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'95 Jeep Cherokee has death wobble

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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 03:35 PM
  #1  
cewyattjr's Avatar
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Default '95 Jeep Cherokee has death wobble

So my 18 y/o daughter's Jeep Cherokee (mid-90's sport) will experience the so-called death wobble upon hitting a bump at highway speed. I only now learned that this is a common phenomenon:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?sec...eam&id=8547340

According to the story above it can be fixed by installing a replacement "track bar." I wonder if anyone can verify this?

It's pretty disappointing to watch the story above, because it appears that Chrysler is taking no responsibility for it.

Chuck
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 03:41 PM
  #2  
DelChaco's Avatar
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From: West Valley City, UT
Year: 1988
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Death wobble is common in lifted/modified cherokees, due to the fact that swaybars are almost always disconnected or removed completely from the rear, and sway bar links are not changed or just simply worn out in the front. IMO swaybar components would be the first thing I would replace! Good luck to you!!
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 03:54 PM
  #3  
wiggles's Avatar
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From: shawnee,ks
Year: 1993
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Chrysler didn't take blame because any solid axle can get it not just jeeps.
The sway bars being worn out or not connected has no effect on death wobble.
One of the most common reasons for dw is the axle side mounting hole for the tb gets wallowed out and allows play, a good fix is to either drill to the next size up or plate the bracket.. or both would do you even better.
besides the track bar any component touching the front axle can be a cause besides the sway bar.
Start at the track bar and go from there
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 05:40 PM
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Just started getting this problem around 50mph on bumpy roads, it goes away if I accelerate out of the 50-55 range or slow down. My jeep is bone stock too, im going to try what was suggested and rotate the tires and maybe a new stabilizer.
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Old Jun 19, 2013 | 05:49 PM
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Originally Posted by DelChaco
Death wobble is common in lifted/modified cherokees, due to the fact that swaybars are almost always disconnected or removed completely from the rear, and sway bar links are not changed or just simply worn out in the front. IMO swaybar components would be the first thing I would replace! Good luck to you!!
No.

Death wobble is caused by worn front end parts and out of balance tires will exasperate the effect.
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Old Jun 21, 2013 | 09:30 AM
  #6  
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kjc
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From: Blue Springs, MO
Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Laredo
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Originally Posted by mr white
No.

Death wobble is caused by worn front end parts and out of balance tires will exasperate the effect.
XX2 what mr white said.. my "death wobble" went away after worn tie rod ends, ball joints and control arms were replaced. ANY slop in any steering componant can contribute to it.
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Old Jun 21, 2013 | 01:39 PM
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evan00xj's Avatar
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From: charlotte
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.6L stroker
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Check ball joints
Wheel bearings
Track bar
Tie rod
drag link
Tire balance
Control arm bushings
Steering box
Steering dampener
Have a computerized alignment
Rear sway bar is not going to result in DW
You should keep the front sway bar connected (for daily driving) and make sure the bushings are good to prevent excessive body roll/ lean in turns. Swaybar endlinks should not move when you grab them by hand.
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