My 01 XJ which has stock suspension has a vibration that starts around 50 mph and just gets worse at higher mph. The vibration seems to quiet or maybe goes away with a slight turn of the steering wheel to the left. It had a bad axle ujoint. I replaced it thinking that would be the end of the vibration. But that didnt help it. So anyone with information on this or idea what could cause it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

So many things make vibes. First, check any area you have recently worked on, bolts can come loose when we disturb their rusty slumber. Then make sure the tires are all on tight. Check driveshafts for a missing weight, then shaft ujoints. Then your steering. Drag link, tie rod, track nar, ball joints OTHER AXLE ujoint. Check bushings on those items, or see if anything is loose.

 

Thet raht thar is a funny line!


It's all good advice, too.

 

Did you replace one axle u-joint or both? If just one, you may want to check the other. If one was worn chances are the other is also. Other than things stated by another poster, you may want to check the condition of your motor mounts too.

 

You can start simple and possibly save yourself some $$$. When I switched from my JK take-offs on 18" rubi wheels to some michelin 31x10.50s on cragars that were balanced properly, my high speed vibes vanished. Sometimes it's as simple as wheel balance or an alignment.

 

I replaced only the passenger side axle u-joint. But when i get home today i will check the other side again. It seemed fine with i checked before. I appreciate all the information so for. Hope it keeps coming

 

Have you checked the balance and alignment? You don't wanna sit there and throw hundreds in parts at it just to find out it was your wheel balance. Ask me how I know...... Gotta eliminate the cheap fix options first before you go swapping front end parts.

 

Havent had an alignment done. The wheels will be checked on sunday when i change the diff fluid and replace the other wheel u-joint. The jeep has had few problems but i got it for cheap. And i have it for a while and just now getting around to fixing up. So i am new to the jeep world so sorry for the question if they have been answered before in other threads. But i do appreciate all the help i can get. Thanks

 

Well i changed the other u-joint and changed the diff fliud in the front and rear. Also had the tires balanced. Took a little ride and the vibration is still there starting around 55 mph. So i put it back up on the lift and checked the drive shafts and there u-joints again. And evrtything looks up to par. When i looked in the rears they seem ok. There was a little play in the d35. But im not sure if its normal for them to have s little play in them or not.

 

Check those engine mounts. Process of elimination buddy.

 

O yea i am. But it has to wait until the weekend. Stay busy at work all week and just dont have enough time in a day

 

I would be inclined to suggest that it isn't the engine mounts, as the vibrations occur at a certain speed. Engine mounts I would expect at a certain RPM threshold in any gear.

Would suggest 1) balance and rotation 2) check alignment 3) check tie rod ends and track bar 4) control arms.

 

Well I will add those to the my list of things to check. Could it be the transmission causing the vibration? And once again thanks for all the help and information.

 

Any luck yet? I have a similar situation......

 

Vibrations beginning at highway speeds is often tire related. A bent wheel or broken band in tire can balance fine on the machine, but it will be out of round and cause vibrations.

Axle u-joints should be replaced in pairs, same with wheel bearings.

Another issue could be the front wheel bearings.

Quieting down when turning wheel slightly could be any of the above three issues.

A bad wheel bearing will usually create a lot of heat at highway speeds. An infra-red temp gun is a great diagnosing tool.