Had a strange occurrence the other day. I hit a big bump with just the front left tire and had death wobble to where I almost had to stop to get it to quit.

That being said I have been driving the jeep for months without so much as a shimmy.
This happened over 3 weeks ago and it has driven fine ever since.

Checked the front end out and retighted everything. Bolt holes look good. Already had washers welded on various bolt holes about 4 months ago.
It just throws me off because it was a one time thing.
I haven't been running a stabilizer for months either because I am about to put on my Hydro assist soon.

So what do you think? Freak occurrence from hitting something just right??

 

I'm no great mechanic, but two things I would check. How's the caster angle? Also, are the ball joints in good shape?

I'm sure more knowledgeable people can shed more light.

 

That's what's puzzling me. Everything on my front end is pretty much new, maybe 3k on it.
The PR 44 has synergy ball joints, new unit bearings, caster was set to 4.5 after installed. Tie rod is new, toe is set up good.

I did the whole planmans check up on it and the only thing I could find was the drag link.
It has just the slightest little feeling of up down movement. Got one on order.
Other than that one occurrence it drives great.

 

Off balance tires can cause it too... Or something similar anyways

 

Yes, this is very much so true as well. Did you check all the weights for your tire balance? If they are stick-on weights (as most are), perhaps one fell off when you hit the bump? And it amplified the DW when you hit the bump?

 

I checked them also, went ahead and rotated the tires again.
I lost a weight once while wheeling so I marked them with a paint marker and how many oz was there and carry some spare strips.
Makes for a long ride home when the tire is bouncing around and you can't go but 40.

 

I had no problem for 4 years, and then it started so badly I had to pull it into 4wd to maintain control when it started. I replaced tie rod ends, drag link, balanced and rotated tires and replaced the stabilizer. NOTHING cured it until I replaced the single stabilizer with a Skyjacker dual stabilizer setup. No more problems at all in the last year.

 

That is the trouble with DW. It may be one thing, it may be 2 or 3 little things that together allow the front end to reach the point of DW.

I chased mine for almost a year thinking I had gotten it. At first it was maybe every 2-3 months between occurrence, then once a month then I found this one road with the perfect bump at the perfect speed would set it off about 1 out of 5 times. I have to say I was "Glad" to find that spot because then when I would adjust something I had a place to test it.

Mine turned out to be a bad Ball Joint but I think I had some other items that were causing it to be exaggerated so I replaced and readjust a few items just to be safe.


Bottom line is if you had it once you will have it again...sorry.