death wobbel with tire switch?
Forum Tech Advisor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,208
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From: Billings, MT
Okay, couldn't find any, guess I need to go buy some. What size is needed? I did use a pipe wrench on the passenger side and was able to get at the drag link end and there was play in the up and down movement. From what I am understanding I thought that only the track bar was the culprit of death wobble and then ends up damaging these other components. If the drag link and ball joints were bad would it cause dw?
Worn drag link and tie rod ends, and ball joints can cause DW as well. If those ends and the ball joints are worn, they are definitely contributing to, or are the primary sources of your problems.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 96
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From: ada, mi
Okay, I had someone able to turn the steering wheel while I checked out the suspension with the stabilizer off. There was clicking going on from the drag link and was enhanced towards the passenger side. I had a mm ruler and checked out the ball joints.... Kinda hard to measure with a ruler though. It seems to be around 1 - 2 mm and equal on both sides. If you were me, would you order a new drag link? Once again appreciate your input.
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JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 96
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From: ada, mi
Planman, I'm going through another step in your write up. I've removed the tires and now I'm looking to remove the tie rod. I'm not quite sure what it means to or how to check the end for side to side play
Forum Tech Advisor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,208
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From: Billings, MT
You'd check the tie rod with channel lock pliers for up and down play, or you'd look and feel for a clunk from the ends during a dry steering test.
You definitely want a replacement drag link.
I've never used tool to measure play in the ball joints. If they move as much as in the 2nd Diagnosis video, it's too much.
You definitely want a replacement drag link.
I've never used tool to measure play in the ball joints. If they move as much as in the 2nd Diagnosis video, it's too much.
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JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 96
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From: ada, mi
Okay, thanks. Looks like I will replace the drag link. The ball joints are not moving that much yet. Any suggestions for drag links. I haven't came across any that just connect to the passenger side. It seems that it comes as a complete piece.
Forum Tech Advisor
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Billings, MT
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 96
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From: ada, mi
K. Good. Ordered along with the adjustable track bar. To bad it will be a while before delivery. I have no choice but to drive it now though. It's crazy how many threads there are on dw. A lot of them don't always seem to have an ending. Hopefully this will be the fix. I'll add to this post once installed. Thanks again
JK Freak
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 745
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From: pineville,nc
Did everyone overlook the fact that he said drivers side tire sticks out further than the other side? If that's the case the axle is not centered correctly. That would cause a hell of a death wobble