I used to own a 1989 Cherokee. It gradually got to the point where, when driving at a certain speed (usually around 55 or 60) the front end would start shaking violently. The only way to stop it was to hit the brakes and pull over to the side of the road. Hitting a bump on the road, like going over a bridge, would often trigger the shaking behavior. I now own a 1989 Wagoneer Limited, and I am always afraid this behavior is going to start with this vehicle. I have read various explanations for this problem, but the only one I give much credence to is that the ball joints have worn and have too much play in them. A bump or driving at the magic speed would then start an oscillation at a natural frequency for the front-end suspension, and if the ball joints allow the movement, then the shaking starts. Does anyone know for sure what causes this problem?

 

Sounds like Death Wobble. Any play in the front axle and steering components can cause it. It can be one bad ball joint, or a combination of multiple components. The best way to tackle it is to first get under the Jeep and use a pry bar around all joints and bushes and see if any move about. Check that the bolt for the track bar hasn't worked its way loose or any of the other bush bolts. Lift the front end up and check for play on the wheels.

For me, it was a combination of ball joints and the track bar.

 

This is death wobble.

 

Thanks! I will check it. So any play in any or all of the front end will cause it. Explains why I could never get any single consistent answer as to what causes it. There is also a shock absorber in the front end suspension system on my vehicle.

 

Yep. That’s the Death Wobble. Only if you are going 60 it is not so lighthearted!

 

Yeah, that's your steering damper. I've never noticed that it's not shown on that image before. It is there, just behind the drag link.

My DW was also at about 60 and started once as I was getting up to speed to join a motorway. Luckily it was quiet so when I came to a stop on the side, I was able to rejoin safely.

 

Upper track bar is a pretty common cause, as-is sloppy rod ends. I usually have someone steer back-n-forth while I lay under the front watching and feeling for slop. That's with engine on and wheels on the ground. The "shock" is the steering damper. While it shouldn't be a direct cause, it can help quell the oscillations.

 

I just had that problem with my WJ and after replacing EVERYTHING on the front end, we finally found the problem. The splines on the pitman arm were worn out, allowing it to move on the splined shaft. Unusual to be sure and something I hadn't thought to check.

 

Mine had a wobble around 60 but was not bumps that set it off. I would be going straight sometimes no bumps and all of sudden it would start not as bad as whats in that clip. I went and replaced everything as all were the original and parts weren't that expensive. The only that that I saw bad besides the rusted out control arm was the trackbar mounting hole in frame was worn out allowing some movement.

 

Checking everything in the front end is what is required, I guess. I had not looked for play in all of the parts before. But that makes sense.

 

Thanks, everyone, for your feedback. It all gives me a better handle on the DW. It is especially helpful to have some preventative maintenance that can be done, rather than dealing with DW on the highway.

 

If you can afford to, if for example you find play in 1 ball joint, I'd suggest replacing all 4, find play in a steering joint, replace all of the steering joints. Most likely they're either all factory or have been replaced as a set in the past so if one's showing its age, the rest aren't likely to be far behind. DW is harsh on components so you don't want to risk replacing one part, for another to set DW off and strain the new parts.

 

That sounds like a wise approach, regardless of the vehicle’s repair history. I got the vehicle from my father-in-law, who by that time in his life was unable to tell me anything about it, unfortunately.

 

That trackbar mount is enough to do it. The trick with that is to find or make washers that are a tight fit for the bolt, install the trackbar, then weld the washers to the mount. Tack them, remove the bar, then burn them! This ensures they are aligned before you weld them. Be sure to torque the bolts properly to prevent it happening again.

 

My Cherokee would sometimes launch into the DW all on its own (at the right speed), but a bump would set it off if it hadn’t already started the DW on its own. I still get nervous going over a bridge on the interstate (the bumps), even if I am not driving a Jeep!