Programbo

Hello. I've been trying to cure my XJs "Death Wobble". While laying under it pulling at things I noticed both u - joints in my steering shaft seem fairly loose.(You can hear the one clicking as you push it back and forth). Obviously this needs fixing but I am not seeing this normally listed as a Death Wobble cause. Any insight is appreciated

jordan96xj

The intermediate steering shaft (between steering column and steering gear) is not typically associated with death wobble. It is not the cause. Its symptoms would be more like steering wheel play and hard spots in the steering while turning (u-joints binding).

JPXJMOAB

Check your track bar/drag link alignment, hubs, ball joints, tie rods or heims, track bar and control arm bushings for play. You'll find your problem somewhere in there.

fb97xj1

Have a helper turn the steering wheel while you keep an eye on the trackbar. Checking it by hand wont cut it. You need the vehicles weight acting against it.
Once that is done, get the front in the air and support with jackstands. Block the rear tires. Grab the front tires at 12 and 6 and push in at 12 as you pull at 6, at the same time. If there is play, you need balljoints. Grab the tires again at 3 and 9 and push in at 3 as you push at 9. If there is play, you need tie rods. Shocks seem good, still? How are the tires wearing? Not sure how to check the control arms.
Should you find any bushings have dry rotted, replace them.

Programbo

Thanks for the replies. I will continue to work my way down the long list of possible causes. Did all the common easy checks for loose things and have replaced the track bar, hubs and checked u-joints and tires etc. I guess I'll do ball joints next since they are mentioned a lot