I just recently bought a 95 xj sport and have been getting more used to it's handling. Well when i get it up above 50 and hit a rough patch--like many Wisconsin roads-- the front end starts to shake and the only way to stop the shaking is to hit the brake. So I have been taking back roads. What could be causing this problem. I'm going to go put it on the lift and take a good look. I just want some ideas before I put in my 2 cents. Thanks

 

You are experiencing the dreaded death wobble my friend. Could be a number of causes. Tie rod ends, ball joints, steering stabilizer, bad brakes, and the list goes on. Do you have a lift on your jeep? Has it been properly aligned? First thing I would check is alignment then move to the TRE's and ball joints. I have had mine for a year and am still chasing down the cause. I am about to change out my TRE's and ball joints. This should fix mine because i have already changed or fixed everything else.

 

The front end is bad. Ball joints, bushings, so forth and so on. Need to replace all the worn stuff. Mine shakes between 50 and 55, that's it. Its only a small vibration but if yours is bad I would defiantly get it up on the lift and start checking everything. But sounds like you know that...

 

yeah mine also has vibrations between 50 and 55. No lift here either

 

well I just took a look and I noticed that the front left sway bar connection is broken...I don't know if this is the problem or a product of the problem

oh and there is no lift... yet

 

The problem tends to be tire balance at 50 to 55. If it goes away after 55 then that is most likely your problem. When i have my tires rebalanced i ask the shop to make sure that they get the fronts perfect as this has been something that i have dealt with for years. Hope this helps

 

It does. I was suspect of wheel balance. Thanks for the tip.

 

last night it happened at 70mph. It ripped the steering wheel out of my hands.

 

fun isnt it.

 

Track bar would be what i would check! Bolt at bottom can be just a bit loose and cause DW. if its loose you can try to tighten it ,but in my experience its time for a new one. The upper end is a bit harder to decide if its bad or not, it can be moved and still be good or bad. not easy to decide- but if its really easy to move than its probably ready to be replaced!

 

I will go check that, thanks.

heres a pic of the sway bar

 

oh and i notices after the last time i took it out on the trail i get a popping sound when i the vehicle uses a lot of suspension. Could this just be the sway bar hitting the connection?

 

sounds right! Good luck with your new task. Swaybar links are easy unless you live in the rustbelt

 

I hate the snow!

 

Also check the tires. Mine did that at around 50 mph and it turned out to be a tire with a broken belt on the front end.