Before we start, I know this is a common topic among us jeepers so I did search the forums, but didn't find what I was looking for.

For about a year now, I have noticed a slight bit of shimmy in the steering wheel in my 02 Grand only when driving between 47 and 52 mph weather accelerating, or decelerating. I remember it being pretty consistent. It was so minor I didn't think anything of it... Until now...

...In the past couple of weeks it has become progressively worse, and now is on the verge of an all out death wobble. Especially when braking. It seems that now it does it at a lower speed also, I think about 45-50 mph. It is less consistent now.

I have had severe death wobble issues in the past in an old Camaro, so I know exactly what it feels like. It's time to do something about it before things get real ugly. I crawled underneath today to see if I could spot anything obvious such as signs of rubbing or any blown boots or bushings, but everything looks to be on the up and up at first glance.

I'm aware that it could be a number of issues... I was hoping some of you have had similar issues with a WJ and could provide some insight as to what cured yours.

Where to start? Balance tires? Alignment (I know is a little off)? Shocks? Stabilizer, Ball Joints?? Not a clue.

Thanks in advance for your help!

EDIT: BTW, suspension is still 100% factory.

 

Anyone...?

 

Try the easiest, cheapest things first. Rotate the tires front to back- back to front and see if the problem persists or goes away. If it goes away it could be the tires or just a need for balancing. JMO
Dan

 

Thx blue... I wouldn't have thought to start that simple.. I'll try it now and report back.

 

We used to have that problem to with our WJ, well still kind of do. Our steering stabalizer is out. Replace that and see how things go

 

YOURE MY BOY BLUE!!! I tried your suggestion, and it fixed it! I was about to go pay my buddy 2-300 bucks to start throwing parts at it... I guess I should go get my tires balanced now.

Thanks man- U ROCK

 

Glad it helped you out. Always try the free/cheapest fixes first is my motto.
Dan

 

BAd news... the wife reports the shimmy is back.

Only at about 50mph when braking... rotors warped maybe? That makes sense to me since it's only when braking now, but why did it do it before when accelerating then?

Something else I should be looking at now?

 

First make sure the lug nuts are still torqued down and haven't came loose. It happens.