I just recently bought an '01 and its great at lower speeds, but the steering wheel shakes at highway speeds.

Stock wheels w 225/75/15 tires.

It originally came with tires that had about 4/32nd of tread left. I rebalanced the wheels and it would start to vibrate around 65 mph.

I got a fresh set of tires put on and it helped a bit, but not much. The steering wheel now starts to shake at about 72-75 mph.

I've read that replacing the wheels themselves might help as well.

Ideally I'd like to be able to get it up to about 85-85 without shaking too much. I'm used to driving sedans so I'm wondering if there is anything else I can do or do all jeeps start to get shaky as you get up to those speeds?

What do you guys think? Any suggestions?

 

A) You drive too fast... XJ's != sedans.
B) Check your axle u-joints, ball joints, and TRE's. Shaking in the steering where is coming from one of those (assuming you've properly balanced your tires/wheels).

 

XJ is not really an 85 mph vehicle.

That being said, you should be eliminate your vibe at 72-75.

You should have a GOOD tire guy check for runout on the wheels. Next up is the front end parts. Unfortunately, that is where it gets tricky. Many components can be responsible. Balljoints, track bar, etc.

I am going to post my "cut and paste" of suspects for death wobble. I know that you are not experiencing death wobble. BUT the suspects for death wobble are the same suspects for your vibration.

Good luck. You may need it!
--------------------------------------------------------

-Front tires out of balance (try swapping fronts to rear; see if symptoms change)
-Tire pressure. Don’t laugh. It’s not a root cause but can exaggerate the problem. Experiment with lower tire pressure to see if it helps
-Improper lug nut torque on wheels
-Front alignment out of spec
-Loose track bar
-Worn track bar bushings
-Worn track bar (check for play!!)
-Bad control arms and associated bushings
-Worn/damaged steering stabilizer (not generally a cause in and by itself)
-Worn/damaged shocks
-Worn/damaged tie rod end
-Bad U Joint
-Bad ball joint
-Loose frame mount

 

If the rims are suspect then move the rear wheels to the front. See if it changes.

And as suggested check all your steering and suspension components.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I've been working too much lately to get back on here. I'm pretty sure the tires and wheels are balanced. (Twice now)

I'll have to see if I can get someone to take a look at some of the stuff you guys suggested.

I'll report back once I know more.

Thanks again

 

I don't plan on driving over 75 too often, I just want to be sure the care is safe and I'm not going to do some damage when/if I need to drive at those speeds.

Sorry I'm a newb when it comes to car parts. What is a TRE?

 

Tie rod end.

Did you try what Gee suggested? I'd try rotating your tires and see if it still happens

 

Yes, the wheels were rotated when the new tires were put on. Puting the new tires on allowed me to get to 72 mph before experiencing the vibrations. Prior to the new tires vibrations would start at around 65ish.

 

Have the tires balanced with a road force balancer. It'll get the balance as precise as possible.

Also look for grease or mud stuck to the inside of the wheel - that can make a bigger difference than you'd expect.