2004TJ front end wobble
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2004TJ front end wobble
Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
problems.
On Mon, 27 Jun 2005 16:24:20 UTC "damgoodespresso@gmail.com"
<damgoodespresso@gmail.com> wrote:
> Monday 27 June update -
>
> I changed out the steering damper after replacing the bolt for the
> trackbar that I broke Friday. That basically eliminated the wobble as
> an oscillation that traveled up into the steering. However - there was
> still an unusual vibration present, something still not right. I
> jacked up the front end - tie rod ends are fine, no wiggle in the ball
> joints, everything seems tight. I checked the tires for out-of-round
> or cupping or anything else. Nothing.
>
> Bouncing on the shocks showed a perceptible difference at the driver's
> side front shock, at least a couple of bounces more than should have
> been there. I replaced all four, and the death wobble is gone.
>
> The tires may still be an issue and may have been the root cause. I'm
> taking the vehicle back to the machanic to rebalance the front tires
> and look for any out of round or cupping at speed on the balance
> machine. There is a slight vibration which may be an issue.
>
> The Jeep feels so much more stable now, though, that I would consider
> it solved. I've actually forgotten to pay attention to the feel of the
> steering and to every bump and vibration in case it goes wrong, and
> just enjoyed the driving again.
>
> Thanks for the help and pointers.
> --doug
>
--
Will Honea
strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
problems.
On Mon, 27 Jun 2005 16:24:20 UTC "damgoodespresso@gmail.com"
<damgoodespresso@gmail.com> wrote:
> Monday 27 June update -
>
> I changed out the steering damper after replacing the bolt for the
> trackbar that I broke Friday. That basically eliminated the wobble as
> an oscillation that traveled up into the steering. However - there was
> still an unusual vibration present, something still not right. I
> jacked up the front end - tie rod ends are fine, no wiggle in the ball
> joints, everything seems tight. I checked the tires for out-of-round
> or cupping or anything else. Nothing.
>
> Bouncing on the shocks showed a perceptible difference at the driver's
> side front shock, at least a couple of bounces more than should have
> been there. I replaced all four, and the death wobble is gone.
>
> The tires may still be an issue and may have been the root cause. I'm
> taking the vehicle back to the machanic to rebalance the front tires
> and look for any out of round or cupping at speed on the balance
> machine. There is a slight vibration which may be an issue.
>
> The Jeep feels so much more stable now, though, that I would consider
> it solved. I've actually forgotten to pay attention to the feel of the
> steering and to every bump and vibration in case it goes wrong, and
> just enjoyed the driving again.
>
> Thanks for the help and pointers.
> --doug
>
--
Will Honea
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2004TJ front end wobble
Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
problems.
On Mon, 27 Jun 2005 16:24:20 UTC "damgoodespresso@gmail.com"
<damgoodespresso@gmail.com> wrote:
> Monday 27 June update -
>
> I changed out the steering damper after replacing the bolt for the
> trackbar that I broke Friday. That basically eliminated the wobble as
> an oscillation that traveled up into the steering. However - there was
> still an unusual vibration present, something still not right. I
> jacked up the front end - tie rod ends are fine, no wiggle in the ball
> joints, everything seems tight. I checked the tires for out-of-round
> or cupping or anything else. Nothing.
>
> Bouncing on the shocks showed a perceptible difference at the driver's
> side front shock, at least a couple of bounces more than should have
> been there. I replaced all four, and the death wobble is gone.
>
> The tires may still be an issue and may have been the root cause. I'm
> taking the vehicle back to the machanic to rebalance the front tires
> and look for any out of round or cupping at speed on the balance
> machine. There is a slight vibration which may be an issue.
>
> The Jeep feels so much more stable now, though, that I would consider
> it solved. I've actually forgotten to pay attention to the feel of the
> steering and to every bump and vibration in case it goes wrong, and
> just enjoyed the driving again.
>
> Thanks for the help and pointers.
> --doug
>
--
Will Honea
strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
problems.
On Mon, 27 Jun 2005 16:24:20 UTC "damgoodespresso@gmail.com"
<damgoodespresso@gmail.com> wrote:
> Monday 27 June update -
>
> I changed out the steering damper after replacing the bolt for the
> trackbar that I broke Friday. That basically eliminated the wobble as
> an oscillation that traveled up into the steering. However - there was
> still an unusual vibration present, something still not right. I
> jacked up the front end - tie rod ends are fine, no wiggle in the ball
> joints, everything seems tight. I checked the tires for out-of-round
> or cupping or anything else. Nothing.
>
> Bouncing on the shocks showed a perceptible difference at the driver's
> side front shock, at least a couple of bounces more than should have
> been there. I replaced all four, and the death wobble is gone.
>
> The tires may still be an issue and may have been the root cause. I'm
> taking the vehicle back to the machanic to rebalance the front tires
> and look for any out of round or cupping at speed on the balance
> machine. There is a slight vibration which may be an issue.
>
> The Jeep feels so much more stable now, though, that I would consider
> it solved. I've actually forgotten to pay attention to the feel of the
> steering and to every bump and vibration in case it goes wrong, and
> just enjoyed the driving again.
>
> Thanks for the help and pointers.
> --doug
>
--
Will Honea
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2004TJ front end wobble
Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
problems.
On Mon, 27 Jun 2005 16:24:20 UTC "damgoodespresso@gmail.com"
<damgoodespresso@gmail.com> wrote:
> Monday 27 June update -
>
> I changed out the steering damper after replacing the bolt for the
> trackbar that I broke Friday. That basically eliminated the wobble as
> an oscillation that traveled up into the steering. However - there was
> still an unusual vibration present, something still not right. I
> jacked up the front end - tie rod ends are fine, no wiggle in the ball
> joints, everything seems tight. I checked the tires for out-of-round
> or cupping or anything else. Nothing.
>
> Bouncing on the shocks showed a perceptible difference at the driver's
> side front shock, at least a couple of bounces more than should have
> been there. I replaced all four, and the death wobble is gone.
>
> The tires may still be an issue and may have been the root cause. I'm
> taking the vehicle back to the machanic to rebalance the front tires
> and look for any out of round or cupping at speed on the balance
> machine. There is a slight vibration which may be an issue.
>
> The Jeep feels so much more stable now, though, that I would consider
> it solved. I've actually forgotten to pay attention to the feel of the
> steering and to every bump and vibration in case it goes wrong, and
> just enjoyed the driving again.
>
> Thanks for the help and pointers.
> --doug
>
--
Will Honea
strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
problems.
On Mon, 27 Jun 2005 16:24:20 UTC "damgoodespresso@gmail.com"
<damgoodespresso@gmail.com> wrote:
> Monday 27 June update -
>
> I changed out the steering damper after replacing the bolt for the
> trackbar that I broke Friday. That basically eliminated the wobble as
> an oscillation that traveled up into the steering. However - there was
> still an unusual vibration present, something still not right. I
> jacked up the front end - tie rod ends are fine, no wiggle in the ball
> joints, everything seems tight. I checked the tires for out-of-round
> or cupping or anything else. Nothing.
>
> Bouncing on the shocks showed a perceptible difference at the driver's
> side front shock, at least a couple of bounces more than should have
> been there. I replaced all four, and the death wobble is gone.
>
> The tires may still be an issue and may have been the root cause. I'm
> taking the vehicle back to the machanic to rebalance the front tires
> and look for any out of round or cupping at speed on the balance
> machine. There is a slight vibration which may be an issue.
>
> The Jeep feels so much more stable now, though, that I would consider
> it solved. I've actually forgotten to pay attention to the feel of the
> steering and to every bump and vibration in case it goes wrong, and
> just enjoyed the driving again.
>
> Thanks for the help and pointers.
> --doug
>
--
Will Honea
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2004TJ front end wobble
>one last thing have you ever had it off road or did you buy it used ... I
>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive line
>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
Bought it new.
Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>problems.
I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
It has the aluminum 15' rims.
There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
triggers anything remotely like that.
--doug
>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive line
>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
Bought it new.
Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>problems.
I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
It has the aluminum 15' rims.
There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
triggers anything remotely like that.
--doug
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2004TJ front end wobble
>one last thing have you ever had it off road or did you buy it used ... I
>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive line
>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
Bought it new.
Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>problems.
I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
It has the aluminum 15' rims.
There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
triggers anything remotely like that.
--doug
>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive line
>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
Bought it new.
Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>problems.
I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
It has the aluminum 15' rims.
There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
triggers anything remotely like that.
--doug
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2004TJ front end wobble
>one last thing have you ever had it off road or did you buy it used ... I
>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive line
>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
Bought it new.
Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>problems.
I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
It has the aluminum 15' rims.
There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
triggers anything remotely like that.
--doug
>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive line
>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
Bought it new.
Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>problems.
I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
It has the aluminum 15' rims.
There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
triggers anything remotely like that.
--doug
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2004TJ front end wobble
>one last thing have you ever had it off road or did you buy it used ... I
>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive line
>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
Bought it new.
Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>problems.
I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
It has the aluminum 15' rims.
There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
triggers anything remotely like that.
--doug
>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive line
>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
Bought it new.
Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>problems.
I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
It has the aluminum 15' rims.
There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
triggers anything remotely like that.
--doug
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2004TJ front end wobble
then it has got to be your tires........
<justanartist@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1119902089.770004.9610@g43g2000cwa.googlegrou ps.com...
> >one last thing have you ever had it off road or did you buy it used ...
> >I
>>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive
>>line
>>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
>
> Bought it new.
> Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>
>>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>
>>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>>problems.
>
> I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
> It has the aluminum 15' rims.
> There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
> alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
> tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
> admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
>
> I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
> With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
> shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
> triggers anything remotely like that.
>
> --doug
>
<justanartist@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1119902089.770004.9610@g43g2000cwa.googlegrou ps.com...
> >one last thing have you ever had it off road or did you buy it used ...
> >I
>>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive
>>line
>>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
>
> Bought it new.
> Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>
>>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>
>>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>>problems.
>
> I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
> It has the aluminum 15' rims.
> There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
> alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
> tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
> admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
>
> I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
> With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
> shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
> triggers anything remotely like that.
>
> --doug
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2004TJ front end wobble
then it has got to be your tires........
<justanartist@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1119902089.770004.9610@g43g2000cwa.googlegrou ps.com...
> >one last thing have you ever had it off road or did you buy it used ...
> >I
>>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive
>>line
>>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
>
> Bought it new.
> Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>
>>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>
>>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>>problems.
>
> I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
> It has the aluminum 15' rims.
> There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
> alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
> tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
> admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
>
> I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
> With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
> shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
> triggers anything remotely like that.
>
> --doug
>
<justanartist@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1119902089.770004.9610@g43g2000cwa.googlegrou ps.com...
> >one last thing have you ever had it off road or did you buy it used ...
> >I
>>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive
>>line
>>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
>
> Bought it new.
> Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>
>>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>
>>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>>problems.
>
> I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
> It has the aluminum 15' rims.
> There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
> alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
> tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
> admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
>
> I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
> With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
> shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
> triggers anything remotely like that.
>
> --doug
>
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 2004TJ front end wobble
then it has got to be your tires........
<justanartist@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1119902089.770004.9610@g43g2000cwa.googlegrou ps.com...
> >one last thing have you ever had it off road or did you buy it used ...
> >I
>>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive
>>line
>>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
>
> Bought it new.
> Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>
>>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>
>>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>>problems.
>
> I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
> It has the aluminum 15' rims.
> There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
> alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
> tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
> admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
>
> I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
> With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
> shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
> triggers anything remotely like that.
>
> --doug
>
<justanartist@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1119902089.770004.9610@g43g2000cwa.googlegrou ps.com...
> >one last thing have you ever had it off road or did you buy it used ...
> >I
>>did run into a situation similar to this we found that the front drive
>>line
>>had been bent on a stump when it had been off road.
>
> Bought it new.
> Never off road (other than dirt roads in Vermont).
>
>>Two drastically different shocks on one axle will cause a LOT of
>>strange things - but you still need to nail down the undelying cause.
>>Right now, you have it masked but it will return.
>
>>If you have steel rims, did you check the runout? it doesn't take
>>much of a bump against a curb or rock to bend the rim enough to cause
>>problems.
>
> I went from stock shocks to four new shocks, so they always matched.
> It has the aluminum 15' rims.
> There's only two things left I would consider possible. Tires and
> alignment - and I'm still debating when to replace the stock Goodyear
> tyres. If I do them right away, the alignment is a waste. I have to
> admit, I'm looking for an excuse to get new.
>
> I'm not convinced entirely that this is a hidden problem at this point.
> With just the steering damper, absolutely - but after replacing the
> shocks it is stable and the wobble isn't present at all. No bump
> triggers anything remotely like that.
>
> --doug
>