Why is my Jeep doing the death wobble?
What causes death wobble? Death wobble can result from any one or a combination of suspension and steering component issues ranging from unbalanced tires, loose components, improper alignment of steering components, worn shocks or steering damper, and/or anything bent or broken related to suspension and steering.
What year Jeep Wranglers have the death wobble?
Yes, it is an issue, and yes, it can feel terrifying, but despite its terrifying name it rarely leads to any kind of catastrophe. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) found only two accidents caused by death wobble between 2005-2010 despite close to 400 reports.
Will an alignment fix Jeep death wobble?
Something as simple as a tire’s misaligned camber or toe could cause enough vibration to trigger the wobble again. One thing many people do is install a new steering stabilizer, but this is not a permanent fix. Jeep steering stabilizers can temporarily get rid of death wobble, therefore masking a more serious problem.
How do you control death wobble?
Death wobble, as I mentioned above, is a terrifying experience. Slow down immediately and, if possible, pull off to the side of the road. Brake calipers will help slow down the death wobble too. Inspect your vehicle for any parts that are ready to fall off – tie rod ends, track bar, etc.
What causes death wobble on a Jeep Wrangler?
Worn wheel bearings may contribute to death wobble as well and are very easy to test. Jack up one of your Jeep’s front wheels and grasp the tire at the 12- and 6-o’clock position, then wiggle the tire. If you feel movement, then you most likely have a worn wheel bearing. Check the other side as well.
Is there a set range for Jeep death wobble?
However, it is true that if you have done any suspension upgrades (Ex: Lift kits) you are more likely to experience death wobble. There also isn’t a set year range or specific Jeep years more susceptible to the wobble over others. Every Jeep, even the older Willys, can find themselves plagued with this issue.
Why does my Jeep wobble when I turn a corner?
Uneven tire wear can also cause unnecessary vibrations, triggering the wobble. This comes back to alignment issues we’ve mentioned previously. If your tire lugs are chamfered or the inside/outside of your tire is more worn than the opposite side, you have uneven tire wear and you should have an alignment done.
Is the axle going to fall off a jeep?
“It can definitely be a scary thing, death wobble, with the Jeep violently bashing and everything inside rattling, especially on the highway. It almost felt like the axle was going to fall off.” In reality, the axle won’t fall off. Nor will the wheels come apart.
Is the Jeep Wrangler related to the death wobble?
Death wobble has been around even longer than the Jeep Wrangler has been in existence. While death wobble does affect other vehicles, mostly four-wheel drives with solid front axles, it seems that the Wrangler’s popularity has led to the term being closely related to the Wrangler name.
What causes the wheel to wobble on a jeep?
Anyone who has driven a Jeep for any length of time most likely knows all about the wobble. That wheel shake, almost a violent one, which seems to show up out of nowhere after hitting some sort of bump or pothole, or sometimes following a hard press on the brake pedal. Mike Kelly remembers the first time he encountered the wobble.
“It can definitely be a scary thing, death wobble, with the Jeep violently bashing and everything inside rattling, especially on the highway. It almost felt like the axle was going to fall off.” In reality, the axle won’t fall off. Nor will the wheels come apart.
Is there a recall on the Jeep Wrangler?
In contrast, Jeep sold 542,134 Wranglers during that time frame. Chrysler did issue a Technical Service Bulletin back in 2012 warning drivers of its solid axle vehicles that steering systems needed to be kept in good working condition, but also did not issue any sort of recall.