Dreaded Death Wobble
03-30-2017, 07:28 PM
#1
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Dreaded Death Wobble
So I installed a Synergy tie rod over the weekend and now I have serious death wobble. I set the tie rod length to that of the stock. I'm currently not running a steering stabilizer, the mount bracket's ordered, but hasn't arrived yet. Still I doubt the lack of a steering stabilizer is the cause and rather I didn't set the tie rod correct. Any thoughts or advice?
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03-31-2017, 05:23 AM
#8
Super Moderator
First an out of alignment front end is not going to cause Death Wobble. Second is it Death Wobble of bump steer, big difference.
Death Wobble happens between 30-50 mph. Bump steer happens below 30 and goes away in a few seconds.
Death Wobble is usually caused 90% of the time by a bad Track Bar bushing.
Since you are not running a steering stabilizer chances are you have a case of bump steer which is reduced with a steering stabilizer.
Do you have adjustable control arms for the front? Upper and lower or just lower. You can do your alignment yourself in your driveway. Here is the write up: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-w...ignment-22540/
Death Wobble happens between 30-50 mph. Bump steer happens below 30 and goes away in a few seconds.
Death Wobble is usually caused 90% of the time by a bad Track Bar bushing.
Since you are not running a steering stabilizer chances are you have a case of bump steer which is reduced with a steering stabilizer.
Do you have adjustable control arms for the front? Upper and lower or just lower. You can do your alignment yourself in your driveway. Here is the write up: https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-w...ignment-22540/
03-31-2017, 07:25 AM
#9
JK Jedi
If everything is torqued, and all your joints are in good shape, you should be able to run without a steering stabilizer and not even notice. I'm not saying you SHOULD go without one, but it's really just the last piece of the puzzle/icing on the cake to keep the harmony.
To recap, you had no issues before, swapped tie rods and have not re-installed the SS yet as you're waiting for the mount? Either Synergy sent you a TR with a bad end, or you previously had an issue that was being masked by the SS and it's not becoming apparent. I tend to agree with Canvas that you have a little bump steer from a worn joint. There should be no mistaking full on DW. It's like all hell's breaking loose and you're jeep is possessed and you think you're gonna die.
Since you already have the DL and the TB, you may as well install those...eliminating those joints as possibly being worn. Possibly time to replace ball joints? I'd give those a quick check since a common culprit.
To recap, you had no issues before, swapped tie rods and have not re-installed the SS yet as you're waiting for the mount? Either Synergy sent you a TR with a bad end, or you previously had an issue that was being masked by the SS and it's not becoming apparent. I tend to agree with Canvas that you have a little bump steer from a worn joint. There should be no mistaking full on DW. It's like all hell's breaking loose and you're jeep is possessed and you think you're gonna die.
Since you already have the DL and the TB, you may as well install those...eliminating those joints as possibly being worn. Possibly time to replace ball joints? I'd give those a quick check since a common culprit.
03-31-2017, 10:13 AM
#10
JK Super Freak
Your steering stabilizer was covering up the cause of your deathwobble. Since replacing your tie rod and removing your stabilizer you have now uncovered the problem. Start with the trackbar torque, condition of trackbar bushings and brackets and then go from there. Someone posted a great video above I would give that a look