I have. Noticed the odd time while driving at about 80kmh or more that the front end starts to shake out of control. Almost like the front wheel is coming off. I just had tires put on and new tie rods and such. I have look around and have read a few things about jeep death wobble. Has anyone had this and what do I need to do to fix the problem. I do notice I have a wheel bearing starting to make some wear noise. But not sure if that would.make it wobble like that.

 

Do a search. Gazzilions of threads on the issue.

 

def check into that wheel bearing bud

 

If you had to order the top causes of death rattle, how would you rank them?
1) Hub bearings?

 

(oops wrong button)

 

Any play anywhere in your steering components can cause wobble. Mine had several items that were worn, each one by itself may or may not have been the problem, but each problem adds to the next. I replaced tie rod ends,(one really bad) upper/lower front control arms(they came with bushings already installed for not much more than the bushings alone) I also replaced the steering dampener, just cause it was so old. Again, all these parts were not so bad to look at, I couldn't really grab 'em and make 'em move when inspecting them, but the little bit of slack they allowed added up. No more wobble now and the steering is noticeably smoother and more responsive.

 

IMO, replace BOTH wheel bearing hubs. If one's gone, the other won't be far behind. The axle stubs up front are short and need good support. Also, were the tires balanced when they were put on? 80 kph is just about the right speed for tire imbalance to show up.

 

Track bar mount and bushings. Steering box and frame mount, all tie rod ends, hub and bearing assemblies. There is alot I replaces everything and still had a wobble at 65 if I hit a bump then I got new tires and not a problem since. Check every thing attached to the front axle. Death wobble is a pain.

 

Death wobble is not a pain! IT CAN KILL YOU!!!

 

Does death wobble mostly affect people with lift kits and bigger tires, or is this just as common for STOCK XJ's?

 

AMEN TO THAT BROTHER!!!!!!!!

 

I am a death wobble survivor I lifted mine almost 6.00" front and rear no wobble bought new tires in the size I had before 31x10.50x15 no wobble then decided to replace the steering omg what happened the wobble was so bad at any speed above 30mph it shhok the covers off my lights as well as the rear view mirror.I researched death wobble on a few other xj forums they all pretty much said to check the same stuff control arm bushings track bar bushing and mount steering box mount location as well as all steering components: tie rod ends pitman arm drag link idler arm and wheel bearings well after changing everything under the front end and listed above and spending a butt load of cash to boot it still had the wobble just as bad,so now I was pissed and depressed at the same time I was about to consider one of two options either have an exorcism performed or sell the cursed thing it sat for a few weeks in my driveway while I recovered from my ill feelings towards it when I decided to give it one more try I put the stands under it and was about to pull the right wheel and it turned to the left as I hit the first lugnut and the wheel stopped turning like something was locking it up I tried to spin it again it turned but made a loud popping sound as it rotated to make this real long story short the right front axle ujoint had gone dry and was almost completly seized up replaced both sides and the death wobble demon was gone oh joy joy

 

Good catch, Terry! U-joints are something a lot of people overlook. I had a big Chevy truck and the lockout hubs were so worn out that occasionaly one would lock itself. Gives you a really wierd feeling when it happens at 60 mph!

 

Sway Bar Links will do the trick with Death Wobble. Had it on my 98 Cherokee for almost 2 years. I replaced front shocks, Steering Stabilizer, Hub assemblies etc. and no change. Then I just changed the Sway bar links and Sway bar bushings and its gone. Went 85mph to test the other day and not a single issue.