The dreaded "death wobble"
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Knoxvegas, TN
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L6
The dreaded "death wobble"
So I just got my cherokee about 3 weeks ago. Its a 1998 Sport. It has 4 link front and rear and i just started experiencing the death wobble. I've done some research but nothing has really been helpful. Is there a simple way to fix this? I put a new steering stabilizer and it seemed to fix it for a few hours, but not anymore
#2
CF Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 21,168
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Year: 1987
Engine: Check
Your case will be different from just about everyone elses. 4 links didn't come on these trucks, your setup is custom.
I'm not that familiar with 4 link setups, so I can't really help too much.
Start by looking at any bushings or ball joints that could be going bad.
I'm not that familiar with 4 link setups, so I can't really help too much.
Start by looking at any bushings or ball joints that could be going bad.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
x2
These DW things aren't even interesting anymore. I keep looking at them hoping to find something new...but nothin'.
Ditto on FI injectors. There was on this list today for Porsche's. Geez.
#6
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Northeast CT
Posts: 1,640
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
i didnt put together this write-up for nothing https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/di...-wobble-55021/
Trending Topics
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Here is a vid I made of the death wobble. Still not fixed......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kysbQ9SEkfU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kysbQ9SEkfU
I'd start but throwing those ultra-wide tires on a low-rider or something and getting rid of the shallow offset wheels, too.
Good, high-quality tires and the correct offset will change the game.
From what I could see, those tires/wheels are the source.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I understand...but if you want to get rid of the DW, I would get rid of the tire/wheel combo.
Just my opinion...but I'd rather be able to use the vehicle safely than have the microscopic benefit of the extra rubber. I run 31x10.50's and, to me, they seem right on the ragged edge of too big. For a 100% offroad machine that never gets out of low range...they're fine. But if you're trying to use it on the street (and I do), 31x10.50's are really, really big tires and that makes them heavy, too. All that weight and grip...I think its the root cause of your DW.
Why not find a buddy with some stock tires/wheels and try them...just to see what happens?
Just my opinion...but I'd rather be able to use the vehicle safely than have the microscopic benefit of the extra rubber. I run 31x10.50's and, to me, they seem right on the ragged edge of too big. For a 100% offroad machine that never gets out of low range...they're fine. But if you're trying to use it on the street (and I do), 31x10.50's are really, really big tires and that makes them heavy, too. All that weight and grip...I think its the root cause of your DW.
Why not find a buddy with some stock tires/wheels and try them...just to see what happens?
Last edited by CAEMI; 11-19-2010 at 08:42 AM.
#14
CF Veteran
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Western Michigan
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0l inline 6
To add to the post about the tires. I had very bad DW, found out it was some bad tie rod ends and a worn out stock track bar. I replaced the tie rod ends and got a beefy track bar. I did the driveway alignment with my P235's and the jeep runs great at highway speeds. I put some 32" tires on and I get the DW if I go highway speeds......so I'll drop back to 235's and keep the big tires for trails.
Getting regular tires for driving= less DW
Check and change bad/loose steering componets= less DW
You gotta check your stuff out and work through it, takes time but being safe to you and others should be the main goal.
Getting regular tires for driving= less DW
Check and change bad/loose steering componets= less DW
You gotta check your stuff out and work through it, takes time but being safe to you and others should be the main goal.
#15
Newbie
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Belle River, ON
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I bought adjustable upper control arms from rough country, and adjusted them so the pinion angle was good with drive shaft and completly cured my death wobble. This corrects the steering gemoetry.