Death Wobble
10-09-2006, 09:45 AM
#41
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Death Wobble
How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
does that should be taken off the road.
A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
tire or a really out of balance tire.
To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
drive to show him.
I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
there with a rod flopping around inside it.
When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
thought of changing the steering shock.
My steering is still great....
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
Lloyd Hanning wrote:
>
> I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> recommendations on what damper to get?
>
> Thanks
> Lloyd
>
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> >
> > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > wobble......
> >
> > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> >
> > What I know:
> > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > brake job)
> >
> > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > mentioned before)
> >
> > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > than the above, that I should look for?
> >
Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
does that should be taken off the road.
A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
tire or a really out of balance tire.
To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
drive to show him.
I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
there with a rod flopping around inside it.
When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
thought of changing the steering shock.
My steering is still great....
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
Lloyd Hanning wrote:
>
> I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> recommendations on what damper to get?
>
> Thanks
> Lloyd
>
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> >
> > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > wobble......
> >
> > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> >
> > What I know:
> > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > brake job)
> >
> > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > mentioned before)
> >
> > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > than the above, that I should look for?
> >
10-09-2006, 09:45 AM
#42
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Death Wobble
How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
does that should be taken off the road.
A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
tire or a really out of balance tire.
To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
drive to show him.
I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
there with a rod flopping around inside it.
When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
thought of changing the steering shock.
My steering is still great....
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
Lloyd Hanning wrote:
>
> I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> recommendations on what damper to get?
>
> Thanks
> Lloyd
>
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> >
> > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > wobble......
> >
> > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> >
> > What I know:
> > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > brake job)
> >
> > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > mentioned before)
> >
> > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > than the above, that I should look for?
> >
Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
does that should be taken off the road.
A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
tire or a really out of balance tire.
To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
drive to show him.
I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
there with a rod flopping around inside it.
When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
thought of changing the steering shock.
My steering is still great....
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
Lloyd Hanning wrote:
>
> I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> recommendations on what damper to get?
>
> Thanks
> Lloyd
>
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> >
> > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > wobble......
> >
> > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> >
> > What I know:
> > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > brake job)
> >
> > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > mentioned before)
> >
> > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > than the above, that I should look for?
> >
10-09-2006, 09:45 AM
#43
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Death Wobble
How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
does that should be taken off the road.
A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
tire or a really out of balance tire.
To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
drive to show him.
I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
there with a rod flopping around inside it.
When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
thought of changing the steering shock.
My steering is still great....
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
Lloyd Hanning wrote:
>
> I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> recommendations on what damper to get?
>
> Thanks
> Lloyd
>
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> >
> > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > wobble......
> >
> > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> >
> > What I know:
> > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > brake job)
> >
> > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > mentioned before)
> >
> > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > than the above, that I should look for?
> >
Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
does that should be taken off the road.
A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
tire or a really out of balance tire.
To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
drive to show him.
I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
there with a rod flopping around inside it.
When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
thought of changing the steering shock.
My steering is still great....
Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
Lloyd Hanning wrote:
>
> I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> recommendations on what damper to get?
>
> Thanks
> Lloyd
>
> "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> >
> > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > wobble......
> >
> > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> >
> > What I know:
> > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > brake job)
> >
> > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > mentioned before)
> >
> > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > than the above, that I should look for?
> >
10-09-2006, 10:40 AM
#44
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Death Wobble
Fixing the death wobble on my JEEP was easy, getting someone to tell me why it
happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
John in Vegas
Mike Romain wrote:
> How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> does that should be taken off the road.
>
> A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
>
> For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
>
> You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> tire or a really out of balance tire.
>
> To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
>
> Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
>
> I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> drive to show him.
>
> I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> there with a rod flopping around inside it.
>
> When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> thought of changing the steering shock.
>
> My steering is still great....
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> >
> > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > recommendations on what damper to get?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Lloyd
> >
> > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > >
> > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > wobble......
> > >
> > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > >
> > > What I know:
> > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > brake job)
> > >
> > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > mentioned before)
> > >
> > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > >
happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
John in Vegas
Mike Romain wrote:
> How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> does that should be taken off the road.
>
> A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
>
> For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
>
> You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> tire or a really out of balance tire.
>
> To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
>
> Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
>
> I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> drive to show him.
>
> I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> there with a rod flopping around inside it.
>
> When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> thought of changing the steering shock.
>
> My steering is still great....
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> >
> > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > recommendations on what damper to get?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Lloyd
> >
> > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > >
> > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > wobble......
> > >
> > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > >
> > > What I know:
> > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > brake job)
> > >
> > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > mentioned before)
> > >
> > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > >
10-09-2006, 10:40 AM
#45
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Death Wobble
Fixing the death wobble on my JEEP was easy, getting someone to tell me why it
happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
John in Vegas
Mike Romain wrote:
> How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> does that should be taken off the road.
>
> A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
>
> For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
>
> You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> tire or a really out of balance tire.
>
> To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
>
> Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
>
> I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> drive to show him.
>
> I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> there with a rod flopping around inside it.
>
> When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> thought of changing the steering shock.
>
> My steering is still great....
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> >
> > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > recommendations on what damper to get?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Lloyd
> >
> > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > >
> > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > wobble......
> > >
> > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > >
> > > What I know:
> > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > brake job)
> > >
> > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > mentioned before)
> > >
> > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > >
happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
John in Vegas
Mike Romain wrote:
> How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> does that should be taken off the road.
>
> A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
>
> For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
>
> You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> tire or a really out of balance tire.
>
> To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
>
> Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
>
> I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> drive to show him.
>
> I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> there with a rod flopping around inside it.
>
> When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> thought of changing the steering shock.
>
> My steering is still great....
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> >
> > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > recommendations on what damper to get?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Lloyd
> >
> > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > >
> > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > wobble......
> > >
> > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > >
> > > What I know:
> > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > brake job)
> > >
> > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > mentioned before)
> > >
> > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > >
10-09-2006, 10:40 AM
#46
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Death Wobble
Fixing the death wobble on my JEEP was easy, getting someone to tell me why it
happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
John in Vegas
Mike Romain wrote:
> How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> does that should be taken off the road.
>
> A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
>
> For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
>
> You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> tire or a really out of balance tire.
>
> To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
>
> Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
>
> I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> drive to show him.
>
> I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> there with a rod flopping around inside it.
>
> When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> thought of changing the steering shock.
>
> My steering is still great....
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> >
> > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > recommendations on what damper to get?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Lloyd
> >
> > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > >
> > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > wobble......
> > >
> > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > >
> > > What I know:
> > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > brake job)
> > >
> > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > mentioned before)
> > >
> > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > >
happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
John in Vegas
Mike Romain wrote:
> How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> does that should be taken off the road.
>
> A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
>
> For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
>
> You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> tire or a really out of balance tire.
>
> To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
>
> Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
>
> I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> drive to show him.
>
> I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> there with a rod flopping around inside it.
>
> When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> thought of changing the steering shock.
>
> My steering is still great....
>
> Mike
> 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
>
> Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> >
> > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > recommendations on what damper to get?
> >
> > Thanks
> > Lloyd
> >
> > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > >
> > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > wobble......
> > >
> > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > >
> > > What I know:
> > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > brake job)
> > >
> > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > mentioned before)
> > >
> > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > >
10-09-2006, 10:58 AM
#47
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Death Wobble
That's the track bar which seems to be a really early failure point on
the new Jeeps.
Mike
John in Vegas wrote:
>
> Fixing the death wobble on my JEEP was easy, getting someone to tell me why it
> happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
> side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
> loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
> tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
>
> John in Vegas
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>
> > How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> > Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> > does that should be taken off the road.
> >
> > A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> > it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
> >
> > For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
> >
> > You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> > bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> > bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> > tire or a really out of balance tire.
> >
> > To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> > symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
> >
> > Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
> >
> > I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> > drive to show him.
> >
> > I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> > never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> > there with a rod flopping around inside it.
> >
> > When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> > the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> > worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> > thought of changing the steering shock.
> >
> > My steering is still great....
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> > >
> > > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > > recommendations on what damper to get?
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > > Lloyd
> > >
> > > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > > >
> > > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > > wobble......
> > > >
> > > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > > >
> > > > What I know:
> > > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > > brake job)
> > > >
> > > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > > mentioned before)
> > > >
> > > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > > >
the new Jeeps.
Mike
John in Vegas wrote:
>
> Fixing the death wobble on my JEEP was easy, getting someone to tell me why it
> happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
> side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
> loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
> tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
>
> John in Vegas
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>
> > How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> > Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> > does that should be taken off the road.
> >
> > A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> > it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
> >
> > For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
> >
> > You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> > bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> > bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> > tire or a really out of balance tire.
> >
> > To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> > symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
> >
> > Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
> >
> > I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> > drive to show him.
> >
> > I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> > never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> > there with a rod flopping around inside it.
> >
> > When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> > the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> > worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> > thought of changing the steering shock.
> >
> > My steering is still great....
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> > >
> > > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > > recommendations on what damper to get?
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > > Lloyd
> > >
> > > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > > >
> > > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > > wobble......
> > > >
> > > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > > >
> > > > What I know:
> > > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > > brake job)
> > > >
> > > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > > mentioned before)
> > > >
> > > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > > >
10-09-2006, 10:58 AM
#48
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Death Wobble
That's the track bar which seems to be a really early failure point on
the new Jeeps.
Mike
John in Vegas wrote:
>
> Fixing the death wobble on my JEEP was easy, getting someone to tell me why it
> happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
> side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
> loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
> tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
>
> John in Vegas
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>
> > How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> > Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> > does that should be taken off the road.
> >
> > A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> > it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
> >
> > For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
> >
> > You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> > bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> > bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> > tire or a really out of balance tire.
> >
> > To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> > symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
> >
> > Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
> >
> > I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> > drive to show him.
> >
> > I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> > never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> > there with a rod flopping around inside it.
> >
> > When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> > the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> > worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> > thought of changing the steering shock.
> >
> > My steering is still great....
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> > >
> > > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > > recommendations on what damper to get?
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > > Lloyd
> > >
> > > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > > >
> > > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > > wobble......
> > > >
> > > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > > >
> > > > What I know:
> > > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > > brake job)
> > > >
> > > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > > mentioned before)
> > > >
> > > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > > >
the new Jeeps.
Mike
John in Vegas wrote:
>
> Fixing the death wobble on my JEEP was easy, getting someone to tell me why it
> happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
> side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
> loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
> tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
>
> John in Vegas
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>
> > How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> > Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> > does that should be taken off the road.
> >
> > A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> > it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
> >
> > For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
> >
> > You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> > bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> > bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> > tire or a really out of balance tire.
> >
> > To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> > symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
> >
> > Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
> >
> > I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> > drive to show him.
> >
> > I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> > never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> > there with a rod flopping around inside it.
> >
> > When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> > the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> > worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> > thought of changing the steering shock.
> >
> > My steering is still great....
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> > >
> > > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > > recommendations on what damper to get?
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > > Lloyd
> > >
> > > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > > >
> > > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > > wobble......
> > > >
> > > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > > >
> > > > What I know:
> > > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > > brake job)
> > > >
> > > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > > mentioned before)
> > > >
> > > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > > >
10-09-2006, 10:58 AM
#49
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Death Wobble
That's the track bar which seems to be a really early failure point on
the new Jeeps.
Mike
John in Vegas wrote:
>
> Fixing the death wobble on my JEEP was easy, getting someone to tell me why it
> happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
> side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
> loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
> tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
>
> John in Vegas
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>
> > How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> > Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> > does that should be taken off the road.
> >
> > A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> > it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
> >
> > For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
> >
> > You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> > bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> > bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> > tire or a really out of balance tire.
> >
> > To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> > symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
> >
> > Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
> >
> > I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> > drive to show him.
> >
> > I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> > never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> > there with a rod flopping around inside it.
> >
> > When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> > the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> > worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> > thought of changing the steering shock.
> >
> > My steering is still great....
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> > >
> > > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > > recommendations on what damper to get?
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > > Lloyd
> > >
> > > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > > >
> > > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > > wobble......
> > > >
> > > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > > >
> > > > What I know:
> > > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > > brake job)
> > > >
> > > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > > mentioned before)
> > > >
> > > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > > >
the new Jeeps.
Mike
John in Vegas wrote:
>
> Fixing the death wobble on my JEEP was easy, getting someone to tell me why it
> happened wasnt so easy. It was the link that holds the axle from going side to
> side (forgot what they call it). It was the connection at the axle which was
> loose. If you catch it early enough, it wont make the bolt hole egg shaped. Just
> tighten up the link, if I remember correctly, it takes a big torx.
>
> John in Vegas
>
> Mike Romain wrote:
>
> > How can you folks put up with broken Jeeps so early in their lives?
> > Losing control on RR tracks is just plain insanity and any vehicle that
> > does that should be taken off the road.
> >
> > A steering damper shock is there to make the steering less twitchy when
> > it hits ruts or rocks or has to do a fast maneuver.
> >
> > For the Jeep to go into a 'death wobble', something must be broke!
> >
> > You either have a bad tie rod end, a bad ball joint, a bad wheel
> > bearing, a bad track bar end, either the bushing or it's ball joint, a
> > bad bushing on a control arm or a broken belt in a tire, an out of round
> > tire or a really out of balance tire.
> >
> > To put a 'bigger' steering shock on is only an attempt to mask the
> > symptoms of a potentially deadly problem.
> >
> > Hint: It isn't called 'The Death Wobble' for nothing....
> >
> > I would be freaking out on the service manager and taking him for a
> > drive to show him.
> >
> > I just figured out that in the 10 years I have owned my CJ7, it has
> > never even 'had' a steering damper shock. There is only an empty tube
> > there with a rod flopping around inside it.
> >
> > When I first bought it it was dangerous and unacceptable to drive due to
> > the death wobble. I said screw that and 'fixed' it by replacing the
> > worn out steering parts like tie rod ends and ball joints. Never even
> > thought of changing the steering shock.
> >
> > My steering is still great....
> >
> > Mike
> > 86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
> > 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
> > Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
> > Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
> > (More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)
> >
> > Lloyd Hanning wrote:
> > >
> > > I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
> > > weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
> > > down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can continue.
> > > I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
> > > couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
> > > damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
> > > recommendations on what damper to get?
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > > Lloyd
> > >
> > > "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
> > > news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET...
> > > > How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
> > > >
> > > > I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
> > > > crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
> > > > wobble......
> > > >
> > > > Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
> > > >
> > > > What I know:
> > > > '96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
> > > > Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
> > > > time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
> > > > of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
> > > > brake job)
> > > >
> > > > Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
> > > > mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
> > > > I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
> > > > suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
> > > > mentioned before)
> > > >
> > > > I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular, other
> > > > than the above, that I should look for?
> > > >
10-09-2006, 04:16 PM
#50
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Death Wobble
The older European standards for socket wrench sets did not include
eithe 18 or 15 mm as "standard". Leave it to Ford and others to make
sure that none of the bolts they use can be dealt with by a European
based set.
Will Honea wrote:
> Typical selection - 16, 17, 19mm. Go to Sears and buy both an 18mm
> wrench and socket. If that's not the size you need now, you'll need
> it eventually. Same thing for 15mm - a lot of cheaper sets leave that
> one out as well.
>
> On Mon, 9 Oct 2006 02:22:44 UTC "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net>
> wrote:
>
>
>>We banged on the damper for a while but couldn't get the tapered bolt out.
>>What kind of puller should we have used if we could find one on Sunday
>>afternoon....
>>
>>The other end requires two 18 mm wrenches We had two 17s and two 19s but no
>>18s.....
>>
>>
>>"swbell" <kerygma2@swbell.net> wrote in message
>>news:C14EFDBB.50FF6%kerygma2@swbell.net...
>>
>>>Tire balance and the steering damper are the causes. I wouldn't think
>>>twice
>>>about changing the damper, then go to a reputable tire shop. Have them
>>>check the tires for out-of-round, and spin balance and rotate.
>>>
>>>Frequent tire rotation is an absolute must for Jeep owners. I do it every
>>>three months, and have them spin balanced too. It's been worth the money.
>>>
>>>The stock damper is pretty lame. You'll be changing it sooner or later
>>>anyway and they don't cost that much.
>>>
>>>If your dealer didn't know what was wrong, find somewhere else to take it.
>>>This is a very common problem.
>>>
>>>Paul Nelson
>>>http://www.kerygma.org/nelson
>>>
>>>
>>>in article Z2fWg.10818$e66.8146@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com, Lloyd Hanning
>>>at
>>>lloydhanning@yahoo.com wrote on 10/8/06 5:35 PM:
>>>
>>>
>>>>I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
>>>>weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
>>>>down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can
>>>>continue.
>>>>I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
>>>>couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
>>>>damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
>>>>recommendations on what damper to get?
>>>>
>>>>Thanks
>>>>Lloyd
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
>>>>news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET. ..
>>>>
>>>>>How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
>>>>>
>>>>>I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
>>>>>crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
>>>>>wobble......
>>>>>
>>>>>Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
>>>>>
>>>>>What I know:
>>>>>'96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
>>>>>Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
>>>>>time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
>>>>>of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
>>>>>brake job)
>>>>>
>>>>>Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
>>>>>mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
>>>>>I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
>>>>>suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
>>>>>mentioned before)
>>>>>
>>>>>I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular,
>>>>>other
>>>>>than the above, that I should look for?
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>
>
eithe 18 or 15 mm as "standard". Leave it to Ford and others to make
sure that none of the bolts they use can be dealt with by a European
based set.
Will Honea wrote:
> Typical selection - 16, 17, 19mm. Go to Sears and buy both an 18mm
> wrench and socket. If that's not the size you need now, you'll need
> it eventually. Same thing for 15mm - a lot of cheaper sets leave that
> one out as well.
>
> On Mon, 9 Oct 2006 02:22:44 UTC "billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net>
> wrote:
>
>
>>We banged on the damper for a while but couldn't get the tapered bolt out.
>>What kind of puller should we have used if we could find one on Sunday
>>afternoon....
>>
>>The other end requires two 18 mm wrenches We had two 17s and two 19s but no
>>18s.....
>>
>>
>>"swbell" <kerygma2@swbell.net> wrote in message
>>news:C14EFDBB.50FF6%kerygma2@swbell.net...
>>
>>>Tire balance and the steering damper are the causes. I wouldn't think
>>>twice
>>>about changing the damper, then go to a reputable tire shop. Have them
>>>check the tires for out-of-round, and spin balance and rotate.
>>>
>>>Frequent tire rotation is an absolute must for Jeep owners. I do it every
>>>three months, and have them spin balanced too. It's been worth the money.
>>>
>>>The stock damper is pretty lame. You'll be changing it sooner or later
>>>anyway and they don't cost that much.
>>>
>>>If your dealer didn't know what was wrong, find somewhere else to take it.
>>>This is a very common problem.
>>>
>>>Paul Nelson
>>>http://www.kerygma.org/nelson
>>>
>>>
>>>in article Z2fWg.10818$e66.8146@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com, Lloyd Hanning
>>>at
>>>lloydhanning@yahoo.com wrote on 10/8/06 5:35 PM:
>>>
>>>
>>>>I've got an 04 Rubicon and it goes nuts too when I cross RR tracks or a
>>>>weird bump. Seems it only happens when I'm doing 50 - 60. I have to slow
>>>>down to 30 go keep it under control. The wobble stops, then I can
>>>>continue.
>>>>I've only got 15K on it, and I took it back to the dealer and he said he
>>>>couldn't find anything wrong. I'm thinking about replacing the steering
>>>>damper with a bigger one. Do you think that would help? If so, any
>>>>recommendations on what damper to get?
>>>>
>>>>Thanks
>>>>Lloyd
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>"billy ray" <billy_ray@SPAMfuse.net> wrote in message
>>>>news:461cb$4526f346$422afc51$22255@FUSE.NET. ..
>>>>
>>>>>How common is death wobble on a bone stock 2WD XJ?.
>>>>>
>>>>>I have a friend who was trying to describe the XJs recent reaction to
>>>>>crossing the railroad tracks and all I could make of it was death
>>>>>wobble......
>>>>>
>>>>>Am I missing something or what should I be looking at tomorrow?
>>>>>
>>>>>What I know:
>>>>>'96 XJ Classic 2WD, ~90k miles, 4 liter 3 speed automatic,. Kelly
>>>>>Celebrity tires mounted and balanced 2 years ago, not aligned at that
>>>>>time (old tires had no odd wear), condition of shocks unknown, condition
>>>>>of suspension unknown. Brakes and rotors new - DW existed before the
>>>>>brake job)
>>>>>
>>>>>Jeeps seems to be otherwise in good shape the 'dw like' sensation only
>>>>>mentioned as an afterthought within a different conversation last night.
>>>>>I don't know if this is the first instance or a recurring problem. (I
>>>>>suspect it is not a common occurrence on this Jeep as it has never been
>>>>>mentioned before)
>>>>>
>>>>>I will be looking at this over the weekend. Anything in particular,
>>>>>other
>>>>>than the above, that I should look for?
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>
>