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Do I have bump steer or a caster issue?

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Old Jun 23, 2012 | 05:29 PM
  #1  
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From: FT BRAGG, NC
Default Do I have bump steer or a caster issue?

Thanks in advance for your help guys. I have a 2 door 2007 JK automatic that I put 33's on (285/70R17 40 PSI). No lift or any other work has been done. After they went on I got the flighty steering/wandering that a lot of other people had. Did some reading on the site and thought it was the caster angle but after thinking about it it doesn't make sense since the axel shouldn't have moved at all with just larger tires added. So does this mean I have bump steer? I want to figure this out before I spend the money on either control arms to fix caster, or a steering stabilizer to fix the bump steer ( I think that's the fix anyway.). Please help!
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Old Jun 23, 2012 | 06:03 PM
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Tire pressure too high...try going lower than factory recommended if anything.
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Old Jun 23, 2012 | 06:17 PM
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I'd check tire pressure and your toe in measurements.
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Old Jun 23, 2012 | 07:38 PM
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I would drop to 28-30 psi and see how it drives. Also keep in mind a wider tire will track different, but 40 psi definitely too much
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Old Jun 24, 2012 | 04:18 PM
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I had a similar issue that I just figured out on mine. My toe in from the factory was 3/8 closer in front than the rear. Set it to the recommended 1/8" that I found on this forum and the difference is night/day. I messed around with tire pressures for a few weeks and found that 25psi felt the best. I ordered a steering shaft brace and adjustable track bar thinking it would help(before i messed with toe)but I am completely satisfied with how it drives after the toe adjustment and lower tire pressures.
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 06:02 AM
  #6  
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Great information guys, thank you! Would a stabalizer be benificial at all in this case or unnoticeable?
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 06:45 AM
  #7  
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I don't think the stabilzer would hurt at all but would try and dial it in before installing it. My vote is for tire pressure. I had similar issues with my stock 18's at 35 psi. Just dropping them to 32 made a night and day difference. Good luck.
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 07:45 AM
  #8  
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A steering stabilizer will only mask other front end problems and fix the cause. Lower your PSI like everyone stated, have your tire balance re-checked, then check out this link below. This is the ultimate death wobble video and write up. I know you do not have the DW, but this will help you systematically find the cause.

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-w...obbles-132779/

https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-w...videos-234542/

Do all these things first, then if needed get your alignment checked

Last edited by jeepmedic; Jun 25, 2012 at 07:47 AM.
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 07:56 AM
  #9  
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Is your 07 a high milage vehicle? If it is you may want to check for worn steering components and check the torque on the bolts on the steering components. If the only thing you have changed are new tires your factory maintenance free bushings may be getting loose. You should get someone to gently work the steering left and right while you look for loose steering components. The joints shouldn't move up and down when the steering is moved left and right. I solved major death wobble on a solid axle Chevy this way.
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Old Jun 25, 2012 | 09:26 AM
  #10  
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I put a bilstein damper on mine and it helped a little, but dropping the tire pressure and adjusting toe had a much greater effect.
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