Chrysler known steering damper issue

[Mjolnir]

Heres an update ... its now also the front differential. Ive brought up everything to the service tech and he says they don't see any issue with the box. hoping this is a one time issue but seems like this may be a longer process and too many trips back to the dealership if these are all known issue or common issues.

Lol what. Whats wrong with the front diff? That would not cause the issue you are having at all.

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[Jeeperjamie]

Lol what. Whats wrong with the front diff? That would not cause the issue you are having at all.

I was thinking the same thing

 

[Mjolnir]

I was thinking the same thing

You and I tend to be on the same page about alot of things haha

 

[JeepCares]

Hi @Jeeperjamie - Thank you for tagging us to bring our attention to this thread.

@Bobby Blethen - Please send our team a private message so that we can discuss your concerns further.

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[Leonmayhem]

I feel like I’m coming in late but am having the same issues in my 21 JT eco diesel. Started around 6k miles 2months ago and made an appointment. First time I came in they changed the dampener. Next day I had to drive down to Dallas and it “oscillated” more frequently. Second time (following week) my tierod needed replaced. 3rd time (one week after #2) a bolt on the part that was replaced wasn’t torqued down so they fixed it and sent me on my way. 4th time (two weeks after #3) they made sure everything was tight, drove it but couldn’t duplicate and had me come drive it with them and I couldn’t duplicate. The past week it has slowly gotten more frequent but I wanted to wait until I was sure it would happen when they were riding with me. Today after they were in the jeep and it shakes continuously they stated that they were going to change my dampener. You guys already did that, yeah but there is a SB and a bunch of the mopar dampeners were defective. I just drove it home and I could still feel some vibrations but no “oscillation” at highway speeds. I have a feeling it will happen again but honestly not sure where to go from here. Suggestions?

 

[P.Lo]

Just curious, but for those who have had a high speed death wobble experience, what model JT do you have?
Mine is an Overland......went thru 3 OEM Steering dampners. Finally gave up on the OEM part and installed a new Fox 2.0 SD....... only been a week, but so far, so good.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Just curious, but for those who have had a high speed death wobble experience, what model JT do you have?
Mine is an Overland......went thru 3 OEM Steering dampners. Finally gave up on the OEM part and installed a new Fox 2.0 SD....... only been a week, but so far, so good.

A steering stabilizer isn't going to cause dearh wobble or cure it. You didn't have death wobble or you got something else going on that the better stabilizer is masking.

 

[P.Lo]

A steering stabilizer isn't going to cause dearh wobble or cure it. You didn't have death wobble or you got something else going on that the better stabilizer is masking.

Oh, I can assure you it was a death wobble. I was driving, when the steering wheel violently shook right to left, and I'm on the brake and trying to weave the front end to load it up, while watching a tractor trailer close in on me, from behind. It's a high speed 65 to 75 mph death wobble, and it feels like the entire suspension is going to fall off the truck. Been to the dealer twice for it and each time they changed out the Steering Stabilizer, and it goes wobble free for a time. The last one I personally compressed and it had no charge, no resistance, and did not return on extension.

 

[DiscoSlug]

How many miles are they allowing for warranty on that part? I recently asked about lack of steering feel and response on the highway and it wandering even when my steering wheel is straight, they mentioned it was gonna be a charge for an alignment just to check it because I'm past 1 year 12k miles.

 

[Jeeperjamie]

Oh, I can assure you it was a death wobble. I was driving, when the steering wheel violently shook right to left, and I'm on the brake and trying to weave the front end to load it up, while watching a tractor trailer close in on me, from behind. It's a high speed 65 to 75 mph death wobble, and it feels like the entire suspension is going to fall off the truck. Been to the dealer twice for it and each time they changed out the Steering Stabilizer, and it goes wobble free for a time. The last one I personally compressed and it had no charge, no resistance, and did not return on extension.

It's not fixing it because you got another issue going on. 100% a steering stabilizer want cause or fix Death Wobble. I can take mine off and ride around and not get death wobble. I normally ride with mine off after doing a suspension lift to make sure everything is dialed in. If you can ride without in on then your dialed in. I learned that trick from some old school wheeling guys.

 

[Old Skool]

Death Wobble:
YouTube: Sauls Auto Tech death wobble he does a very good job explaining the components, in the suspension that can cause it.
Separate video he has implies when solid front axle suspensions had leaf springs it wasn't as common

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Oh, I can assure you it was a death wobble. I was driving, when the steering wheel violently shook right to left, and I'm on the brake and trying to weave the front end to load it up, while watching a tractor trailer close in on me, from behind. It's a high speed 65 to 75 mph death wobble, and it feels like the entire suspension is going to fall off the truck. Been to the dealer twice for it and each time they changed out the Steering Stabilizer, and it goes wobble free for a time. The last one I personally compressed and it had no charge, no resistance, and did not return on extension.

Dealer shops don't even know what the REAL purpose of that stabilizer even is.
This is from a suspension and steering engineer - an article on the "death wobble" and suspension stuff -

--------------------
A steering damper is not a fix, it's a band-aid used to mask issues with either worn components or poor design. Dampers did not start appearing on stock vehicles until the late 70s, mostly associated with the trend to larger (wider thus heavier) tires on older designs.

On a properly designed and well maintained system, a damper's purpose is to mitigate the effects of bump steer and the sudden encounter of unexpected objects, such as hitting a rock in a trail at 50 miles per hour. On an improperly designed and/or poorly maintained system, a damper is used as a crutch to mask issues with suspension and tire errors.
--------------------
Of course, if you have changed the wheels, backspacing, offset, etc. all bets are off as you have changed the scrub radius, etc.
You have changed the geometry and design - so it's going to be more prone to issues than a pure stock system.

 

[Mjolnir]

As others have stated, and what has been stated for over a decade on jeep forums...

Stabilizers do not fix or cause DW. It is caused by actual issues in suspension components.

I have been running for a year, 40,000 miles in my JT without a stabilizer and have NO issues. Yes, I do have some bumpsteer but that is expected.

I also have been running no stabilizer on my JK for a little over 4 years, ~90,000 miles with no issues.

I wonder when people will learn stabilizers dont cause or fix DW.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

As others have stated, and what has been stated for over a decade on jeep forums...

Stabilizers do not fix or cause DW. It is caused by actual issues in suspension components.

I have been running for a year, 40,000 miles in my JT without a stabilizer and have NO issues. Yes, I do have some bumpsteer but that is expected.

I also have been running no stabilizer on my JK for a little over 4 years, ~90,000 miles with no issues.

I wonder when people will learn stabilizers dont cause or fix DW.

Doesn't matter - two, or maybe three times, I have posted comments and pictures from engineers - and still - the stabilizer is the solution, and the more expensive the better.
The proof is out there all over the internet LOL

You hit it - BUMPSTEER - hitting some crevice, rock, something on the road or trail, etc. - that's what they are for.

 

[Sazabi19]

They replaced both my steering damper and box when I had my incident on the highway. I had video of it and showed the service manager and a couple techs. Nothing but smooth sailing now

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