Finally fixed wobble

[southtj]

I've only done one test drive but, man, I think I finally fixed my wobble. This has been going on for about 3 1/2 years as described here.

Short version:
After installing my 2" lift i started getting a wobble at about 50mph and hitting a bump. A new steering stabilizer helped but still happened around 50 and was worse when on the brakes but still only around 50 mph. Sometimes after a tire rotation it was worse. Also if I didn't have both front tires at the exact same pressure (29psi) it would get worse.

I had a Jeep "expert" take a look at everything on the front end and he couldn't find the problem.

It got worse when my MT/Rs starting wearing out and new tires made it better for awhile. Unless the pressure got off etc.

I thought maybe the factory wheels were the problem so replaced them also. Was going to anyway but it was a good excuse.

I tried new adjustable cam bolts a couple of weeks ago but adjusting them all they way forward made it worse so I went all the way backward. Still worse so I put it back in the center. Still having a slight wobble around 50 that got worse when braking.

Replaced the rotors today and ... BAM ... fixed. I hope. Knocking wood, crossing fingers etc.

Moral is, keep tire pressure right and check those rotors.

 

[superj]

hopefully its fixed

 

[gulkster]

My rotors are not perfect, but I feel their wobble every time I hit the brake pedal. Were those original rotors? Could they have aged/worn so uneven to give you such problems? I hope that fixes it for you.

 

[southtj]

They were original with about 75000 miles on them. They still looked in great shape. I never felt any vibration in the pedal but only the wobble and only at about 50 mph. Slow down or speed up and it went away.

 

[superj]

so its gone for good? that great if it is

 

[southtj]

So far so good. Not a trace of wobble.

However, the brakes now pull to the left.

 

[southtj]

So far so good. Not a trace of wobble.

However, the brakes now pull to the left.

After fixing the brakes by replacing the calipers the wobble came back. I adjusted the cam bolts multiple times but no help.

I finally told the Jeep that if this one last shop didn't fix the problem I was going to sell her. I took it to Lowcountry 4x4 on Friday and they rotated and balanced all 4 tires, replaced the steering stabilizer with an ugly beefy yellow one, replaced the trackbar and gave it an alignment.

After driving it all weekend I think it's safe to say (again) that the wobble is gone. In the past when it wasn't wobbling I could feel a little weirdness in the steering wheel at 45-50 like it wanted to wobble but was just waiting for the right bump to set it off. Now it feels solid with no shimmy, shake or wobble.

Man, I hope I'm done with this problem.

 

[TerryMason]

I've had the same experience with my Jeep (05 with 90K), and chased all over until I finally found the problems. Here are some things to check:

• Ball Joints - http://www.jeepz.com/forum/suspension/31462-jeep-wrangler-ball-joint-replacement.html
• Tie Rod and ends
• Control arm bushings (these are cheap at the local parts store)

I paid for a new set of tires, ball joints, 3 alignments, new lower control arms, new adjustable trackbar, new tie rod & ends, and new rotors before my wobble totally went away. It's frustrating, but since I did most of the stuff myself I was able to learn somethings.

You have to pretend it's some sort of mystery game in order to keep from getting depressed.

Or, just go the other way and get a 4 inch long arm installed by a shop. That should replace about everything that needs replacing.

 

[superj]

and people keep asking why i don't lift my wrangler, ha ha ha.

 

[jb22041]

i hve 97 wrangler the death wobble was so bad i quit driving it, finally went to a shop, they are replacing worn out fron u joins and front brakes, along with leaking stabalizer, hoping that along with new rubber this will cure it, it is completly stock with 113000 on it, they are a respected shop, and he says he sees no other problems, i will post an update

 

[superj]

dang

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

i hve 97 wrangler the death wobble was so bad i quit driving it, finally went to a shop, they are replacing worn out fron u joins and front brakes, along with leaking stabalizer, hoping that along with new rubber this will cure it, it is completly stock with 113000 on it, they are a respected shop, and he says he sees no other problems, i will post an update

There's more to it, a few of those things will cause a wobble but there's likely a loose or worn steering or suspension component allowing the vibe to escalate into DW