Death Wobble My First

[sinkrun]

Well its time to start replacing parts Its been a off and on shake for the past year I thought that was death wobble then did allot of reading and found out it wasnt as you could drive or brake out of it. Then today I really thought just maybe I would die almost crapped my pants had to stop completely did it 4 more times on the way home.

I had it checked both by me and a actual mechanic early spring and he said everything was fine. The tires have about 5000 miles on them new rims it did the light shaking before I put the new tires on also. I have been hearing a click or pop when I turn full lock like when I back out of a parking spot also when going forward out of a tight spot. I am thinking trying a new track bar and checking the mounting hole first? Also the control arm bushings are pretty dry rotted have new lowers from a ZJ waiting to go in. Have a new tranny mount laying around also I think its going in also. Any more input or thoughts.

[Eagle]

If your control arm bushings are deteriorated, that's a factor. Just keep in mind that, although that may make it easier for death wobble to take place, it doesn't CAUSE it. As an example, my '88 Cherokee was bought new so I know the control arms (and bushings) are the originals. It'll be 22 years old in January, and it's now at 287,000+ miles. I'm running 31x10.50 tires and there's not a hint of death wobble (or even shimmy).

 

What are your alignment specs ... especially caster angle?

[mvusse]

Hitting just the "right" bump in the road can set if off. To check the track bar, have someone move the steering wheel left and right as you lay under the vehicle watching it, especially the frame end. Putting a concrete block against the outside of each front wheel will make it more obvious. As said above, dry rotted bushing in the control arms are a contributing factor. From your symptoms I wouldn't rule out one or more bad ball joints either.

[sinkrun]

I have never had alignment checked on it since it never pulled and the tire ware was as it should be. Would this be something I should do or wait till after I check some things again in case I put a track bar on? I am running 30`s no lift. I will be doing some checking Monday.

[Automan2164]

I have never had alignment checked on it since it never pulled and the tire ware was as it should be. Would this be something I should do or wait till after I check some things again in case I put a track bar on? I am running 30`s no lift. I will be doing some checking Monday.

 

Caster is not a tire wearing alignment angle. You could have horrid caster, and it will wear fine.

 

Rob L.