Bump Steer?

[Jarratt39]

So, I don't know if I've ever actually felt "bump steer". However, I think it might be what I'm experiencing based off some descriptions I've read, and just wanted to see if I could confirm.

Long and short of it is, I currently have a 2.5'' lift, and running 37's. It rides smooth as silk on roads/highway, but every once in awhile when I hit a bump, the steering wheel will wiggle back and forth by a few inches. It only happens for a second, and then it's completely fine. It's not really a one off either, what I mean is on my typical drive to work, I know of one bump that does it without fail (so I naturally avoid it). It's not so bad that it tries to pull me off the road or anything, but enough that I know if It isn't corrected, I'll be paying a considerable amount in repairs if i don't.

It may sound like a really dumb question, but does that sound like typical "bump steer"?

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[Biggy]

Sounds like bump steer to me. I had that on my JKU that had a 3 " lift and 37's. I installed a drag link flip kit which resolved the problem. It was a night and day difference.

 

[LaterGator]

No. What you are experiencing is early onset death wobble. When it gets worse you have to slow down and almost come to a complete stop to get rid of it.

The tie rod ends in the aluminum knuckles on the JT are prone to loosen up and you get exactly the symptoms you describe. I experience this 3 or 4 times with my 2.5" lift and 37's before I replaced the oem knuckles with cast iron knuckles to eliminate the problem.

Tighten all the tie rod end nuts and you will most likely fix the problem until they loosen up again.

 

[rm1515]

This is the typical bump steer. If it only happens when you hit bigger bumps, Mine did this when it was stock and does it now with 2.5" lift and 37's.

 

[LaterGator]

Not bump steer. Bump Steer has you jeep moving to the left or right when you hit a bump. The shaking of the steering is death wobble. On my CJ3b I can actually lean out the side and see the whole wheel violently shaking. Cause is loose wheel bearings and steering parts that I need to rebuild.

 

[Lunentucker]

As mentioned above, bump steer makes the vehicle want to deviate left or right abruptly when a bump or dip in the road is encountered by one wheel.

What was done in your lift to correct caster and what is your current caster angle?

 

[Jarratt39]

As mentioned above, bump steer makes the vehicle want to deviate left or right abruptly when a bump or dip in the road is encountered by one wheel.

What was done in your lift to correct caster and what is your current caster angle?

I'm not 100% to be honest, the lift was installed before I purchased it. All I can tell from looking at it is it's a Rubicon Express 2.5'' (not sure which variation) Of course it's difficult to find a typical shop around here that will even look at it. I have been doing a lot of reading today about this though, and most of the reliable sources I've looked at all list caster angle as the first point of reference to check, so that is on the top of my list now.

Appreciate all the feedback!

 

[Lunentucker]

I'm not 100% to be honest, the lift was installed before I purchased it. All I can tell from looking at it is it's a Rubicon Express 2.5'' (not sure which variation) Of course it's difficult to find a typical shop around here that will even look at it. I have been doing a lot of reading today about this though, and most of the reliable sources I've looked at all list caster angle as the first point of reference to check, so that is on the top of my list now.

Appreciate all the feedback!

Mine was similar. I didn't even know I had a lift until I landed here.
Get an alignment scheduled and see what you have.
Some lifts include either extended control arms or adjustable control arms. Others use geometry correction brackets. There's lots of info here and on YouTube. Just start looking and learning. Any shop with a machine can do the alignment, but if you don't have a mechanical means of correcting the caster angle all they'll do is tell you it's out of spec.

 

[Lunentucker]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/relocation-brackets-vs-long-control-arms.61582/

 

[Lunentucker]

Note how the control arms are parallel to the ground in this photo.
That's correct geometry.

 

[Jarratt39]

As mentioned above, bump steer makes the vehicle want to deviate left or right abruptly when a bump or dip in the road is encountered by one wheel.

What was done in your lift to correct caster and what is your current caster angle?

Well it took me forever, and granted it was my first time measuring with a pretty cheap angle finder, but it looks like caster angle is +5 at the moment

I've noticed it getting considerably worse as well, on the drive home tonight, i took a left hand turn at about 20-25km/hr and hit a bump halfway through the turn, and it started wobbling badly, and wouldn't stop, had to slow right down to about 10 then it straightened out.

 

[Rusty PW]

You have a wobble after hitting a bump. You have death wobble not bump steer.

Cheap fix is a new steering dampener. It will hide the heart of the problem. You have something loose/worn in the front end. Have a trusted friend start the engine and slowly turn the steering back and forth. While you are laying on the ground, looking at EACH steering joint one at a time. You are looking for play in anything. Use a pry bar to see if you can get anything to move. Check ball joints for movement.

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