Jakers

So I've read around about the dreaded DW (2nd jeep that has had it). My alignment was severly off (about 1/3 of the steering wheel where it should have been) and my tires balance were off around an oz on all four tires (I guess the PO didn't feel fixing these issues was a good idea). So for a bit now right when I get around 50-55 started to get some wobble untill I got up to 60. So I took it into Discount and had them balance it and then took it to Brakes Plus for the alignment (had a deal going on). The guy at Brakes Plus said they inspected the front end steering system and said eveyrthing looks okay, bushings still good and what not but said that the steering stablizer should be replaced because of how bad the alignment was off and how bad the tires were unbalanced it caused too much wear on the stabilizer.

So few questions... Does this sound like its legit? I havne't gotten under the Jeep yet to check any of this out, just haven't had the time recently.

If this does sound legit what would be a good SS to get? I plan on doing a 5.5-6.6" lift around tax return time so I wanna get one thats beefier than stock.

Thanks for the input!

Jeepxj1234

Steering stabilizer isn't necessary. It masks problems if anything. They're really just for looks I think. You don't "need" one, but it would look cool and might make your steering a little tighter or something.

Jakers

I've heard/read similar but after having the alignment and rotate/ balance done I took it camping and on the way home it felt like the wobble was attempting to resurrect itself. Not sure if it was actually happening or just in my head cause.the guy at the shop said everything else looked okay so I just thought maybe the SS going bad would have caused it.

Jeepxj1234

In theory, you should be able to run without a steering stabilizer and not tell a difference. In other words, having or not having a steering stabilizer should not fix or cause a problem.

Jakers

hmmm, sounds like I'm gonna have to get under her and look to see where there's some play then.

Jeepxj1234

Make sure to check your ball joints and that your track bar and all tie rod ends are tight as well. Also, check your alignment read out to make sure your toe is set inward a couple degrees.

RTorrez1

I would find another mechanic that knows 4X4's if you can find someone that know Jeep's would even be better. And have the alignment rechecked.

Jakers

I have one the DW threads bookmarked on my home computer (at work right now) I'll have to look over it again and check our how to diagnose it a little better. What are the chances the shop would have my alighment sheet still in their computer systems? I don't think the sheet they gave me had an actual print out sheet, just an invoice.

evan00xj

Like the 10th death wobble thread ive responded to in the past month. You could always take the time to use the search button.
Check :
Adjustable track bar & make sure bracket is tight. Check Tre or heim on bar. Make sure the jam nut is on there and tight. Make sure the frame isn't cracked around the bracket. Check axle side too.
Ball joints
wheel bearings
Tie rod
Drag link
Steering box & bolts
Pitman arm tre
Control arm bushings and CA bolts
Worn tires? Improperly balanced?
Sway bar should be connected and check the bushings & endlinks.
Find an alignment shop that handles lifted trucks
Dont throw steering stabilizers at it
You should be familiar with the procedure of having a friend turn the steering wheel back and forth while your under there looking for loose/ worn parts. IMO at 4.5" of lift the factory y steering setup is a joke. Take your time thoroughly inspecting everything ive listed. Report back with your progress
A proper steering setup does NOT need a steering stabilizer

evan00xj

Exactly.

Jakers

I have used the search function and have the DW threads bookmarked at home, it's just that I'm work right now and had a question specific to the SS in general, not the DW. Having found out the information needed about the SS, I now know the issue is play somewhere which is why I said I'll have to get under the Jeep and look for play.

Going to get under it this week this is the thread that I was going to be referencing https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/di...-wobble-55021/

I do have kind of a dumb quesiton though, when I'm checking all of these items for play can I do it while the Jeep is on the ground or do I need to jack the front end up a bit?

kirknd4spd

You have something worn out to cause the wobble, and its not the stabilizer. You don't need a steering stabilizer at all.
I personally don't believe unbalanced tires or bad alignment have much if anything to do with death wobble either. I say this because I know my alignment is way off, and I never have balanced any of the tires I've put on any of my vehicles, and I don't have any wobble at all. Rides smooth, no vibration, no wobble, etc. Only time I ever had death wobble it was only because my track bar was worn out.

So start going through the front end. Tie rod ends, balljoints, all bushings, track bar. Every part of the front suspension and steering.

Radi

All the overheating stuff must be fixed.

evan00xj

Death wobble is like the economy, you can try to mask all the problems, but when its all said and done you have to go over everything with a fine tooth comb to make sure every part is doing their job correctly. Lol

Jakers

Lmao, thats a perfect analogy.