the mechanics put it on the hoist and said, "Ah ha. See here. It is the steering gear mounting bushings. See the play. We can replace the bushings with only 2 hours labor." I said that is something central under the vehicle and the actual vibration when it starts is in total sequence with the revolution of one wheel, because when it starts say at 50 mph and I let my foot off of the accelerator without breaking the vibration slows so that with each revolution of the wheels or wheel you can feel the "whump". Like - at 50 mph a rapid shaking to slower "whump .... whump .... whump" as you slow down. Then after its little fit and I turn it off and let it rest and start up again a half hour later and drive there is no vibration ???.
My XJ had what felt like death wobble ( front end feels like it's falling apart while the steering wheel feels like it's a Browning 50 cal on full auto) every time I went over 40 while starting a turn. The wheels were balanced and aligned and it still happened. Changed the steering stabilizer and no more violent wobbling for the last 50,000 miles.
My death wobble only occurs when I hit a good size bump doing 45+
That's nice but it's basically just a band aid. The underlying condition is still there, FYI. It may return once that steering damper wears out.
much respect this was super informative
I have a 1986 toyota pickup and I have experienced the death wobble that scared the living shit out of my soul. Great information.
THANK YOU! I’ve been dealing with multiple mechanics who know nothing about death wobble and have been eating my pockets alive! This was such a simple video and gave me more info than anyone I’ve talked to.
Good luck with it!
Just replace track bar.
Your #2 on that list should really be control arms anything that locates the axle in the jeep will have a heavy affect on the wobble of it, especially if it's being caused by a bump if your bushings are bad the axle will shove back a bit with the slop and then the bad Trac bar and such can't hold it!
Excellent video. The best I’ve seen yet. One question: on the last test that you described do you want to go all the way from lock to lock with the steering wheel or do you just want to go back and forth about an eighth of a turn? I typically have done it the latter way and it seems to demonstrate where the play is.
I would suggest both. Some things can only be seen at the very extremes of the steering systems travel. You are correct that jerking back and forth quickly is sometimes more efficient
Excellent comprehensive breakdown on the diagnostic process along with practical techniques for troubleshooting.
If you experience death wobble, it does require that you address it immediately. This video is a good guide for a DIY guy and will save you time, money, and grief. Spoiler Alert:
Brace yourself for what you may find. It is not uncommon for an the inspection to warrent a full overhaul of the entire front end.
Like you mentioned, new or added steering dampeners will only temporarily mask the problem, at best. After checking all the usual suspects mentioned in the video, and you still come to a conclusion that all is needed would be a new steering dampener, there is an easy way to confirm a failure in this component. Take one side of the unit loose, preferably the extension arm, which is attached to the tie rod, opposed to the cylinder side, usually found attached to the axle. The extension arm side mounting bolt has a lower torque value and will be easier to reinstall. Remove the bolt and fully actuate it in both directions a few times, back and forth by hand. There should be consistant and equal resistance in both diections. Even if you find slack in this component, indicating a worn out part, there will almost certainly have been a primary cause for this originating in one or, most likely more than one, of the components mentioned in this video. If the dampener is found to be in good operation, don't forget to re-torque the removed bolt as a final step when replacing. Check manufacture documentation for those values on your specific make and model.
Finally, as the owner and operator of a piece of jeep shit, learn to enjoy maintaining their long list of constant, characteristic mechanical and electrical issues, as you will certainly find it unavoidable until you have finally had enough, passing the torch to the next sucker who is still green with that sparkle of adventure in their eyes and completely ignorant of the required funding to keep the good times rolling.
I just got my first jeep (2010 JKU with 3.5 in lift) in March and I have had some death wobble issues that I was able to resolve (with help from my stepdad, who has had a jeep for a long time) until recently when I switched to 37's. This video was super helpful and I hope I will be able to identify causes now. I don't think I'm to the point where I could fix it myself, but at least now I will hopefully know what is wrong.
Omg! For years I wondered what is was! Why! Who to fix it! I even expressed my concern to Dealership! They just looked at me Crazy. Thanx for the Video!!!
Korrie Clark dealerships are dumb
Yeah! I've had pretty decent mechanics that had never heard of it and didn't believe me until I showed them youtube videos of it! It's amazing how this can be such a common problem with jeeps, but so many mechanics have no clue!
Another Big thing that plays a roll in Death wobble is Caster. If all your components are tight and you're still getting it have the caster set higher on an alignment rack. Learn how caster works and you will understand.
Caster is not adjustable on a solid axle Jeep unless you have aftermarket adjustable control arms...
Great explanation, I own a 70 series Land Cruiser, I’ve got a death wobble too, you are right on the diagnostic 👍
This video is so helpful! I believe I just started with this death wobble thing in my 94 Ram. Recently got new wheels & thought something was out of balance, but the reaction was WAY more violent. I'll stop on the way home to have the balance checked. But now I know what else to inspect. Have some joints with torn boots but until now hadn't noticed anything odd. Very much not a good surprise, it's only happened 3 times.
Glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck with your truck!
Finally an explanation that makes sense! Thanks.
I'm off to figure out whats up with my TJ. It only does it between 40-48mph. (34" tires rotated and rebalanced)
At least now I know what to look for.
Would the steering box also pose a problem for that? I noticed mine has about a 1" play on steering wheel before the box reacts. (Though could be from extended damage of putting off fixing wobble)
That steering box play is just something that happens to Jeeps with a solid front axles. There is a way to tighten them a bit. i will try to post a video on how to do it
D&E In The Garage I have a 2000 tJ and at 35-40 is shakes just a tad but before that and after that doesn’t shake at all. And it didn’t do it every time sometimes I can drive it a few weeks no problem the. It’ll do it agin.
I had that issue, on a 96 grand. I R&R'd all the control arms. That seemed to have fixed it. Haven't had the issue in years.
Man thank you! You have been very clear and very helpfull in figuring out my death wobble problem.
The best and most honest video I've ever seen on this problem. I have a 1994 OBS F250 2 wheel drive and when I hit a bump in the road it does the death wobble. I've seen many videos on this problem and most say it can be fixed with a stabilizer....but we all know 98% of the problem is worn parts that people like me may not know how to R&R. Seems like it is a hella job even replacing ball joints? Big pickle forks and sledge hammers? Am I wrong? This is a great video though. It really is. Mostly because because of it's unvarnished honesty.
Everyone who owns a jeep for the first time should know this , I almost had a heart attack due to a death wobble while driving my TJ 60 mph 🖐
Yea, it feel like you are taking anit-aircraft fire when it hits on the highway!
It happened to me while car pooling to work. I'm familiar with it so wasn't startled. Everyone else in the Jeep was screaming!! Hahahaha!!! All funny crap aside, it will scare the crap out of you!!!
My death wobble is pretty bad. So you say the track bar huh? $80 at oriellys.
Thanks for the heads up, never experienced it myself, but I have had my right front wheel fall off hanging by a ball joint, scared 😱 the shirt 👕 off of me. I was saying it’s not a flat tire, it’s not a flat tire,!!! Oh that was on my 69 c-10 Chevy!!
First off great video. I have death wobble and can not get rid of it. Installed a 4" lift a month ago and somehow created death wobble. List of parts that are new in the last 30 days are...
New wheel hubs both sides
New ball joints upper and lower both sides
New tie rod ends
New drag link ends
New adjustable track bar and bushings with 9/16 grade 8 bolts w/ welded washers
New upper control arm bushing axle side
New adjustable upper control arm
New lower adjustable control arm
New bilstein 5100 shocks
New rough country steering stabilizer
Tires rotated (no difference)
Tires re-balanced (no difference)
I've checked that no components are loose with the wheel test as well as ball joints just because even though they are New doesn't mean they are not bad.
Before lifting to 4" it was at 3" for 2 years on same wheels with absolutely no issues.
I'm at a dead end.
Dang, sounds like a tough one. Sometimes those track bars can be tricky to diagnose. you are 100% sure there is no chance of any movement there? What kind of Jeep is it?
D&E In The Garage absolutely zero play in track bar bolts
2002 Grand Cherokee
D&E In The Garage today I had a local garage do another alignment. +4.5 caster and .20 total tow. That’s perfect according to Iron Rock Off-road. The mechanic could not find anything loose as I suspected because I was that thorough and confident.
Had death wobble so bad it blew out my drivers headlight. How can I be the only Jeep that out of everything I’ve done still have this.
What did it end up being? Malfunctioning calipers can contribute too.
Best explanation video I ever seen on CZcams about the death wobble, I have a 99 Jeep Cherokee Sport and I'm experiencing the death wobble. My 1st project I'm going to do is replacing the track bar and go from there. Thanks for posting this video.👍
Thanks for the feedback! Hope it helps
D&E In The Garage I bought a 99 DJ from a coworker and he said I need a rear end because the death wobble hits at 60-65 mph if the steering wheel is turning(not so much when driving straight,just a little vibration).Any thoughts or tips not expressed in this vid that could be helpful to my specific situation?thanks in advance
wj owner here, love your vids! i don't have death wobble but she just hit 250k and i'm replacing much of the steering and suspension at once, happened upon your channel looking up other vids. appreciate you sharing your knowledge
i had horrible wobble on my 87 xj
i changed the steering link all the tierods connected to the knuckle and pitman arm. Used a ZJ steering link to link to the opposite knuckle and changed the stabilizer strut. So i technically have a double steeringlink arm on my jeep and drives great no more wobble
Nice!
D&E In The Garage yeah both the tie rod that connects to the pitman arm to one knuckle and the other tierod that connects to the opposite knuckle are the same thick width very heavy duty and a cheap mod. The ZJ steering link is also dirt cheap!
But its only v8 zj steering 4.0 zj steering is the same as a xj
I fixed it a few times 2 the one I'm most proud of was my Comanche I had used mud tires on it 33 1050 R15 and I kept switching Parts out of the junkyard as I would find better parts that had less play in them and I fixed it all the junkyard parts and no stabilizer on it.
in my case I did not change out any wheel bearings or upper control arms
originally I had replaced the track bar with a $39 AutoZone one it worked but it was garbage when I took it out and I replaced it with a Rubicon Express re 1650
Respect!
I should also add I did all this over a period of like 5 months I'll just keep trying different parts and better Parts until they all work together Mike Comanche wood death wobble when I got it it like 75 miles an hour and I never do 75 in it I just thought it was funny that it would do to touch your high speed usually the vehicles I've had that do death wobble do it like 35 or 45 miles per hour
What a great video! I didn't even watch it but rather listened to it while driving. Still managed to get to the ideas due to this man's clear way of explanation what a great attitude and approach to calmly tackle a problem most of us would freak out about. But the problem isn't as big when you break it down and explain l, even to a a simple wrench turner like myself that didn't even know what the track bar was I just knew mine is too short since I bought the truck lifted and the axle is located so far out of center that I have 2 spacers on 1 tire to try and make up for it. Looks like I'm gonna start to make a list and finally start saving up for that big refit.
Excellent rant! This video is gold and I am going to share it with everyone. This is critical thinking, expert level experience and articulation at it’s finest. Now I really wish someone would make a video like that on BMW reliability since that brand’s reputation has been tainted by virtually the same problem. The highly disproportionate level of abuse and neglect that BMW’s are subjected to in comparison to it’s competitors’ vehicles is rarely understood. So many of the same problems. First time performance car owners who don’t do even basic maintenance like oil changes, ‘enthusiasts’ who do incomplete mods and push their cars hard on the daily, and shops ignorantly splicing into wiring connected to complex electronics to install things like subwoofers are just few among many of the issues. I have a saying: “A Jeep is like a AK and a BMW like a HK. Both highly dependable, the question is do you want something inexpensive made for handling any dirt you throw at it or do you want something expensively engineered for ultimate precision?”
also, "Very Important!" (replace the bushings and ball joint for the rear axle) along with front axle bushings, trac bar, knuckle ball joints and all rod ends..
OK take it to wrecking yard and cubit
@@livenloud6697 there are kits that take care of most of these components and are not that expensive in comparison to many other link suspension rigs. or go buy a subaru or toyota and quit bitchin
There is ship car that should never be allowed on a roads
Best repair kit is called a grenade they shouldn't even be allowed on the road Jeeps are dangerous here's some facts for youczcams.com/video/S8kZWa8Q3Gg/video.html
czcams.com/video/wOZP3HeIg7A/video.html
I love that I counted 2875 times this guy said "Death Wobble" Love it!
Lol. Death Wobble
Wow you need a life. I feel sorry for you.
@@marcos22571 thanks, I'm glad for that.
Thank you so very much for this video.
Made so much sense.
Best explanation ever.
Very informative and articulate explanation of front axle wear that may cause the "death wobble.
Loved this! Been rding with death wobble for about a year now and it is exactly as you described. Get over 45 and hit a bump and I have to drastically slow down to get it to stop. Stop riding on highways to avoid it.
Heard it was dangerous. Knew it was damaging the car but didnt really have a choice. Guess I'll get the whole front end kit off Amazon instead of just the control arms.
Is it always the front end causing it or can the rear cause it too? Ive got gunk all in both rear wheels.
Can be very dangerous to keep driving if your tye rods are involved. If they give out & you're driving...you have no steering capability. Please, get your front end checked out. God bless.
Well just bought a steering stabilizer because of the deathwobble and its not the problem lol
You just cost me a lot of money. But after 2 mechanics who could not diagnose it, I seen the video and was able to fix it myself. Very informative. Very helpful. And my Wrangler is back on the road. Thank you. If you ever make it to New Mexico I'll show you one hell of a trail.
Hell yea! I am going to hold you too that!
Thank you such much for this video. I’ve had my WJ for 2 weeks and It’s developed insane death wobble and had no idea where to start
In other words is your track bar supposed to move a lot when turning the wheel ?
No
I have a 04 Cherokee with 2” lift I replaced tie rods, arms, bushings on the axle, track bar and still wobble at 70mph,
Get under it and do the test i showed at the end of this vid. Find the place where are are moving that should not
Same here. I about to throw away the Jeep. Engine and transmission are great sad to throw away a good vehicle. But nobody can figure it out, plus is not safe to continue driving like that
@@DEInTheGarage I done that too and everything look normal
Mopar Man I’ll take it off your hands
Nice video, great explanation, and excellent camera work, I just went through all this on my 05 Dodge Ram and it cost me a small fortune, but I think you may have just given me the confidence to do it my self next time.
It seems much more intense than it is. Like I said in the vid, there is a logical reason you are getting DW, so there is a logical way to fix it. Good luck!!
I've watched this video when I first got my WJ, and I recently just spent over $1800 on parts and labor, for new ball joints, tie rod ends, wheel bearing, CV axle, and internal seals, and new control arms. I also put on a new trackbar, and while I was under there I checked my control arms like you pointed out, and my front upper control arm bushings were SHOT! So add that to the list and hopefully that cures it. Thanks man for all the vids, you and Eric are awesome!
Did it fix it?
Very good explanation 👍that shit sucks when it happens lol
Doesn't it?! Haha, it's some of the scariest shit that's ever happened to me! I'm sure they call it the death wobble, even though it's never actually killed anybody, because you are SURE you're going to DIE RIGHT NOW when it happens to you! It drives me crazy trying to explain it to somebody, and they're all like yeah it's pretty scary, my little corolla shakes when I go really fast and yeah so scary! I'm just like dude, have you ever been 100% CERTAIN that you were DYING in it, like literally seen your life flash before your eyes? That's a fkn vibration, NOT a damn death wobble!
@@schradeya oh its not that bad. Ooo everything starts vibrating scary
We don't want our poor Jeeps to get PTSD from such a bad experience...
I have a 09 jku that has death wobble. This has been the most informative video I have found giving a great detailed explanation & showing how to check everything. Thanks for taking time to make the video and sharing. I will be checking everything on my next off day...
Good luck with it! Hope you are able to figure it out
D&E In The Garage another thing you forgot to mention is from factory alot of solid axle trucks never have the track bar and drag link at the same angle so there for the drag link takes the hit first passing it on the the gear box tie rods hub bearing cause wear in them faster and faster cause the drag link is working as your track bar that's why alot of after market track bars it fixs the angle.. I learn this from building my f150 a custom solid axle up front that your track bar and drag link gotta have the same angle so the track bar can absorb the hit and not the steering
This is a great video. I just experienced the wobble yesterday in my '96 ram 3500 going about 45 mph- it freaked the shit out of me!