Death wobble help please

[Wheelin98TJ]

It matters because the troubleshooting process for a regular wobble is completely different to the troubleshooting process for Death Wobble. They are different problems.

How is the troubleshooting process different?

My process is the same whether its a wobble or death wobble.

1. Start with balanced tires.
2. Do a dry steering test.
3. Check balljoints and unit bearings for play.

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[Gvsukids]

Also, with 100k the ball joints are toast if they are still original.

With 108k, mine haven't died yet.

 

[GuzziMoto]

How is the troubleshooting process different?

My process is the same whether its a wobble or death wobble.

1. Start with balanced tires.
2. Do a dry steering test.
3. Check balljoints and unit bearings for play.

If you have a speed related wobble, that is usually tire related.
If you have a generic wobble / instability that can randomly happen over bumps at various speeds, that is usually not tire / wheel related but can be from poor geometry / alignment, like not enough caster.
If you have actual Death Wobble, that has nothing to do with your tires, and is from play in the steering / suspension system.
Different types of wobble have different possible causes.
Doing a dry steering test for a speed related wobble is a waste of time, for example.
The first step of any serious trouble shooting is fully understanding the problem.

 

[Stan H]

It’s weird but my wobble shows up when my tire pressure is lower (30-33) but at 37 no issues

Because as pressure lower there is a larger contact patch now gaining increase friction and increasing the push against the toe in the alignment that is set. My guess is tierods or ball joints are on the way out.

 

[Stan H]

With 108k, mine haven't died yet.

Mine were still tight in and around the 100k area but by the time I changed them at 140k they was shot there ball joint once removed you could just move that joint bolt all over the place with your finger floppy. The front wheel hub assemblies was bone dry of grease, those got changed as well..

 

[White Eagle]

Is there any pattern to what size, type, or air pressure see the most wobble?

 

[clinkous]

Okay guys, I have an update. To answer a few questions first from above, yes it is absolutely death wobble. At 45 mph if I hit any decent size bump or hump in the road, the steering wheel shakes uncontrollably with total loss of steering.

What I have done so far. I have changed the upper and lower control arms, I adjust the caster, I checked all bolts for proper torque. I inspected all control arm bushings and mounting holes. Death wobble remains.

I think I have identified the problem; however, can't confirm until parts arrive though. The tie-rod assembly has very very fine amount of play in the ball joints. On any other vehicle I would say it's normal movement. In this case, I think that may be the problem. When I say small amount of movement I mean a C%$t hair! BUT.....that is literally the only thing I can find that even moves so I am going to replace it.

Is there a tie-rod assembly you guys recommend for the 2020 Gladiator Rubicon?

 

[Lunentucker]

You can also set the toe slightly OUT and mitigate DW.

 

[Stan H]

Okay guys, I have an update. To answer a few questions first from above, yes it is absolutely death wobble. At 45 mph if I hit any decent size bump or hump in the road, the steering wheel shakes uncontrollably with total loss of steering.

What I have done so far. I have changed the upper and lower control arms, I adjust the caster, I checked all bolts for proper torque. I inspected all control arm bushings and mounting holes. Death wobble remains.

I think I have identified the problem; however, can't confirm until parts arrive though. The tie-rod assembly has very very fine amount of play in the ball joints. On any other vehicle I would say it's normal movement. In this case, I think that may be the problem. When I say small amount of movement I mean a C%$t hair! BUT.....that is literally the only thing I can find that even moves so I am going to replace it.

Is there a tie-rod assembly you guys recommend for the 2020 Gladiator Rubicon?

I love my Rock Jock Current lynx.

 

[Gvsukids]

I think I have identified the problem;

What have you done with the tires?

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

The way you’re describing it sounds like bump steer to me. Hit a bump- steering goes crazy- settles back down to normal after a few seconds. Is this what you’re experiencing?

 

[Gizmo]

The way you’re describing it sounds like bump steer to me. Hit a bump- steering goes crazy- settles back down to normal after a few seconds. Is this what you’re experiencing?

Thats not bump steer. Bumpster is a geometry issue

 

[clinkous]

What have you done with the tires?

I went back to the tire store and had them road force balance them again. They also replaced the tire that had 10oz of weight on it with a new tire. Death wobble remained.

 

[clinkous]

I adjusted the toe on the jeep to 1/8" toed out and death wobble goes away. I am feeling more confident in the tie rod end fixing it. I ordered one and it will be here Wednesday. Just to double verify I adjusted the toe in, drove it and death wobble came back. I adjusted the toe out again and drove it, death wobble goes away. I checked it at various speeds, hitting humps and railroad tracks and it is completely gone with the 1/8" toe out!

 

[clinkous]

To sum everything up for anyone who may come across this post. My 2020 jeep Gladiator Rubicon experienced death wobble after I installed 35" tires. Everyone above has great advice and I recommend reading through the entire thread; however, my issue ended up being loose tie rod ball joints. The tie rod would barely move when grabbed by hand. it was very slight rotational movement but with the combination of the added weight and mass of the 35" tires I feel it was just enough to cause the wobble. I changed the drag link, upper and lower control arms, steering dampener and adjusted the camber of my axle but it did not fix the problem. I adjusted the toe from the recommended 1/8" toed in to 1/8" toed out and the wobble went away. I feel this only masked the problem and the true culprit is the tie rod which I have ordered and will replace Wednesday. I will admit though, I will from now on run my alignment 1/8" toed out on the front because I have a 10 year old and do not want to take the chance of that ever coming back. Thank you all for the gracious and helpful comments. If anything else changes I will be sure to update the thread but as of now I am confident in this fix.

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