Death Wobble! NEED HELP!!!

[rcr1971]

I just recently bought a 1988 Comanche Pioneer and am experiencing what I believe to be the infamous death wobble! When I reach aprox 50-55mph the entire front end shakes uncontrollably and I have to come to a complete stop for it to go away. I just got stock Jeep rims to see if that made a difference and it seems to have helped a very small amount. I have researched this topic and see that I am not the only one who deals with this and am confused where to start since many people fixed their issue by replacing not the same parts as others. If anyone could be of any help, it would be greatly appreciated. Ive been told to start with either the tie rod or wheel bearings?

[banshee]

Check; Tie rod ends and/or ball joints, most likely

one or more have massive play, if not have the

alignment chacked cam/caster could be that simple… B…

 

Mine was two tierod ends and the cam/caster was off badly from hitting ???

good luck

[wallisek]

If your shaking is brought on every time between 50-55 I'd say tires are probably extrememly out of balance or shot. If the tires are new or you know them to be balanced it is probably ball joints or tie rods like banshee suggested. I'd also take a look at your bushings on the lower and upper control arms. My death wobble was from worn out lower control arm bushings.

[shawn]

:agree: i'd definitely start with having them balanced. thats exactly how mine behaved, and then at least you will know.

[flint54]

Also check the track bar and mount. Have someone else sit in the truck and

crank the wheel both ways vigorously while you feel each and every connection

for freeplay. If your tires are more than a few years old they can have

internal degradation in spite of the tread condition. IF tires are good, have

them road force balanced for best result.

[Vintage]

Also check the track bar and mount. Have someone else sit in the truck and

crank the wheel both ways vigorously while you feel each and every connection

for freeplay.

 

A balancing and a new track bar did it for me. Exact same symptoms.

[Car RamRod]

I had a bad track bar as well.

 

+1 to visually inspecting while someone turns the wheel.

[Comanche County]

Also check the track bar and mount. Have someone else sit in the truck and

crank the wheel both ways vigorously while you feel each and every connection

for freeplay.

 

A balancing and a new track bar did it for me. Exact same symptoms.

 

Roger that, do as prescribed above. If you have a mild lift or a stock set up, ensure all joints are tight. I had several different mix and match lifts on the truck and had several instances of death wobble. Each time was simply an alignment problem or worn or loose part.

[Eagle]

Tire balance.

 

TIRE BALANCE

 

TIRE BALANCE

 

TIRE BALANCE