I would tend to agree, however I'd have to think that if the small change is size from colder temps is causing it then something is simply just not torqued to the right specs and that could also wear things prematurely.
What exactly is it that your team can help me with? I've attempted to convince my dealer that the issue could potentially be fixed by replacing the steering box but they have yet to acknowledge that. Elmwood Jeep in East Providence Rhode Island. I've basically driven they're entire rental fleet at this point so if you can help them fully sort my vehicle, I'm sure they would greatly appreciate it as would I.
We would have a case escalated to a Jeep Wave Specialist for additional communication and support while your Jeep is in service. If you would like assistance, please send our team a message with your VIN, mileage, and dealer to get started.
While it doesn't sound like freezing is the issue (temps of 38 and 45 mentioned), tire balance/roundness issues can absolutely cause death wobble. We chased death wobble all over the place with my son's XJ last year and replaced a lot of parts (after swapping tires front to back). On a whim, we swapped all of the wheels/tires from my LJ onto his XJ, and it drove perfectly. He took his to a tire shop and found 3 of the 4 tires were out of balance. That fixed it for a while, but then he was back getting them rebalanced a few weeks later (no offroading during this time). Ultimately he replaced his tires and hasn't looked back.
So I have 37 MT's on my Gladiator. No water in the tires as they are new. But when cold out, I do get some slight vibrations until the tires warm up....then nothing...smooth as silk. Figure its the rubber and the fact I do not drive my truck daily...so its sits and the tires can take a set in the cold.
This would indicate to me the tires being a factor. Bump up your tire pressures 5-10 lbs and see if it will still do it in the cold.
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.
The steering dampener may be more effective at masking it in warmer weather. My JL never had death wobble but it had a shimmy (not so scary like DW) and it would vary in severity with the temperature.
I suspect it happens when it's cold because of the lower air temp reducing the tire pressure. My Gladiator will go full death wobble with the tires at 35psi but over 40psi it never happens. Wrangler owners have noticed this pressure correlation as well.
When I lived in MN the cold would cause the tires to flat spot until the rubber heated up and became pliable. It was like driving on cinderblocks and you had to go slow until they warmed up.
