Gladiator death wobble

[Derek Miles]

I Installed a new drag link by Rock Jock and then had an alignment done. That took care of 95% of the death wobble it still does it on occasion hitting a bump just right. also rotated the tires. All of the track bars bushings are tight. what gives or what do you think to eliminate it. 2020 gladiator sport.

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[D_JT]

Assuming you are stock. I would (and have) install a set of MOPAR 2" lift lower control arms.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

How do your Ball Joints look?

Have you gotten it inspected by a shop or someone who actually knowns what to look for on an off-road rig?

that will save you a lot of time and money trying to diagnose what’s going on down there.

 

[Derek Miles]

Drag link ball joints are new, the tie-rod is stock and the ball joints appear to be good and not loose. I took it to Les Schwab, and they did the alignment. alignment was good and they checked for loose components. none they said.

 

[D_JT]

Yup. Like I said. Toss a set of MOPAR 2" lower control arms on. They are a very cost effective upgrade. Less than $100 shipped. I think I paid $88 and that was with shipping. They will give you a few more degrees of caster. Solid axles vehicles love caster. I have done this now on my wifes 2019 JL Rubicon and my '23 Gladiator Rubicon. Both with great results.

 

[Mystsoftyme]

Damper

 

[Derek Miles]

Yup. Like I said. Toss a set of MOPAR 2" lower control arms on. They are a very cost effective upgrade. Less than $100 shipped. I think I paid $88 and that was with shipping. They will give you a few more degrees of caster. Solid axles vehicles love caster. I have done this now on my wifes 2019 JL Rubicon and my '23 Gladiator Rubicon. Both with great results.

 

[Derek Miles]

thank you I will try this right away

 

[mountainpass]

What tires are on it?

 

[Lunentucker]

Damper

No. A properly setup SAV will not wobble without a stabilizer / Dampener present.
They will mask the issue until the underlying cause wears them out.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

Drag link ball joints are new, the tie-rod is stock and the ball joints appear to be good and not loose

Any other ball joints that are stock, (except the new drag link ball joints you mentioned) are “plastic”. Yes, the actual ball is metal but it sits in a plastic cup and to me, I just call the whole thing plastic because that’s the “weakest link” and seeing as how it’s your 2020, you can safely bet there’s lots of wiggle room in those joints, then give them a death wobble and forget it, plastic parts won’t hold well.

Ask @StanH about his factory plastic ball joints he put over 130 miles on and swore they were just fine until he finally upgraded to “non plastic” joints.

 

[cb4017]

Here is how I diagnosed DW on my JK. It had about 65,000 miles on it at the time. I was not able to detect any problems just pushing and pulling on steering components. Everything looked fine until they weren't.

First is make sure your tires are well balanced.

Lay under the front of your truck with a trusted person in the driver's seat. Have them start the engine, then turn the steering wheel side to side about 180 degrees. Closely observe all steering joints as they move and at the same time put your hand somewhere near each joint. You can actually feel a worn joint as it clicks.

For the ball joints, jack up the front tires slightly so they are just off the ground. Push and pull on the top of the tire. Then put a pry bar under the tire to force it up a few times. You'll see and feel movement.

My JK needed new ball joints and had a worn drag link joint.

Hope this helps.

 

[D_JT]

Damper

Horrible, horrible advice. Steering stabilizer has absolutely nothing to do with death wobble. If everything is set up correctly. You don’t need a stabilizer at all. A stabilizer is a band aid solution that masks a bigger problem. Like caster or worn out steering/suspension components.

 

[Mystsoftyme]

Horrible, horrible advice. Steering stabilizer has absolutely nothing to do with death wobble. If everything is set up correctly. You don’t need a stabilizer at all. A stabilizer is a band aid solution that masks a bigger problem. Like caster or worn out steering/suspension components.

It’s got 20,000 miles on it, that’s just what the dealer service said apparently there was a recall on that part, was Almost uncontrollable at 70 after hitting rough payment, I’ll let you know!

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Damper

That's a mask - not a solution.

It’s got 20,000 miles on it, that’s just what the dealer service said apparently there was a recall on that part, was Almost uncontrollable at 70 after hitting rough payment, I’ll let you know!

That's what they are told to say by FCA. It will mask DW but the underlying cause is still there and will wear a stabilizer prematurely.

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