Serious Death Wobble
 

Hello, just got 93 laredo. 81 thous miles and front end shakes real bad at highway speeds which requires serious braking to get the jeep out of it. Twice now I have had the drivers of the vehicles behind me during this stressful time, advised me that they can visibly see the front rims shaking,wobbling,etc. Rotated tires, 2 pre purchase inspections by qualified and good reputation shops. Both stating that all ok. I knew to get Lubricos Warranty, despite two thumbs up. It just feels vague when it comes to steering too. I'm an old-school chevy gal, fairly mechanically knowledgable < except electrical, lol > after having muscle cars most of my life. I'm used to expecting the unexpected but this .....scares the livin daylights outta me!!!. The tires, Wranglers 235 75 on 15's. Came with nice chrome American Racing rims, which look a little offset. Thank you for taking the time to read this, replies much appreciated. Happy Cruising

Re: Serious Death Wobble
 

With the jeep idling reach inside the vehicle and rotate the steering back and forth. What you are looking for is the body moving side to side over the tires? Sounds like a bad track bar on the front suspension.

Might not be but easy to check. No tools required.

Re: Serious Death Wobble
 

Check all your rubber bushings in the front end, track bar loose/ worn and a worn out steering stabalizer are the "usual" main culprits here. Check the ball joints for play and especially the pitman arm.
Also check to see if your steering box isn't coming loose from the frame rail.

Re: Serious Death Wobble
 

I could explain it all to you but I found a very helpful post on jeepforum that explains very well what can cause DW and/or shimmy.
there is also an interesting video at the end of the post which demonstrates Death Wobble.Take a gander at this post and it may answer several of your questions.(note-I could have copy/pasted the whole thing and taken credit for it,but I'm not that type of person :) )http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f96/d...bbles-1052221/

Re: Serious Death Wobble
 

Thank you for your prompt reply, much appreciated.....Happy Cruising, Bitzi, Vic,B.C.

Re: Serious Death Wobble
 

since posting.....it is....u guesed it/ another bad set of badyear tires. Wrangler. I'm sure there are lots of faithful gy lovers but I have done days of research and I , myself will never ever get gy tires. Came with Jeep. nice looking tires, aggressive tread, lousy soft compound, slipped belts and bad cupping. With over 90 tread left. Too bad, no warranty on gy tires?

Re: Serious Death Wobble
 

If your the original purchaser there should be some kind of pro-rated warranty. Never been a fan of GY, like my Pirrelli's and Firestone's more.

Re: Serious Death Wobble
 

I must disagree on any kind of warrantee on the tire rating of LT for offroading purposes, they just don't want to pay out.. only one I ever found was Walmart had some years back "Super something I bought 4 at 100 buck each as they were being faised out.. there was a free rotation every 6 mos and they were warranted against road hazards, they don't have this size anymore probably was costing them too much...they were a very good tire.

Re: Serious Death Wobble
 

thx, checking into it now....90 percent tread left, not original owner but dealer may help anyway. May. Wrangler Silent Armour = many unhappy users. The reviews and horror stories are everywhere. I have learned so much in the past few weeks.about tires, their ratings, variances, tolerances but most of all, as I stated the proof is in the people. Yes, some folk do not have clue how to maintain and take care of tires once they purchase them.SOOO many different dealers and tire "techs" have the same things to say about these tires. Inability to balance, serious sidewall defects and premature treadwear were most common. Delamination, cupping and abnormal blowouts were also brought up. Keeping in mind that my use is mostly asphalt, gravel and light off-roading. Thanks again for the replies, much appreciated.....now if someone could get back to me about those Jeepscanada stickers????lol

Re: Serious Death Wobble
 

I must buy new tires in the fall and I too have been researching the crap out of what type of tires I want to put on.After all my research-this is for the budget-minded like me,I have decided on BFG all terrain T/A KO's.I've read and heard so many good things about them that I've decided that's what I'm getting.
I found a link with 2 possibilities..check it out,it might help you.
Although I'm thinking of going to 32's.