This was stickied in the YJ forum, but it looks like it contains a lot of good info for TJ's as well

Thanks Bud!

This is great information. I just bought a 2003 Wrangler Rubicon and DW is driving me nuts. Looks like I will start with new tires, alignment, etc as the old are pretty worn.

I have a 2003 Rubicon too, and I had a bad case of DW which lasted more than six months before I got rid of it. To be honest, I don't know what it was that fixed it, because it was a combination of things that kept improving the situation. Probably not what most of you want to hear! In my opinion, the best information on the topic can be found at ( myjeeptj.com ). When on their home page just scroll down to the title that reads "Nth Degree Jeep TJ tech" and you will here a former Jeep engineer discribe in detail what to look for. He gets a little technical, but it is worth it to try to understand his jargon. On the practical side, I ended up changing my stock track bar with a JKS adjustable one and installed adjustable lower control arms as well. Had it aligned, balanced the tire about four times, and double checked the tightness on all the steering and suspension bolt. This pretty much took care of the DW, but it still acted like it wanted to do it. Lastly, I installed a long arm upgrade to the 3.5" RE lift, and that really made things a lot better. Not only did any hint of the DW disappear, but the ride and handling improved as well. Besides, it was a good way to convince the wife that I need a long arm!

03 Rubi the main improvement you made that affects DW is the adjustable track bar. The length position and orientation of the track bar is one of the main contributers to DW, second to steering box placement and since most of us dont really wanna relocate our steering systems that is usually the best first step, after you take care of the basic maintenance stuff (alignment, tire balance)

I've got a 2006 Unlimited stock. In the first year Jeep replaced the OE steering damper/shock three times! Having worked in the auto repair industry I finally convinced the dealer to replace the OE shock w/a HD aftermarket shock from Moog. It's been over 30K miles & no death wobble.

My 04 is having it too, I replaced the damper a while ago but its back. Jeep had a TSB and I used that one a while ago.

Do you have the model and part number for the Moog unit they installed so I can track one down. I picked a new track bar last year but I checked the torque on the bolts and joint and everything is good.

It seems to have gotten worse since it warmed up which tells me the damper is not working as good and I do not want to use another OEM part.

Thanks.

I just ordered a HD skyjacker Damper. It was only 58 with the shipping. Lets see if it cures it. I feel the factory one is shot again.

I have had the same problem since I bought my Jeep in Nov., 2005. I was told that if everyone with this problem writes to The U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA, Washington, D.C. 20590 that if they get enough people they will do a recall on the Death Wobble and would have no other choice but to find the problem anf fix it.

Please write to the NHTSA

From what I've read, experienced and understand, is that a new damper only masks the true problem. That being, loose or worn joints/parts, especially the track bar. Out-of-balance tires, or alignment issues.

My suggestions, first make sure ball joints are good and change, if not. DW or not, they need to be in good condition. Then, check and take care of the easiest things first.

Tighten track bar if loose, as well as other joints, if possible. Check for bent components. It's FREE!!

Balance tires (make sure you get someone experienced, who will balance them better than the typical high speed balance, to almost zero out-of-balance)....very inexpensive!

If there's still a problem, it's time to have alignment checked. Most shops will check it for free and give you a readout of the condition. It's usually about $60-$70 to get the alignment done if it's not in spec.

Last, start swapping those rubber bushings for poly pieces.

I developed death wobble on our trip to Oklahoma for our FIRST outing with the jeep.

All that was done was a 2" BB at this point. Still had the stock 215-75-15 tires on. It was enough.

I installed an HD damper and it stopped for quite a while. Even with the Rubi rims/tires. Recently, I removed them and put on a different, smaller set and suddenly......DW!! Not too bad though. Just a bit showing between 50-55mph.

I put on my original rims/tires and it went away. Tightened the track bar and other mounts to make sure it stayed that way!!

Didn't wanna ruin that nearly new damper!!

I had the steering stabilizer replaced AND I new track bar bushing put on and viola!! No more DW! the guy said that the bushing that needed to be replaced is a rubber/plastic one that comes stock and when it goes bad, it is that main cause for DW

any thoughts?

J

From what I've learned, the track bar bushing at the axle end is one of the biggest, if not THE biggest culprit.

No surprise here. Once DW starts, it kills the stabilizers quickly.

I got some SERIOUS death wobble today on the expressway. I was doing about 70, hit a bump and the tires where squealing and the shaking was bad. Cars behind me were slowing down and changing lanes because they probably thought I was about to crash I took the next exit, slowed to 40mph for it to stop, then got back on.

So as soon as I got to work, I ordered an aftermarket stabilizer and adjustable track bar. I hope it fixes it.

I hardly ever get DW on regular roads (40mph - 50mph), but on the highway it can be bad if I hit bumps at 60+

I used to have DW, got a new steering stabilizer, and it's completely gone. Another thing, when I had it, I found that my Jeep would only wobble in 2wd. I just threw it in 4wd whenever the wobble started, killed it dead in it's tracks

Thanks for the tip. Worked like a charm. I got DW again, flipped on 4WD and it stopped.

My new stabilizer and track bar came in. Will install them tonight.

I came on tonight to look for this exact problem. About a week ago I was driving on the highway and my 2003 Wrangler started shaking so bad I had to pull over. The whole thing was coming apart!!

I do need new tires, but was hoping to wait until fall. Now I think I'll do it and get an alignment and see if that helps.

Thanks for the info!

i had death wobble in an old pontiac bonneville ,due a little hardly noticeable knot in the sidewall of one of my front tires.i believe that is what is wrong with my 99 tj wrangler,i have changed everything out but the ball joints.the wobble took place after rotating my tiresneo

i have found the culprit,play popping in ball joints on the passenger sideneo



changing all 4 ball joints this weekend

Finally fixed my DW. First found the Track Bar needed grease, then a sway bar link broke, looked at everything else and they are fine. Put on a HD stablzer but still had it. Had the tires rebalanced and now it gone.

Does anyone know where to get a quality SYE and CV shaft for a decent price?

Tom Woods. Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts - Tom Woods Custom Drive Shafts Custom Driveshafts Specialist

Had that for a while but new tires fixed it!

I had a 2" skyjacker budget boost lift kit installed on Friday...after happy hour, i started to drive home (had 1 beer...honestly)...Well, it felt like I had consumed a 12 pack once i hit 50 mph and my 2001 Wrangler started shaking and vibrating where i almost lost control...not happy...my tires and rims are new and i never had so much as a "shimmy" at any speed UNTIL i had the 2" kit installed...I am new to site, have researched and read about the Death Wobble in jeeps, and would like a check-list to have my mechanic go through to "solve" my wobble...I honestly feel like ripping the damn lift kit out...any help is appreciated...

I had the same problem with my 06 unlimited. shook so badly that i had to lift from the accelerator and get to the shoulder. I had her aligned and balanced and that didn't work. I put new rubber on her and she's doing fine now, but I don't think that it is fixed.
I still hold my breath between 50 and 60. I'm taking it in to the dealership for a thorough exam.

Im having mechanic check alignment/balance etc...the "death wobble" info on line has been great, i just hope my $500 suspension lift project doesnt turn into a bottomless money pit project....all i want to do is add 32 inch tires at some point...btw, i would hope your 06 is still under warranty and demand the issue be fixed...good luck and great choice of "second" car re the Bimmer...

Actually the Bimmer was first, but she needs a rest and after getting my jeep I think she'll get a long one. And yes the jeep is under warranty and they WILL fix it. Last time I took it in for leaking axle seals they gave me a PT to drive. This time I'm leaving in a Jeep or I'll sit in the service dept until it's done.

Best of luck and I hope nobody saw you in the PT!!! My service appontment is next week so the Jeep and I will try to be patient....I will post my results when the wobble is gone...thanks for all the info....ciao

Took my Wrangler in for an alignment and put some 31's on for fun....the Wobble is gone completely!!!! I was so happy and relieved to solve that problem....no track bar, steering stabilizer, transfer case fix....a simple alignment and 2" bigger tires seemed to "even" everything all out...drives like a dream and looks awesome....thanks to all those jeepsters posting info on the Wobble....

The DW feeling is much more extreme feeling then an engine laboring right? cause mine shakes when the engine is laboring (higher gear low rpms). its much different right?

First, I'd like to say thanks for letting me join.

The death wobble issue is so extreme in my '02 TJ that I rarely drive it anymore. Just don't feel like crashing it. None of the problem ever occurred until the lift kit. It really makes me sad because I LOVE MY JEEP! Anyway, the front suspension components have been checked by myself and three front end specialty shops, and have been told the ball joints, tie rod ends, drag link ends, track bar and control arm bushings are all OK. The front end alignment was done at the time of the lift installation. Rotated the tires the first of this week, again, and the problem increased. Now, not only at about 45 mph in a slight left curve, but at 65-80 mph driving straight down the road. Just don't know where to turn next. I did read the article by Yucca-Man (Yucca-Man: Death Wobble) and his thoughts on the energy storage-release are quite accurate.

Worst case scenario, I will remove the lift and set it back to stock height. I probably didn't need to lift it anyway just to run the 32s, so that's probably where I'll go.

I will keep looking back here to see more comments and information.