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Chasing down the DW causes

1K views 13 replies 6 participants last post by  Dustdevil 
#1 ·
OK. Bought the Jeep two weeks ago. Eliminating the wobbles one thing at a time. Here's the symptom: DW occurs with some pattern, but not enough to trace to a single cause. Seems to happen above 45mph to maybe 70, but it seldom actually happens. It is not wheel balance related. Seems to trigger on stutter bumps that alternate from one side to the other. More on accel than anything else. Dropping below 40 usually steadies it.

On the jackstands, the front steering showed a lot of rotational play, but no side to side. So, I adjusted the steering box, which helped quite a bit. But it's not gone.

Bought a JKS track bar, and I will install that tonight, if I can get to it. Stock track bar showed some movement/looseness in both ends doing the wheels-down steering test. JKS track bar adjusts down to the stock length, but will also adjust longer when I get around to doing the 2" OME Ultimate lift.

Ball joints and tie rod ends seem to be fairly snug. But if the track bar doesn't fix it, I'll check them much more closely.

I need tires, but won't put anything on until I can get it all tight enough to hold an alignment. I will post the results here.
 
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#2 ·
#4 ·
The track bar is one main culprits but if you experience DW repeatedly other joints can be damaged.

Like many you have probably checked some of the joints but follow Planman's methodical troubleshooting process:

http://www.wranglerforum.com/f202/d...fixing-non-dw-shimmies-and-wobbles-78034.html

Although tire balance is not the root cause, it can contribute to the trigger so first get your tires dynamically balanced.
 
#5 ·
Sorry, just realized I posted this in the wrong forum, LOL! Mine is a TJ. You may be glad to know, however, that the track bar did the trick! Thanks to all the guys in these forums who know what they are doing and are willing to share it. Helps us all.
 
#7 ·
Thank you, kjeeper10.
 
#8 ·
Pic of the finished conversion.
 
#10 ·
TDO: It was 38 all the way around, but now is 33psi on 245/75R16 MT/Rs. Checked all tie rod ends for snug fit and any movement in the tapered stud or in the ball area. All seem fine. But it seems the track rod took care of the DW. By all accounts I've read here, this was real DW, not tire balance or squirm. Tires seem to be wearing very evenly, although admittedly worn out. Plan to get an alignment anyway with the new tires in a few weeks.
 
#13 ·
Thanks, Gents!

It is much more solid than before, and only once did it even hint at any wobble. I think that might be just the stutter bumps in that part of the road, as it never happened again. I will also replace the stock control arm bushings with an aftermarket kit just to be sure those are nice and tight, until I get around to doing a short lift on it. New tires right around the corner. I just busted one of the sway bar links Sunday on my way out to see my dad. My son and I were cruising down what was supposed to be an easy road. Had some washouts and I popped one of the little ball joints. Looks like it's time for some new adjustables. May get JKS, Currie, or Rubicon Unltd units.

Anyway, I will be sorting out the deficiencies for a bit, then working on improvements and mods as time allows. Also about to start some remodeling of a bathroom and a kitchen. So, funding will be on an as-available basis for a bit.
 
#14 ·
BTW, 75/80 mph on the freeway is no problem. More comfortable around 70, though.
 
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