Experienced some death wobble
Forum Tech Advisor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 11
From: Billings, MT
Planman - Since I did my lift a little over a year ago I have had what I would describe as a "Death Wobble Precursor" - as I went over a bump my steering wheel would go back and forth until the tires/steering calmed itself, then no problems.
Most recently, after hitting a bump at low speed I went into full Death Wobble.
I ordered the Northridge bolt pack (had to use the 14mm replacement bolts Northridge sent in my stock trackbar since the 9/16 would not fit), changed the control arm bolts and tightened everything after going through your check list.
However, same problem - I will hit a bump, get that same "Death Wobble Precursor) that will develop into full on Death Wobble.
Any thoughts?
Frustration has truly set in...Something had to loosen over time as a result of the "Precursor"...
Most recently, after hitting a bump at low speed I went into full Death Wobble.
I ordered the Northridge bolt pack (had to use the 14mm replacement bolts Northridge sent in my stock trackbar since the 9/16 would not fit), changed the control arm bolts and tightened everything after going through your check list.
However, same problem - I will hit a bump, get that same "Death Wobble Precursor) that will develop into full on Death Wobble.
Any thoughts?
Frustration has truly set in...Something had to loosen over time as a result of the "Precursor"...
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 345
Likes: 2
From: Texarkana, TX
Alright, so me and my mechanic friend went back thru stuff and here is a break down of what we found.
We had found a clunk in my steering when doing the wheel back and forth exercise and found that my drag links needed replaced which we have done.
We did not notice any movement in the track bar during that exercise and the bolts were really torqued down. However, when we removed it we did find the frame end bracket holes to be rounded out. Not drastically but definitely could tell it. The axle end bracket bolt holes appeared to be ok.
Tie rod ends seemed to be good.
Ball joints did not show any movement/play in them.
Bearings and other components at the wheels appeared to be in good shape as well.
Wheels have been rotated and balanced along with an alignment.
We did notice what seemed to be some very, very slight movement in the sector shaft when turning hard, but it was almost not even noticeable.
So I think my plan to move forward is to order the Synergy front track bar frame brace and the Teraflex front track bar axle gusset. I'm thinking I may go ahead and get the Synergy sector shaft brace. Not sure if my Rock Krawler front track bar will work with it or not so I may have to order the Synergy front track bar as well. Does any know if the RK front track bar will work with the Synergy sector shaft brace installed? Any thoughts on this plan?
Hard to believe that the front track bar bolts holes being a little off while still having the front track bar bolts torqued down can cause or allow so much movement. But when you think about the fact that the front track bar is the only thing holding the body and frame with the weight of the engine right over it centered over the axle and the forces it has to counteract, I guess it makes sense.
Hopefully, we can get these parts and take care of this DW problem. I haven't been able to drive my jeep for 3 weeks. I miss it.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
We had found a clunk in my steering when doing the wheel back and forth exercise and found that my drag links needed replaced which we have done.
We did not notice any movement in the track bar during that exercise and the bolts were really torqued down. However, when we removed it we did find the frame end bracket holes to be rounded out. Not drastically but definitely could tell it. The axle end bracket bolt holes appeared to be ok.
Tie rod ends seemed to be good.
Ball joints did not show any movement/play in them.
Bearings and other components at the wheels appeared to be in good shape as well.
Wheels have been rotated and balanced along with an alignment.
We did notice what seemed to be some very, very slight movement in the sector shaft when turning hard, but it was almost not even noticeable.
So I think my plan to move forward is to order the Synergy front track bar frame brace and the Teraflex front track bar axle gusset. I'm thinking I may go ahead and get the Synergy sector shaft brace. Not sure if my Rock Krawler front track bar will work with it or not so I may have to order the Synergy front track bar as well. Does any know if the RK front track bar will work with the Synergy sector shaft brace installed? Any thoughts on this plan?
Hard to believe that the front track bar bolts holes being a little off while still having the front track bar bolts torqued down can cause or allow so much movement. But when you think about the fact that the front track bar is the only thing holding the body and frame with the weight of the engine right over it centered over the axle and the forces it has to counteract, I guess it makes sense.
Hopefully, we can get these parts and take care of this DW problem. I haven't been able to drive my jeep for 3 weeks. I miss it.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Last edited by MAG00; May 7, 2014 at 09:31 PM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: Prairieville, LA
I will say this. My DW presented in almost the exact same fashion and I showed no wear/movement in the ball joints when checking as instructed by planman.
However, once I just bit the bullet and pulled the knuckles there was no doubt that it was a major source of my DW. The joints were shot.
Again, it showed no slack when pushing/pulling.
http://s280.photobucket.com/user/fig...241DE.mp4.html
However, once I just bit the bullet and pulled the knuckles there was no doubt that it was a major source of my DW. The joints were shot.
Again, it showed no slack when pushing/pulling.
http://s280.photobucket.com/user/fig...241DE.mp4.html
Last edited by jeepin_tiger; May 8, 2014 at 12:35 AM.
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 345
Likes: 2
From: Texarkana, TX
Update:
I went ahead and ordered the synergy track bar frame brace, sector shaft brace, track bar and steering stabilizer HD relocation bracket. I went with the synergy HD steering stabilizer relocation bracket because it mounts in similar fashion to the Teraflex track bar gusset plate and it would also relocate my steering stabilizer as well. Synergy also provides the bolts to mount it. Teraflex just provides the plate. I also went ahead with the Synergy track bar because I figured if my RK track bar ends up not working with the braces, I'll have it right there on hand rather having to wait again on parts. Surely, I will be able to sell one or the other once we get everything figured out.
Parts came in last night and I got them dropped off to my mechanic friend first thing this morning. Hopefully, I will know something by tonight. Keeping my fingers crossed, hoping and praying.
I went ahead and ordered the synergy track bar frame brace, sector shaft brace, track bar and steering stabilizer HD relocation bracket. I went with the synergy HD steering stabilizer relocation bracket because it mounts in similar fashion to the Teraflex track bar gusset plate and it would also relocate my steering stabilizer as well. Synergy also provides the bolts to mount it. Teraflex just provides the plate. I also went ahead with the Synergy track bar because I figured if my RK track bar ends up not working with the braces, I'll have it right there on hand rather having to wait again on parts. Surely, I will be able to sell one or the other once we get everything figured out.
Parts came in last night and I got them dropped off to my mechanic friend first thing this morning. Hopefully, I will know something by tonight. Keeping my fingers crossed, hoping and praying.