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Stock JK Tech Bulletin board forum regarding issues with OE (original equipment) components of the Jeep JK Wrangler (Rubicon, Sahara, Unlimited and X) such as factory suspension parts, engine, transmission, body parts, interior fixtures and the on-board computer.

Death Wobble 2 (the return)

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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 10:53 AM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by stock jk
waiting for something to happen???


On topic related issue: I've noticed a little bounce continuing several times when hitting a bump. Nothing dangerous, just enough to be annoying. Is this a sign the stabilizer may be worn out? What is the best way to check it, just disconnect one end and check the piston for resistance?

I know we're a little overdue for rotation and balance of tires. Guess I'll check the other items mentioned while I'm at it.
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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 05:03 PM
  #32  
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Default Deadly Shimmying!

Just FYI, since I rotated my tires haven't had any death wobble.

My steering stabilizer is bad though so will be making service call soon.

My other Unlimited (LJ) problem is the steering rod ends and the scissor linkage doesn't like any worn parts esp. with 36 mil tires/wheels (HEAVY!!).

I don't understand why the JK experiences death wobble at such low mileage, my TJ didn't act up until something was actually wrong with the steering.

My JK doesn't appear to have anything major wrong except for the bad stabilizer...

I know the JK steering is suppose to be far superior and the scrub radius is close to 0. Is it possible that having greater scrub radius like on the TJ would somehow cancel out these harmonic oscillations?
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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 05:14 PM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by SpecWar
I posted another thread not too long ago about experiencing a death wobble while going through puddles. This memorial day weekend I was driving on a perfectly stable highway in the middle of a large city. I went over a slightly elevated area of road to transition over railroad tracks at about 30 to 35 miles an hour and bam, another completely unrecoverable death wobble. The roads were perfectly dry. The tire pressure was at about 42 psi per tire.

I will be reporting this to the NTSB.
Have your tires rebalanced..........
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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 05:36 PM
  #34  
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Tire pressrue is crucial.

If your Jeep is at 42 PSI, than it's not stock. No, it wasnt designed to go that high, so no it won't perform like stock.

It sounds like it might not be the issue, but the first thing you have to do is return everything to the way it was when it left the factory. So, tire pressure included. This will increase your contact patch, and won't feel like you are driving on stilts.

Now, another thing how is your driving style? Did you hit any curbs? The reason I ask is not to diss your driving or anything but we had a case lately where these young fellows came out on the trail with us, and they pretty much though they were on the Baja 1000. I still can't believe they left the trail in one piece, and yes that was the last time they came out with us. We do not tolerate such behaviour on the trail.

Sorry to side track my self, but I see you are frustrated with your situation. Now, it seems you know exactly what's happening (uncontrollability), you file a complaint with various organizations, and yet you ask this question about tire pressure. I know you did state that you are not mechanically inclined, so what I would suggest is to take it to an alignement shop as they are usually able to figure out what's bent or out of whack. Get a second opinion, and if it proves that the manufacturer is at fault than you have proof. And not just anger and emotion because you paid $20K.

Very often, but not always, people tend to give parial information to get others to help them to justify bitching at another party.

So, go get a second opinion or third if you have to. Proof is what will get things accomplished.
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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 07:20 PM
  #35  
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I am extremely machanically inclined. However I expect that people who do it for a living know a little more than I do. They said they checked all the suspension components, checked the tires for balance and all they could find was a bad stabilizer. I drive very aggressively most of the time. Especially in the winter where I slide sideways around most all corners.

I got it back today and basically they replaced the stabilizer and they called it good. We will see. I am going to beat the hell out of it this weekend to see if I can duplicate it before I loose warranty coverage.
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Old Jun 11, 2008 | 11:13 PM
  #36  
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From: MOKENA ILL
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Originally Posted by SpecWar
I am extremely machanically inclined. However I expect that people who do it for a living know a little more than I do. They said they checked all the suspension components, checked the tires for balance and all they could find was a bad stabilizer. I drive very aggressively most of the time. Especially in the winter where I slide sideways around most all corners.

I got it back today and basically they replaced the stabilizer and they called it good. We will see. I am going to beat the hell out of it this weekend to see if I can duplicate it before I loose warranty coverage.
:rotfl mao2:
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Old Jun 12, 2008 | 12:13 AM
  #37  
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Default Ntsb?

Why?

What mods have you done? My JK? No issues since purchase. I only went to 245X75X16's after my tires were slashed by an employee. Still no issues.

Go to the dealer first.

S.R.
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Old Jun 12, 2008 | 12:20 AM
  #38  
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Maybe drive more "realistically", less aggressively? It's a JK not a Tank.

I'm sure I could drive beyond all the components if I wanted to.

I worked as a "bottom end assistant" for an NHRA Fuel Funny Car Team for a couple years. Those guys drive beyond all Reality!

It's your Jeep dude, drive it how you want to. Reality does come into play however.

S.R.
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Old Jun 12, 2008 | 01:56 AM
  #39  
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From: MOKENA ILL
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Originally Posted by shawnwade
Maybe drive more "realistically", less aggressively? It's a JK not a Tank.

I'm sure I could drive beyond all the components if I wanted to.

I worked as a "bottom end assistant" for an NHRA Fuel Funny Car Team for a couple years. Those guys drive beyond all Reality!

It's your Jeep dude, drive it how you want to. Reality does come into play however.

S.R.
well how about me im all the way on the other end im getting 24mpg and im on my second stablizer i mainly drive highway evry lil offroading due to stock tires this jeep started with the dw around 9000mi i would NOT think that the guys designing it oh wait that's it i got it the new jeeps must be designd by lil girl's
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Old Jun 12, 2008 | 02:47 AM
  #40  
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Just a thought,have the rear and axles checked. If you have bad joint in axle or bindind inside rear it will cause this problem!!!!
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