Wheel shimmy when I hit a bump

[jgard]

Hi all,

I'm a first time Jeep owner and I have a question about the way mine rides. I own a stock 2005 Unlimited and the steering wheel shimmies pretty hard when I hit a bump in the road. It also shimmies pretty hard between about 57 and 60 mph. It has about 64,000 miles on it and I am wondering if the stabilizer may be worn out. Has anyone else ran into this? Is this a common trait of TJ's? Any information or suggestions are greatly appreciated!!

 

[southtj]

Welcome to Jeepz and welcome to Death Wobble. It is very common on lifted jeeps but I don't think it's as common if you have no lift. It is also very hard to diagnose. It could be any number of things in the front end. I checked everything on mine and even changed the steering stabilizer and that helped some but what finally made it go away was new tires.

Here is a link to a thread that has a lot of information about death wobble.

 

[jgard]

Thanks, It could use some new tires. It's riding on the original ones as of right now.

 

[mud4feet]

I thinks it's time for new meats! I went through a similar period, even bought a new stabilizer, though I knew that wasn't the problem. New tires and now everything's good!

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Search this forum for 'death wobble'.

 

[jgard]

Anyone know where I can get a good used set of tires on the cheap. I'm still not out of the doghouse from buying this thing without the consent of my loving wife. I bought it on Valentine's Day.....

 

[Crazy4diesels]

Check your front track bar. Mine was loose at the axle mount. Tightened the bolt and the death wobble was gone. Best of luck - John

 

[Utah_jeepster]

I'm still not out of the doghouse from buying this thing without the consent of my loving wife. I bought it on Valentine's Day.....

And your still alive!?! And still have all of your body parts too!
Either you bought your wife the hope diamond or your the worlds fastest talker to talk your wife out of killing you!

 

[xt master]

I have a 97tj that wobbles a little around that same speed.I just dont drive at that speed for now.I checked everything else and all my stuff was tight and seemed in good shape,but have not changed tires yet.

 

[jgard]

And your still alive!?! And still have all of your body parts too!
Either you bought your wife the hope diamond or your the worlds fastest talker to talk your wife out of killing you!

She was mad about the Jeep, then I told her I spent another 150 on a tow hitch. Yep, I ran away in a serpent like fashion to prevent any injury from flying random objects . I think I'll put my helmet on when I tell her how much my lift is going to cost.

 

[jgard]

Check your front track bar. Mine was loose at the axle mount. Tightened the bolt and the death wobble was gone. Best of luck - John

Thanks for the tip....I'll get it checked this weekend. Is DW a random act. It doesn't always do it on the same bumps and the severity of is random as well. :???:

 

[SteelHeadz]

Wow! glad to see your still alive:lol:.. Like Bounty_Hunter suggested, search this Forum for Death Wobble. there's been a lot covered regarding this issue.

 

[mud4feet]

IMHO, get some new tires, mounted and BALANCED........maybe even an alignment...........and see if that doesn't cure it. If not, then you need to use the search feature - lots and lots of stuff posted here. My money says a new set of tires will cure your ills.

 

[jgard]

This site rocks!!! Everyone here has tons of information.....me thinks I will visit here very often. I have many years of mods I want to do and can use all the advice I can get. Now I just need to find a local Jeep club around here. Many thanks to everyone!!!

 

[xt master]

This site rocks!!! Everyone here has tons of information.....me thinks I will visit here very often. I have many years of mods I want to do and can use all the advice I can get. Now I just need to find a local Jeep club around here. Many thanks to everyone!!!

Welcome to the Z.The only forum website you need for all your jeep questions.As far as club good luck,I am having a hard time finding one that is within 3 hours of where I live.May end up having to join just a regular off road club.

 

[jgard]

Well, I've had my new Buckshots on for about a month now and no more DW!! I would have never thought tires could cause it.