The "death wobble" can sometimes simply be fixed. sometimes it is ball joints, depending on how handy you are you already know that. but I have 2 1995 Jeep Cherokee, and one 2001 Jeep Cherokee and all problems were a $7.99 fix. Yes, I said $7.99 I bought the bolt at AUTOZONE, but feel free to shop around. I did buy the bushing for $7.99 as well, but the bolt with crush washers on either side and a nut, cost about $7.99.
Anyway, starting cheap just replace that traction bar bolt and tighten to spec. or do what I did and almost permanently tighten it on. either way the "death wobble" is gone.
Other indicators are wheel bearing, ball joint, rusting coil spring brackets. all cost about $85.00-125.00 for the parts. The largest cause of the "death wobble" is aftermarket installation at home for private mechanics., how do not do the proper installation. I learned that on my own. If this help anyone please like this or just share it with those who need to know.
I have not fixed my "death wobble yet". Still looking into what the actual cause is. so far what i've read looks like it could be anything within the steering and suspension of the front in. The vibration is horrible and hard to control the vehicle. It occurs when hitting bumps on the highway especially when slightly turning. I have to quickly pull over and slow to nearly a complete stop to get my jeep to stop shaking violently.
The "death wobble" is a fairly well known phenomenon associated with a coil-sprung front suspension on a vehicle with a track bar or panhard bar (http://www.kevinsoffroad.com/how-to-fix-your-own-death-wobble/#comment-2281) However, my question is why are the Jeeps seem to have the most common occurrences? Let me add this is NOT only an issue with earlier model vehicles and it is not restricted to only vehicles with high miles. This problem needs to be addressed by the Jeep manufacturer. We aren't using hyperbole when we describe the problem as the "death wobble." It is a very real and dangerous problem. Let's start raising awareness and holding people responsible.
- Joshua V.,
Live Oak, TX, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The "death wobble" can sometimes simply be fixed. sometimes it is ball joints, depending on how handy you are you already know that. but I have 2 1995 Jeep Cherokee, and one 2001 Jeep Cherokee and all problems were a $7.99 fix. Yes, I said $7.99 I bought the bolt at AUTOZONE, but feel free to shop around. I did buy the bushing for $7.99 as well, but the bolt with crush washers on either side and a nut, cost about $7.99.
Anyway, starting cheap just replace that traction bar bolt and tighten to spec. or do what I did and almost permanently tighten it on. either way the "death wobble" is gone.
Other indicators are wheel bearing, ball joint, rusting coil spring brackets. all cost about $85.00-125.00 for the parts. The largest cause of the "death wobble" is aftermarket installation at home for private mechanics., how do not do the proper installation. I learned that on my own. If this help anyone please like this or just share it with those who need to know.
- emart, East Greenville, PA, US