Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Death Wobble almost Solved

Old May 27, 2016 | 12:49 AM
  #1  
mikefitz00's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wa
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 V6
Default Death Wobble almost Solved

Long story short.
96 Cherokee Classic. Leaf spring helpers and Spacers on front, 1 inch total lift over stock. Death wobble started a few weeks ago. 50-55mph shakes the hell out of me and Xj.

Started with Track bar. Here is the movement I was getting with it.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By...NsTDdWNmk4V1dB

New track bar, Auto Zone $60, and the "Death" part of Death wobble is gone but I still feel a wobble just not as bad. Fearful that it will wear something else out and return.

Here is the movement with the NEW track bar from both sides. Turning wheel left and right while wheels on the ground.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By...E5WDVoN3piVHU4

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By...d4QnN1VnBaOUhZ

This has to be the issue right? Crappy track bar and bushings? The holes are not wallowed out and they are torqued down to spec. Am I correct that there should be NO movement. At all?

I have since added a heavier duty steering stabilizer (I know this is not a fix) and steering wheel is better but I can still feel the vibrations.

I have also done an alignment in my garage.

Im losing my mind and patience with this.

Any help would be great! Thank you guys!
Reply
Old May 27, 2016 | 01:09 AM
  #2  
askingxforxit's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,500
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, Ca
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

Originally Posted by mikefitz00
Long story short.
96 Cherokee Classic. Leaf spring helpers and Spacers on front, 1 inch total lift over stock. Death wobble started a few weeks ago. 50-55mph shakes the hell out of me and Xj.

Started with Track bar. Here is the movement I was getting with it.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By...NsTDdWNmk4V1dB

New track bar, Auto Zone $60, and the "Death" part of Death wobble is gone but I still feel a wobble just not as bad. Fearful that it will wear something else out and return.

Here is the movement with the NEW track bar from both sides. Turning wheel left and right while wheels on the ground.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By...E5WDVoN3piVHU4

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By...d4QnN1VnBaOUhZ

This has to be the issue right? Crappy track bar and bushings? The holes are not wallowed out and they are torqued down to spec. Am I correct that there should be NO movement. At all?

I have since added a heavier duty steering stabilizer (I know this is not a fix) and steering wheel is better but I can still feel the vibrations.

I have also done an alignment in my garage.

Im losing my mind and patience with this.

Any help would be great! Thank you guys!
Get a proper alignment and your tires balanced.
Reply
Old May 27, 2016 | 05:50 AM
  #3  
SteveMongr's Avatar
Beach Bum
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,123
Likes: 22
From: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Year: 2000 WJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Yea, tires are the usual culprit at those speeds. Being out of alignment will make it worse.
Anytime you lift or lower the ride height, will need to adjust the caster and toe.
http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoAlignment.htm
Reply
Old May 27, 2016 | 06:50 AM
  #4  
Waynerd's Avatar
CF Veteran
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 26
From: North canaan Connecticut
Year: 01, 99, 98, 98,98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Check control arm bushings. Only other parts that would allow axle movement. Mine are bad and over 50 it has a pretty good wobble but not deathly. If I roll forward or back slowly and jam the brakes I can see my axle move around a little and can see the bolts move inside the bushing. Just did uppers but lowers are still bad and wobble improves but still there. I know 100% that everything else is tight. Also running crappy near bald tire temporarily as not to wear out my good ones so I'm sure they contribute.
Reply
Old May 27, 2016 | 06:16 PM
  #5  
mikefitz00's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wa
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 V6
Default

Thank you all. I'll check the tires, alignment and control arms this weekend and post if I find anything.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mr. Pink
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
18
Dec 5, 2020 08:06 PM
93civEJ1
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
2
Apr 1, 2016 10:28 PM
PNWpioneer
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
17
Mar 28, 2016 09:26 AM
RickJames Bish
Modified XJ Cherokee Tech
1
Mar 26, 2016 04:01 PM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:48 AM.