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Jeep swerves at high speeds

7K views 24 replies 14 participants last post by  AOR 
#1 ·
Hi there! My '07 JK seems to swerve at high speeds (50+ mph). I have to constantly correct it to keep it in the lane. I just had a TON of work done to it:

  • New Ball Joints
  • New Tie Rods
  • New Axle Seals
  • New Knockout pins
  • Alignment
  • New Tires
  • New Front & Rear shocks
  • New Steering Stablilizer
  • New U Joints

I have a 1" lift (buddy was parting out his rubicon a while ago, so I took his springs, shocks, and other rubicon parts and put on mine). I am at a loss for what it could be. Any ideas or anyone who has had this problem in the past and knows a fix for it? Thank you in advance!
 
#2 ·
Did the need to constantly correct start only after all of the above work was done?
If so, you may just be experiencing one of the joys of 'tight' new ball joints and tie rod ends. The same thing happened to me after new ball joints and new tie rod & drag link. If this is the problem, it will get better over the next 500 - 1000 miles.


If it is only pulling in one direction, check the steering stabilizer. Some gas charged stabilizers will induce a steering pull to one side.


I suppose it could also be your alignment, but if it is within factory spec on all numbers it shouldn't be the cause.
 
#5 ·
What tire pressure are you running?
 
#11 ·
I run around 30 PSI myself. 37 is way too high, it will cause a lot of bounce and a rough ride overall.

Check YouTube for video on centering the front wheels, but it is as simple as taking a measurement from your front shock to a point on your tire. Check right, check left, if not equal, you need and Adj TB. Then set it to the same as stuck and add the necessary distance to center them back up. NOTE: Once side of the TB is attached the to frame...so if your 1" in on the left and 1" out on the right, add 1/2" and you should be pretty close to center. Again check YouTube for instructions, lots of good videos, some use a come along, some move the vehicle, some just push it to center it. I also ordered the upgraded bolts to properly fit the holes. Good luck! and Welcome to the Forum.
 
#12 ·
I run around 30 PSI myself. 37 is way too high, it will cause a lot of bounce and a rough ride overall.

Check YouTube for video on centering the front wheels, but it is as simple as taking a measurement from your front shock to a point on your tire. Check right, check left, if not equal, you need and Adj TB. Then set it to the same as stuck and add the necessary distance to center them back up. NOTE: Once side of the TB is attached the to frame...so if your 1" in on the left and 1" out on the right, add 1/2" and you should be pretty close to center. Again check YouTube for instructions, lots of good videos, some use a come along, some move the vehicle, some just push it to center it. I also ordered the upgraded bolts to properly fit the holes. Good luck! and Welcome to the Forum.
 
#14 ·
In case it was missed by the OP, did the current issue start only after all of the upgrades?

And does it wander to the left or to the right, or is it in a particular direction?

When you turn the steering wheel, is there immediate response or is there play?
 
#16 ·
I also ran 30-32 psi with 285/70R10 MTs.


A couple of other things you might check, if the steering is a bit loose, (how much free play is there in the steering?):

Steering box play.

The 2 part shaft, (from steering wheel to steering box), in the engine bay may need regreasing under the boot. People have reported that the splines can wear if it gets too dry.
 
#17 ·
Welcome to the forum. You have a 2dr and a slight amout of lift. Obviously way to much tire pressure. Do as @Lee H suggested and start with 28 PSI. Depending on your tire sidewall and weight of the JK, you may have to go even lower. You mentioned an alignment. What was your caster after the work. 2dr JKs like to run closer to 5 deg+ caster. Some even more.

You could be experiening a combination of influences.
 
#18 ·
I've always had a bit of drift on my Jeep. Always have to slightly adjust while on the highway.
I currently have the Goodyear Duratec LT265 /75 R16 112Q C1 OWL.
It drifted before on stock tires too.

Not sure what pressure I'm running on them. What should they be?

I sometimes hear a little knock when I move the wheel left/right quickly...
 
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