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Death Wobble is back....

Chetcpo

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I'm glad I read this thread...I felt like I was going crazy. I'm about to roll 30k miles on mine. I have the 3.5" skyjacker coil spring lift and started experiencing DW last winter. I live in SE Texas and so winter last year wasn't much cooler than the low 40's but definitely noticed that everything got rougher and the steering just felt on the verge of DW anytime I was driving at ~45 mpg. I replaced the stabilizer with the Fox ts 2.0 and it actually felt like it got worse. I installed the synergy sector shaft and track bar brace and that seemed to take care of it. I took my jeep in to the dealer in late August to get the steering box replaced and 7 weeks later got it back. My wife and I decided to go to Houston on the first cool morning of the season (~50°) and hit a bump on the way out of our hood and full blown DW...again. I've replaced the track bar and sway bar links, checked tightness on everything and am at a loss. I did not get DW from March to October. I had it last winter and am getting it now that its cool again- it drives like 2 different vehicles based on temp. I just ordered the Metalcloak steering kit and hope that will take care of it.
It's very possible that the cold weather is causing a drop in the pressure in your tires. My truck gets death wobble at lower tire pressures (below 40psi) but never gets it otherwise. Maybe try taking a pressure reading and then try increasing it over 40 and see if that makes it go away.
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Eric Kern

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May have been mentioned before but have them check the lower ball joints just for “haha’s” while they’re under it, only reason I mention is because my castle nuts were on finger tight...huge problem with the JL Wranglers as well...
 

Slyboots2313

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I had death wobble on my JKU running 35s. I replaced the tie rod, drag link, track bar, and swapped in a ProRock 44 front axle with Dynatrac ball joints. Rock solid after that. Did I need to do all that to get rid of the DW? Probably not. But Wranglers/JTs even stock, can experience wear at the tie rod ends and in the ball joints that can result in DW. Personally, I think they should come from the factory with better front end steering components. Beefier stuff is available in the aftermarket, and it always seems to resolve DW, so it seems that Jeep should up their game. Some people running 37s or larger are putting in the PSC steering kit which runs close to $3,000. I don’t have experience with that.

I don’t understand the issue below 45 degrees some folks have - but I respect the experience. It needs to get below 32 for water to freeze - so the idea that water is freezing in the tire is possible - but at a temp quite a bit colder than 45, so perhaps 2 different issues there.

There are a lot of good resources online to learn about DW, so I’d suggest the OP do a little digging. A better steering stabilizer, though, is not your solution. As others have said, that is a bandaid masking the real issue.

This seems like a good resource:
https://www.extremeterrain.com/wrangler-jeep-death-wobble.html

Good luck!
^this. Whether temperature is the differentiator or not, it comes down the the parts, and they’re just not solid enough. You wouldn’t believe how lightweight the stock front suspension linkage is compared to aftermarket. Jeep can replace your track bar 100 times, but they’re putting back in that same underperforming part that will fail.
I love my Gladiator but they dropped the ball on the front end, which is crazy considering it’s the same that’s been used in the JL for years w the same issues.
 

stickshifter

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^this. Whether temperature is the differentiator or not, it comes down the the parts, and they’re just not solid enough. You wouldn’t believe how lightweight the stock front suspension linkage is compared to aftermarket. Jeep can replace your track bar 100 times, but they’re putting back in that same underperforming part that will fail.
I love my Gladiator but they dropped the ball on the front end, which is crazy considering it’s the same that’s been used in the JL for years w the same issues.
I bought my first Jeep - a 1978 CJ7 (three speed manual) - in 1986 for $2,500. When it rained, water came through the dash and dripped on my feet. I was always working on the carburetor, and the rag-top roof used to sag low when heavy with snow. All that was fine - “it’s a Jeep thing” covered it, because I only spent $2,500. That Jeep was tough and went about anywhere. I tipped it on its side once wheeling in a foot of fresh snow in the middle of the night (don’t ask). Winched it out the next morning and she fired right up.

But I don’t feel like “it’s a Jeep thing” covers the weak ball joints and other front end components when you drop $55,000 on a new truck.

But I just came back from a test drive. This Gladiator is a seductress...
 
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Thank you for the advice. The dealership found it "reasonable" to order me a new track bar as well as a new steering stabilizer. This will be my 2nd one. I'm relatively new to solid axle vehicles so I don't really know what I'm looking for tbh when checking for worn parts. Is there somewhere you could recommend me looking so I can know what exactly to look for? Thank you.
In order Ck Tire balance, Ck front End components, Ck alignment Caster for sure. I have had only 1 Vehicle at my shop I did not fix the death Wobble Dodge Ram owner didnt want to shell out the money for a frame brace kit. That being said Unless something is loose in the front end its out consider its a new truck most likely not a track bar either. Curious if the aluminum gear box could be a problem. Get a good stabilizer adjustable pressure Rubicon Express or Fox.
 

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Jonny A

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I have a 2020 JTR, 11,200 miles, 35” BFG KO2, Falcon adjustable stabilizer, no lift and stock suspension. That said...
The truck drives as well as my 2015 Z71 Colorado did, with the exception of 49 through 59 mph. A slight bouncy feel in the front end. It goes away totally under 49 mph and above 59 mph. Is that what we call a “Death Wobble”? I ask because I don’t know what you are talking about.

I have had 1984 and currently a 1997 Harley FXST Softail. I chose to run with 6” risers and straight drag bars, looks quite badass. But I don’t dare take my hands off the handle bars while riding over 25 mph. That will go right into a Death Wobble you can’t get out of and it will try to throw you off like a raging bull. Is that something like what this talk is about?
 

stickshifter

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I have a 2020 JTR, 11,200 miles, 35” BFG KO2, Falcon adjustable stabilizer, no lift and stock suspension. That said...
The truck drives as well as my 2015 Z71 Colorado did, with the exception of 49 through 59 mph. A slight bouncy feel in the front end. It goes away totally under 49 mph and above 59 mph. Is that what we call a “Death Wobble”? I ask because I don’t know what you are talking about.

I have had 1984 and currently a 1997 Harley FXST Softail. I chose to run with 6” risers and straight drag bars, looks quite badass. But I don’t dare take my hands off the handle bars while riding over 25 mph. That will go right into a Death Wobble you can’t get out of and it will try to throw you off like a raging bull. Is that something like what this talk is about?
What you describe in your Jeep is not death wobble. DW is a violent shaking that can only be resolved by bringing the vehicle to a stop. DW will scare the crap out of you, and you will think you’ve blown a tire or something worse. I don’t know what you are describing, but it is not DW. There are a lot of great resources online if you want to research DW, what causes it, and how to resolve it. This is a good start:
 

DaveL

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I have a 2020 JTR, 11,200 miles, 35” BFG KO2, Falcon adjustable stabilizer, no lift and stock suspension. That said...
The truck drives as well as my 2015 Z71 Colorado did, with the exception of 49 through 59 mph. A slight bouncy feel in the front end. It goes away totally under 49 mph and above 59 mph. Is that what we call a “Death Wobble”? I ask because I don’t know what you are talking about.

I have had 1984 and currently a 1997 Harley FXST Softail. I chose to run with 6” risers and straight drag bars, looks quite badass. But I don’t dare take my hands off the handle bars while riding over 25 mph. That will go right into a Death Wobble you can’t get out of and it will try to throw you off like a raging bull. Is that something like what this talk is about?
Been there. Scary. Check rear suspension Forward to the frame...
 

Jonny A

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What you describe in your Jeep is not death wobble. DW is a violent shaking that can only be resolved by bringing the vehicle to a stop. DW will scare the crap out of you, and you will think you’ve blown a tire or something worse. I don’t know what you are describing, but it is not DW. There are a lot of great resources online if you want to research DW, what causes it, and how to resolve it. This is a good start:
Thanks, I watched that video. I haven’t experienced that Death Wobble in any 4 wheel vehicle I guess. Hopefully never will.
 

s35keith

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Death wobble for me today. 2020 Sport S , all stock 6000 miles on it.
70+mph on the interstate today, small bump and 3 to 4 seconds of violent steering wheel shake. Scared the crap out of me. I slowed down and it went away. Few miles later same thing. Small bump, violent shake, scared, and crap. Off the highway and back roads home with no issue. This is my first Jeep and I love it but the issues are getting a little crazy. Steering parts have been on order for more than a month for my other steering issue, steering wander, and I just noticed the other day that my back window is leaking. My wife drives the Gladiator most of the time and now I'm not real comfortable putting her behind the wheel. I've seen all the fixes on this thread and online, but this is all on the dealer, I paid way too much to be fixing these problems, and it sucks taking time out of my schedule to fix a new truck. Looks like the dealer gets a call tomorrow. @JeepCares I could use a little help here. Happy Thanksging☹
 

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Death wobble for me today. 2020 Sport S , all stock 6000 miles on it.
70+mph on the interstate today, small bump and 3 to 4 seconds of violent steering wheel shake. Scared the crap out of me. I slowed down and it went away. Few miles later same thing. Small bump, violent shake, scared, and crap. Off the highway and back roads home with no issue. This is my first Jeep and I love it but the issues are getting a little crazy. Steering parts have been on order for more than a month for my other steering issue, steering wander, and I just noticed the other day that my back window is leaking. My wife drives the Gladiator most of the time and now I'm not real comfortable putting her behind the wheel. I've seen all the fixes on this thread and online, but this is all on the dealer, I paid way too much to be fixing these problems, and it sucks taking time out of my schedule to fix a new truck. Looks like the dealer gets a call tomorrow. @JeepCares I could use a little help here. Happy Thanksging☹

Was there ever a resolution to your issue. Mine has been progressively worse. It seems as if the lower winter temps are what bring the problem to light. My issue is worse in the morning and can to a head this morning to the point I had to turn around on my way to work because it felt unsafe to drive
 

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Jeeperjamie

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Was there ever a resolution to your issue. Mine has been progressively worse. It seems as if the lower winter temps are what bring the problem to light. My issue is worse in the morning and can to a head this morning to the point I had to turn around on my way to work because it felt unsafe to drive
For one what you got going on is definitely not death wobble, that's a tire out of balance or bent wheel or something of that nature. Could possible be a loose track bar or drag link, bad ball joints but I'm leaning more to a wheel or tire issue. If it was real death wobble you wouldn't be going 70mph, and the the steering would be violently shaking side to side not as yours is doing. I'd have my tires and wheels checked for balance issues. Colder temps can make out of balance tires feel worse because of the fluctuations in the tire pressure from hot to cold.
 

hjdca

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Had death wobble last winter. My steering damper was replaced by the dealership back in March. Since then I've had no issues.....until today. 45° out, 72mph on I-95. I started to feel a little shimmy earlier this morning but tried to ignore it. But then, going over an overpass...BOOM. Death Wobble came back with a vengeance. It has already happened 3 times today. I took it to the dealership immediately and they have ANOTHER steering damper on order as well as a new track bar. This will be the 9th time I've had an issue with this truck in just over a year. At this point, take my car back. I want a Bronco.
If everything is tight, and tires are balanced, then, death wobble can also be caused by too much toe in. I would take a paint pen and mark the current location on the tie bar to mark the stock setting, then, I would reduce the toe in by about 1/4th of a turn and drive it. If it helps, I might go another 1/8 turn. Just a small turn, really changes it. Toe in can be anything from zero to 1/8" or more, so that variability, can push you into possible vibration issues.

Note: Regarding the Bronco, I have seen you tube videos on modified Broncos having big issues with the stock steering. Ford has already said they will release a more heavy duty steering rack.... so, you will not escape...
 
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dcmdon

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Trust me dude it's completely weather related. The ride of my jeep completely changed in the cold as well. It gets much bouncier and Death Wobble only occurs when it's below 45°. I've been able to replicate it at least 20 times over the past year and it's only in the cold weather.
Tires are stiffer. Bushings are stiffer. Shock are stiffer.

This is definitely possible.

But like others have said. The steering damper is a band aid that might hide the problem. But a properly set up front end doesn't even need a steering stabilizer.

****Does it happen at the beginning of a trip? Or 20 miles into it? Or all the time?

For one what you got going on is definitely not death wobble, that's a tire out of balance or bent wheel or something of that nature. Could possible be a loose track bar or drag link, bad ball joints but I'm leaning more to a wheel or tire issue. If it was real death wobble you wouldn't be going 70mph, and the the steering would be violently shaking side to side not as yours is doing. I'd have my tires and wheels checked for balance issues. Colder temps can make out of balance tires feel worse because of the fluctuations in the tire pressure from hot to cold.
A wheel or tire issue gets progressively worse as speed increases and is 100% consistent. Slow to X speed and its not noticeable. Speed up to Y speed and it is the same intensity every time.

A death wobble isn't like that. Its not 100% consistent and it doesn't increase gradually as you go faster. something "triggers" it. Like a bump. Out of round whee or out of balance tire is felt all the time.

To the OP. Is this something that is triggered by a bump or something? Or is it constant?

If its constant. I'd swap the front and back wheels on my own and see what happens.
 

Casique

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I found lose nuts on top of the knuckles on my HA. The reason I looked around was that I had an intermittent whacking noise. Tightened them to spec and no more noise. God only knows what else is loose and perhaps worn from the incorrect tightness...
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