How to Fix Death Wobble Jeep / Ford / Ram

[@muley180]

As a certified professional automotive and truck technician I have researched and cured death wobble issues. There are multiple issues that can cause this condition. First, worn components can cause this condition but I have experienced it on vehicles without worn components. The root cause is the suspension design itself. ANY solid front axle with 4 link/coil spring suspension is prone to death wobble. As the axle cycles up the control arms are pushing the axle forward and the track bar is pushing the axle to the right. These counteracting forces are the root cause. Under acceleration (unloading the front suspension) striking a sharp bump on the right tire induces the wobble. Lifting a vehicle replicates this condition therefore an adjustable track bar is mandatory to recenter the axle to the chassis. The inverted Y steering linkage on this Jeep is another contributor causing constant toe changes on jounce and rebound. True crossover steering linkage with an adjustable drag link is the solution to that, the pitman arm needs to be parallel to the center line of the vehicle and when you lift it you loose that. A improved steering stabilizer is the final key to the issue.

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Thanks for the awsome comment. I could really use some technical advice on this situation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqa5Xq1_npKDe7s

[@danbrownellfuzzy3010]

Why not just weld the whole f mess together. You should be trouble free up to 110 mph. ...have to drive in a straight line of course. Hey Jethro...will my 96 Ram 2500 4x4 surprise me one day with the Death wobble?

[@danstory4286]

As a driveline specialist, I can easily sign off on everything in this comment. Well done, Jethro.

[@cashmoney21]

I still get the death wobble on a 2016 Ram 3500 even after installing a beefier track bar and tie rod. Any idea what else could be the problem. Should I change the steering stabilizer?

[@lavapix]

Yep, mine usually happens under acceleration. 99 Cherokee.

[@swatscorner]

I’ve got a 96 with some shaking starting (all stock). This give me some good stuff to check out. 320,000 miles on this one!!

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Let me know what you find 👍

[@Harry-zz2oh]

With that amount of miles, you probably need to replace all the bushings and the other parts of your suspension/steering. Check them very closely and see if any of the brackets have worn the bolt holes into ovals 'cause then you must replace the part.

[@shaere1]

Does it stop when you pull over and cut the engine?

[@alextrainor2552]

This dude is the first and only person to laugh at death wobble, love it 🤣

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Lol, Thanks for Sharing Alex 🍻

[@seansullivan4537]

Man that ain't no joke. I had the wobble and was in between 2 cars going 45 and I said oh shit oh shit oh shit until it stopped, barely avoided hitting the guy right next to me

[@chevyped4491]

This video is very helpful. I'm having the same very issue. Wasn't sure what I needed to do but now I do

[@brianfrench9487]

Actually I started laughing like a mad man the other day when my jeep started it's death wobble

[@paulsullivan3549]

Excellent. I just bought the'98 Grand Cherokee Limited from my neighbors. I plan on going through it component by component. 204,000 miles. Never off-road. No rust. Two grand.

[@zzz7zzz9]

mine was a '99. i still have it, but it's parked. the list of things to fix became just too long. control arms, brakes, exhaust, and, the motor has finally gotten to that point. been knocking forever and ever, but it's reached it's limit. i just can't bear to part with it, because it's been soooo good, and, it's completely rust-free and in excellent shape. i put the 3' IRO suspension lift in it, it went literally anywhere.

[@Tony-G]

Thank you for going to the trouble of shooting the video and sharing. I own a '21 Rubicon and have read much on the Wrangler forum about death wobble. It's not unique to the Jeep brand and can tell you in my 18months of ownership, we have had absolutely no issues with our Jeep. Your video is enlightening including comments from Jethro Bodine.

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

🤘

[@tman8939]

a jeep without 4 wd, that's like owning a boat in the desert.

[@arthurdolle5257]

A two-wheel drive jeep is about 350 lb lighter than a four-wheel drive. I mainly drive on Texas highways so don't need four-wheel drive.

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

@@arthurdolle5257 Why put a lift kit and big tires on it to drive on the road?

[@UTBanjo]

I live in Utah, and there is plenty of that going on.

[@Acreyman]

I lifted my rwd truck because it looks cool. And I live in TX and don't need a 4x4. Why? Cause I can, 'Murica!

[@sierraromeo]

I own a 2wd XJ, 2001, w/Aussie Locker , suits me fine for what we use it for.

[@EarlWardJr]

I drive a 2014 wrangler 2 door i don't have the death wobble yet but this will help me a lot if i ever do. Great video and very informative thank you for sharing your information.

[@consaka1]

Death wobble is a slow oscillation. And by slow I mean compared to most oscillations we encounter. It can be little movements in lots of places that add up. In fact, it can be so little movement it can be the rubber itself in the bushings. Every case is different. Harder rubber bushings can just create a higher frequency oscillation. Higher frequency usually happens at a higher speed. Steering stabilizers are actually a very effective bandaid for most cases of oscillation. However, they do not last forever and need replace frequently and the heavier the vehicle the heavier duty and stiff you want those stabilizers. My custom 4X4 van blew the seals out of the power steering it was so severe. But then the guys that did the conversion were morons and made the Panhard bar cross the drag link when they are supposed to be parallel. Avoid old iron classics in SW WA. Great job getting that jeep stiffened up.

[@LevelUpMechanics]

This is some awesome info for everyone out there experiencing this issue. Great job! 👍

[@damianmolt8104]

This video made my day. By far the most enjoyable video on death wobble

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Thanks !

[@Eric2300jeep]

Thank you for saying that steering stabilizer shocks don't fix death wobble, because you're 100% correct! And yes, 99% of the time it's the Trac bar bushings

[@cashmoney21]

On a 2016 Ram 1 ton I changed the Track bar and tie rod but still get the death wobble. Any ideas?

[@Nobamaable]

Buy a Tundra,@@cashmoney21

[@garychannell4663]

I have fixed 2 different times now on 97 XJ with over 250,000 miles on it by replacing the steering stabilizer shock.

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

Great video. Bad lower control arms allow track bar to wear out faster. Wider rims or spacers change articulation angles. That's why some people run horizontal track bar. To allow it to move with axle not steering. So not matter how wide you go the track bar keeps axle centered.

[@daimonwagner1964]

glad you got it worked out but for that track bar it definitely looked like the hole itself was the problem as the bolt got loose and wobbled it out not the bushing and thats why replacing it didnt fix the wobble and redrilling the hole to the correct size and moving the track bar over did work a tip in the future is that you can actually weld a washer of the correct size onto the bracket then reinstall and make sure to use a locknut so it doesnt come loose in the future great video though goodjob

[@Mike-o4s8s]

I know I’m late here lol.. I worked at a very well known Jeep dealership in the northeast for many years, and I have Never seen a 2wd Jeep in all those years… Honestly I didn’t even think they came without 4wd lol… This was really something very interesting for me to see..👍🇺🇸

[@davidchappelle6480]

I'm glad i found your video !! EVERYBODY.... even RC are tellin me I CAN'T put that lift on my 2wheel drive 2001 Grand Cherokee. My front end looks EXACTLY like yours !

[@Wise-Lady-La-Aura]

This is a great informational video about the "death wobble" It usually happens when someone rear ends you and you get the Jeep fixed and then it has a wobble. I have had that happen after being hit from behind while turning left across traffic. If it happens ever again, or to someone else, I'll be able to refer them to this video. You know when it happens to your vehicle, now we know what it is. Thanks, dude! You're awesome!

[@burtvincent1278]

I have had that problem over the years in many different model and manufacturers pickups. I found the perfect cure, I went to 2 wheel drive pickups.

[@manlymanyo2511]

Sweet video man. I appreciate the time. Well done. Glad u got it figured out

[@rodshelley9688]

When ever you lift a vehicle you change the steering geometry. You better know what you are doing, you got it fixed for now but with the geometry not being right you will wear parts out quick and get the Death Wobble back sooner than you would like.

[@HoustonTexxas]

Stop being a damm negative nacy. Man mr I know everything and this isn't a fix. Moron...

[@dam9nwarfo7d80]

@Special K your a moron..... if you do a suspension lift it most definitely changes up all the steering.

[@lasvegasionizedwater]

Ford dealer fixed my dually on a recall. They knew about it. I got a whole new front end at 20k miles.

[@wht240sxka]

Even when the problem is “fixed”, it’s still a bad design and won’t last long. Switched from y to t steering and never looked back. My truck used to feel like it’d pull the front tires off the ground and it was extremely disturbing going around a corner or hauling a trailer when it happens. Most cases it’s the ball joint in the y steering. I’ve cut apart to find a flat spot where it was supposed to be a ball in multiple trucks. Whatever the case, nice video thanks!

[@johnmooshian9894]

I did a 3” lift on my 96 ZJ a very important aspect is the transfer case drop in my case with the ZJ other trucks & Jeep’s need spacers to eliminate driveline vibration great vid!

[@titaniumman_22]

I had some bad bushings in 3 places, replaced those and added a dual BDS steering stabilizer. 98 XJ. Great video, thank you! My wife can drive the XJ now.

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

🤙

[@robertcline6641]

Chrysler/Jeep and Dodge are notorious for putting garbage ball joints in from the factory. I replaced stock with Spicer heavy duty ones on a 97 TJ and an 07 ram 4x4. Then installed Bilstein 5100 series tuned shocks. Fixed it! The TJ had a 4" lift the RAM was stock, Both only had 40-50k miles on them. They didn't have the link issues identified in this video.

[@rustymachineshop9456]

Your the only video that I have seen saying change the control arm bushings that holds the front rear end on thanks I got the same problem on a ram 2500 four wheel drive with a solid front axle it was getting so bad I was ashamed to drive it cause I looked like some fool with a violent shaking front end

[@darrellcherry9172]

To a motorcycle rider, "death wobble" has a completely different meaning.

[@danielpino455]

Well that’s a fun fact I didn’t know but it makes no sense for this video. Literally the caption reads “Death Wobble for Ford/Chevy/jeep”

[@bearsgarage272]

@darrell cherry no joke. I had only one experience with this and i thought it was the moment i was leaving this world

[@GratefulOverlander]

Darrell, that's called Tank Slap. Look it up, it's real. I've seen Harleys literally wobble on the highway until they were facing the wrong way...against traffic! That's if you can even hang on first, most people get thrown

[@darrellcherry9172]

@@GratefulOverlander thanks, I needed this. 🙄

[@onerockclimber]

Nice video, now I have something else to check to fix my truck’s death wobble. Thanks bud!

[@Kamikaziidare]

I see at about 08:00 you insert a "Claw" screw driver into the bushing's hole. Are those "Claw" screw drivers still available in the USA? I have a set that were bought here in the RSA and they are old and buggered up. I can't find them anywhere here to replace them.

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Vermont America brand, I think I bought it off a tool truck 15 years ago.

[@lavapix]

Yep, the video helps. You're the first one I've watched to even bring up the control arms. I've been driving strategically for the last year straddling the known spots that set it off. Nothing like severe DW at 60 mph while in cruise control in the middle of the night. I swear one severe DW event simultaneously breaks down all of those old bushings at once. 99 Cherokee with 178k miles. Stock suspension. Thanks for the parts links. I know I need sway bar links too.

[@danhambrick6331]

It usually isn't just one particular thing causing the Death Wobble in these XJ'S.Hell,even the newest one is twenty years old now....😁😁👍👍

[@ShawnDowns_scd]

Death Wobble is a good description of it I've never experienced it before until a few weeks ago when I took my truck in for new tires,alignment etc....I was driving home got up a little over 45 it happened & when it did at the same exact time a car darts out in front of me I swerved to avoid hitting it almost hit another but somehow I managed to get it under control & drive it home got my self together cause I was mad as hell took it back pulled up to the front door got out went in told them what happened & what It was doing I said I don't wanna hear no excuses just fix it & call me when you because no way should the truck have passed inspection & approved "safe" for the road! I got it back it was doing it again took it back told them what speed it would happen at & the Terrain I was driving on their excuse was we put it on the machine,2-3 people "road tested" it it didn't do it with them! I said ok I get in a wreck & live I'm gonna sue if I die my family will or the family of the ones killed will because you said it's "safe"! They put it back on machine,road tested,etc.came back said it was a weight thrown!!!! Said it still has a little play but nowhere near as before! It happened again Saturday night after I drove down a rough driveway but,since then no more I'm confused now? It still shakes some when I'm around 45-55 sometimes more or less but nowhere. as bad as before! It's definitely no laughing matter when it happens because your dealing with it best you can not knowing what to do you try to keep from wrecking or running into someone else.If it's never happened & you experience it for the 1st time it's a very scary thing I controlled mine by applying the brake a little at a time & a firm grip on the wheel both hands until I got it under control & came to a stop. I am now probably fixing to take it to a different shop let them have a look I'm done with the others I told them would you put your family in it??? My vehicle is a C1500 1999 4×4 What would you say my problem is I don't think it's a "weight" thrown! 🤔

[@glynnburchett5554]

Jeeps and off road rigs go hand in hand with death wabble, good video to have out

[@manlymanyo2511]

I drove someones jeep years ago. Got up to speed and the death wobble damn near made me shit myself. Scarey shit

[@jamescole6846]

I would check everything he says in the video but what ultimately fixed mine from random occurrences over really bumpy roads was 1.4 degrees. I had a AEV Dual Sport RS SC 3.5 kit on my 2013 JK with 35s and 95 ish percent of the time it drove great but every once in a blue moon Death Wobble. I replaced everything on the front end and some of it needed replacing at 80K anyways. I went will all Heavy Duty Track Bar, Tie Rod and Drag Link from Steer Smarts as well as Mopar Big Brake kit and Falcon XP2 shocks after the Bilstiens blew a seal. Drives like a sports car still got DW maybe once a month on really bad roads. Finally bought a whole set of Adjustable Control Arms for Core 4x4 and moved my castor from 3.6 degrees to 5 degrees and I have never had a problem since. 3.6 degrees still shows in the acceptable range on a alignment check but it's not with 35's and a lift. If you did all the above in the video and still get DW. Change your castor.

[@gerardtrigo380]

When installing a lift kit to stop the death rattle we found that a replacement pitman arm with drop to make the angles correct for the tie rod ends. The control link trom the pitman arm should not be over 10 or 5 degrees for the XJ if memory serves. It will return shortly if you do not lower the angle.

[@villagewingnut2920]

It was nice running across this when I did, I have a XJ Sport that looks almost identical. I've been trying to get it sorted out so I could get a lift kit on her, it was nice finding this so I know what to look for. Steering already gets a little shaky every now and then when you hit a bump in the road. I'll have to take a peek. The underside of your buddies Cherokee is MUCH cleaner than mine though.

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Thanks for the great comment bro. 👍

[@yelyab1]

I had a 72 econoline that. I had to stop the vehicle . It was a giant rubber isolator between the steering gear and those I beam suspension. Had to replace the bushing and bend, yes bend the beam to change the camber, good design. To bend it the tech would put a chain at each end of each one of the I beams with enough slack to put a bottle Jack btw the chain and axel. Stone Age, but it worked.

[@valortuka]

Thanks, that will be the next things I replace. I had a horrible death wobble but it most went away when I replace my tires and got an alignment. It comes back a little every now and then.

[@crishernandez961]

Where did you attach the ratchet strap on the opposite side to where the bushing is held

[@kali831831]

I own an xj and also lifted it it was stock, after the lift by the way a 6" lift I had a death wobble after all my you tube extensive research I came to the conclusion in was my alignment sure enough after I aligned it it fixed the issue to be honest I left my stock track bar for the time being but what I did while my new track bar came I drilled new holes on the track bar bracket about 1" to the right of the original hole and no death wobble but I did install upper and lower adjustable control arms

[@Jony1660]

Since you're not doing any type of rock crawling or nothing. I'd suggest putting in drop brackets for the upper and lower control arms. With the angle that they are at now the bushings will wear out a lot faster cuz there's more force on the bushings. With the drop brackets you're able to drop them down 3"-4" to put them back into a stock ride height, making the bushings last longer and improve your ride quality.

[@ericmailhot5973]

I replaced the track bar on my 02 it got worse then I rotated the tires it got way worse lol Thanks for the video man I’m going under the Jeep now Cheers

[@daymonlindsey8150]

2 things, when this happens stab the break peddle, don't jam on the break just stab it hard ( ON OFF ) real quick it will stop the wobble, if you apply the break you will make it worse. 2nd fix is to make sure you regularly maintenance the front end....keep it all tight, replace bushing regularly and install a dual stabilizer shock system, I bought an after market kit for mine and hand to do a little fabrication work....never had a problem since.

[@victorkitzman7129]

I was wondering how long it would take to figure it out I had a similar situation just not as intense but nonetheless soon as mine started I did a complete front end renewal from the ground up and alignment on my own before going to the tire shop and just to find out that I was +-.08°within tolerance and I shocked that I didn't have any problems till the auto transmission went out but all and all I'm glad to see you are good to go again

[@DeputyDeppe]

Just got it in my dad’s ‘04 Ram going 80 in the far left lane. Scary shit man

[@Harry-zz2oh]

Many times the Dodge Ram MOPAR OEM part is not very strong. I found on my 08 Dodge 2500 the entire suspension system needed to be replaced. I did so but with much stronger parts. Eliminated the death wobble and other issues which Dodge was forced to issue a recall to repair/replace the parts. If you want the Ram to last a long time, I recommend using a much stronger, thicker system. I won't recommend any brand because there are too many to list.

[@OcRefrig]

@@Harry-zz2oh good to know. Thanks. 99 Ram here.

[@derf8812]

Happened four times to our late 90's Grand Cherokee Laredo. Triggered first time by construction bump at 60 mph - thought the Jeep was going to disintegrate; steering barely controllable. . Third time most scary caused by rough pavement on NY Tappan Zee Bridge, could barely control the Jeep in heavy traffic and looked like it might hit the side rails and plunge into the river below. My local Jeep dealer figured it out on the second try with a new control arm (as I recall). Never happened again after that. Death Wobble is the perfect name.

[@barneyrubble4293]

My Wrangler used to do this, I miss that Jeep.

[@Dosbomber]

Same here. I got rid of it last Saturday. I don't miss it at all.

[@FerociousSniper]

Are the control arms left and right sided? Or is it the exact same on either side just with the bushing facing the opposite direction?

[@kevinhitchcock7062]

I had a brand new F250 4x4 diesel. It had less than 100 miles on mine when it did the wobble for the first time. I replaced the tires from the all season regular tread tires to the next size Nitto Terra Grqppler tires. About a half inch bigger. Ford said it was the tires that caused it.

[@shozdott]

I really like the vibe of your videos man keep it up serious

[@Mr39036ce]

Very nice job just be sure to top it all off with a trip to a GOOD alignment shop.

[@Mr39036ce]

I speak from experience. Lots of experience. 83' 4wd Wagoneer,93' 4wd Cherokee sport,98' Grand Cherokee Laredo,2017 Wrangler Unlimited Willy's edition 4wd.

[@king-kore-studio]

Dodge ram Steering gear box stabilizer fixed any issues i had ...

[@bsd103]

fixed is not the word I would use. It's just providing enough stability to compensate for the slop in your suspension. Something is worn

[@king-kore-studio]

@@bsd103 My 2nd gen never really had any problems other than normal wear and tear. Never had death wobble ever. I bought it anyway just to strengthen the steering. I have 0 issues with my steering.

[@dbk1618]

i had death wobble on my JK when i went with larger tires and yes, replacing the steering stabilizer was the fix for it...

[@christaylor7552]

So I have a buddy with a 96 xj with 4in lift and was getting pretty bad death wobble and what finally fixed it was new longer lower control arms Giving the axle more positive caster. Think about a shopping cart going superfast down the isle with front tires wobbling violently. Shopping carts have negative caster.

[@xunknownx6400]

i have a very very bad death wobble in my 99 xj problem and it showed up after replacing the front axle with a junk yard axle so im in the process of changing the upper control bushings but i have aftermarket control arms that doent have normal bushings so imma change those hopefully it fixes thanks for the video

[@jorgeyvanez7147]

Dude almost died from death wobble literally was going 90 then it happened and I have never experienced it so it was something new

[@christinewebb8819]

Here did you find the front and rear off road bumpers for you WK? I own a 2005 that I’m building for overlanding and I’m having trouble find bumpers for this vehicle . Any info you could provide would be very appreciated!

[@jeepsaround]

The 2nd time I experienced death wobble, less severe than in the Chevy, was with a 1998 TJ Wrangler. I believe it may have done it stock but certainly did it after I lifted it and had 35s, when 35s were huge and illegal on Wranglers. Upon inspection, I found I could grab the tie rod and push and pull it with my hands about 2 inches! I realized then tires, wheels, bumps, holes, etc. would exert thousands of times more force. 1 tire could be bumped and move independently of the other causing the rod to spring back and forth. I installed a 3/4 ton tie rod and never experienced death wobble again on the wrangler.

[@jeepsaround]

I no longer have a Wrangler so, I think someone should post a video of how flimsy the tie rods are, and even better, a comparrison with a heavy duty tie rod.

[@jeepsaround]

I lifted the 1998 TJ Wrangler at 42,000 miles. I had death wobble before and after. Around 50,000miles or so I installed the 3/4 ton tie rod.

[@davidbrick626]

Curious as to why you did not check out play in the ball joints. That is almost universally looked at next after replacing the track bar. I would think any play there would contribute more to wobble than control arm bushings. Obviously those needed replacement, and replacing them may have temporarily stopped your wobble, but…

[@edwardeplett3231]

We have a 2011 F350 6.7 we change out the Radius arm axle bushings as well

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Thumbs up

[@ictcarguy3162]

If the Jeep is lifted I believe you would need adjustable control arms to correct the suspension geometry which was probably incorrect prior to the lift. While the bushings are worn the fix isn't complete although a 2wd may suffer less negative effects when compared to a 4wd model. Also on the WJ and ZJ models you can retrofit track bar bushings from a Dodge 2500 truck (Moog part number K7252 same bushing OD larger 9/16" ID) leaves less rubber to deflect inside the bushing. Need a drill bit and some Ace Hardware store grade 8 9/16" bolts, nuts and washers. The WJ requires some creativity (and two bushings instead of one like a XJ - if doing an XJ I'd probably only do this on a new bar with greaseable joint end) due to the passenger side bolt being a welded nut which I removed with an air chisel. If you are following this as a how to double check bolt size against the ID of the 2500 bushings in case my memory has failed me. Also the larger bolt will accept greater fastener torque as well. Last note is get the OE press in bushing for the 2500 not the multipiece bushing like you saw installed in this video. There are 4x4 Jeep retailers selling this as an upgrade for death wobble fix and you can get the bushings for about 10 dollars from Amazon as of mid 2021. There, I shared my upgrade hack in a write up since I didn't make a video sharing the secret! Should save you some money!!!

[@michaelsherman6673]

Awesome video. Man you only live about 5 miles from me. I just purchased a 2006 Jeep Wrangler sport TJ and am working to figure out what is going on with the handling. Put new shocks on it yesterday and that helped a bit.. Putting new tires on it this morning at the Discount tire at 528 and 518. I am in FW. Would be interesting to meet you and have you take a look at what I am dealing with. Anyway keep up the videos. I know I can learn from you. Thanks.

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Thanks Michael, Dm message me on Instagram or Facebook , when your ready. 👍

[@michaelwommack9840]

mechanic point of view.. an alignment can do wonders after new bushings and tires with parts.. I got a 97 lifted.. Patagonia m/s tires.. did the alignment myself too

[@MattJonesYT]

Easiest way to get the rubber bushings out without having to breathe burning rubber is to get a 90 degree drill or adapter and drill out a bit of bushing. You have enough access on that that you could even use a hole saw. Once about 1/3 of the bushing is drilled out it can just be pulled or pushed out.

[@ronv6637]

Looking at this setup(I have 4x4 solid centers) the easy wat to remove them would be to cut them with a sawzall or cut off wheel

[@MrTrains]

Thank you for this!, I've only replaced my lower arms when doing a lift but the uppers look original so that's my next project

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Right on!

[@nicholassharp8691]

I replaced the steering damper on my Jeep. Fixed it right up. I can tell I have other issues though.

[@Tiptower]

That’s what fixed mine, Soon as I put the new one on the death wobble was no more.

[@zzz7zzz9]

@@Tiptower i did the same, and it did stop it.........for awhile. quite often it is a combination of things, as the death wobble itself is hard on everything. all my control arm bushings were worn.

[@CraftwerksMC]

I'd venture the stamped control arms are probably as much to blame as anything else along your suspension. Once you go with bigger tires and wheels and put a lift in it the stamped pieces just have a lot of torsional flex. I'd look for some tubular style that will not have the same amount as flex as the stamped pieces. Also you want them to have adjustable length so you can adjust camber (or caster, sorry ben a long day and can't recall which is which) which will also help prevent death wobble.

[@ghrohrs2025]

Really appreciate your honesty and video proof of fixing the obvious wobble. I just wish it was easier to find American-made, quality control arms. Seems everything listed on Amazon is made in China. No thank you! We have the same Jeep, so you'll become a favorite for these kinds of tasks. Thanks for your efforts. (BTW, what do you have in the radio slot? Looks like a digital screen. I'm interested in an upgrade to stock radio. Thanks.)

[@bobrees4363]

On my 93 XJ it turned out to be spring hop. discovered after replacing everything on the front end except the wheel bearings. I could not get a shock that would control it for more than two or three days. Ended up trading it for an Explorer since my daughter was turning 16 and I needed something safe for her to drive.

[@zxer46northrider95]

4x2 jeep Cherokee lifted?

[@ravenrock541]

Axle bushings: I use an appropriate size hole saw (big enough for bushing) to cut into a pc of wood (thick enough to support the inside of bracket from bending), then cut the wood in half (or one third as case may be). Insert wood so it goes around bushing hole and supports flanges while pressing bushing.

[@jasonharrison25]

Anyone know the music used around the 9:00 minute mark? I tried the link in the description but couldn't find it on their website

[@GIJeaux1]

My 4x4 Comanche Sport Pick Up used to do this when it was brand new. I happened between 55 and 60 mph but, not every time. But, when it did, it would scare the shit out of me. The dealership said that they could find nothing wrong and acted like I was lying. Luckily, a suckered came along. Last Chrysler product I will ever waste my money on.

[@legalizitt]

Add a frame rail crossmember, which will strengthen the frame and change its harmonic frequency. All other repairs attempts are band aids and dampeners. The problem is related to frame rail beaming.

[@prozay6856]

Does this happen when braking or when driving at high speeds? My 2004 WJ wobbles when braking, which makes me think that is could be rotors that needs replacement, but this here opened a new can of concerns🤷‍♂️

[@crosscutcharmedone]

After chaging control arms do you have to get an alignment done

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Its recommended

[@johnriddle7480]

When you ordered the controll arms did you use stock controll arms or did you buy some for a 4” lift?

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

These where stock. Lift control arms would of been way better but not in the budget at the time.

[@dougfrench1886]

1992 XJ , bought the cur from Ruffstuff and it fixed the DW

[@youtriggeredtherecheesecak2312]

BRO LOL you took that orange crowbar to the ahole like a champ I would have passed out

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Nice. Thanks 👍

[@nimitz87]

I should do my 91 XJ Limited this summer. No wobble, but, need to get refreshed.. Do I HAVE to do the arms, or can i just do the bushings?

[@delbancroft9339]

Fixed my wife's death wobble. After checking every component, torqued bolts, bushings, bearing, hubs, shocks.... found the least excepted item. It was toed in to 5/32". Adjusted to 1/32"

[@sroberds640]

We had a Dodge truck but it wasn't a wobble it was both tires bouncing like basket balls in House on Haunted Hill. I saw my life flash before my eyes.

[@kyleelford9535]

That's what the death wobble is if it's bad enough my old jeep did the same thing. I was like Jesus take the wheeeeeeeel

[@jorgegarcia2275]

What about the cast and camber when the jeep was lifted ?

[@oldfoxbob1]

I had the wobble but not as bad as this video is. Replaced the steering shock, idler arm bushings, no more wobble.

[@anthonyellis3583]

Hey there thanks for your video you just saved me a bunch of time Thanks again

[@buildingusa9604]

Dude thanks for all this info amazing video. 👍 quick question which stereo you have on your jeep

[@marknasia5293]

In 96 had my first death wobble experience with a Dodge short bed 5” Skyjacker lift with 38.” Thought the tracking arm bolt wasn’t torqued to spec since when i installed it, the torque wrench needed to meet spec was signed out of the auto bay i rented to put the lift on (on base) so we just cheater bar’d it. After the death wobble bought a torque wrench to get the tracking arm bot to spec. The truck was not even a year old when I installed the lift, new wheels and tires, and the day after I installed the lift took it to 4Wheelin’ Austin and had a proper alignment and tire shave, still death wobble. So for me the solution was an additional steering stabilizer and poly bushing replacement in everything, if it was original black rubber, gone and replaced with red poly not because the color so that I could easily identify the original rubber was replaced. For me, that stopped the death wobble for that lift on that truck.

[@humblehombre9904]

I think all the play in all the components, is caused by the death wobble itself. I think the engine mounts are the culprit. In the video, the engine starts to wobble first. Worth a look?

[@joeymartino4046]

The way you laugh at the wobble is pure evil haha been getting it in my 3rd gen ram and I haven't laughed once when it happened

[@mrnotnomis]

Sad to say I traded in my last truck that had this issue - after spending a few thou trying to fix it. The only thing I can think of is that it was the control arm bushings. I loved the truck, but it was making me anxious to drive it.

[@jamesdoyle6839]

Get that Fram oil filter off the engine unless you want to rebuild it...

[@barley12girl]

Gotta be wix or napa for sure.

[@jamescole6846]

Based on what information?

[@jamescole6846]

@Ricky Barber OK. But that doesn't answer the question about the Fram filter.

[@mikeberryman5322]

@@jamescole6846 watch the videos where the filters are taken apart. You will remove fram for your vocabulary.

[@jamescole6846]

@@mikeberryman5322 Hmmm been using Fram filters all my life almost 30 cars and a million miles. No issues here. Watch this video from an actual dealer mechanic The Fram Filter Debacle - the cacophony behind why so many people talk trash about Fram kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYC9oZacfsZmmJY&ab_channel=FordBossMe There are also a huge number of knockoffs on Amazon and eBay on EOM parts so bad that a lot of the manufactures are changing the package designs and colors to try and combat it as well as the government has put together a task force to. Some of the reviews may have been off cheap knockoffs and they didn't realize it. I use Fram Ultra on my current Ram Hemi which is a lot higher quality than the Fram orange and have 178 thousand on it as well as 98 thousand on my Jeep. No engine problems ever on anything I have driven.

[@Mr.NiceGuy80]

I see that Fram oil filter. Better get that off and get a wix or a rolled up paper towel, anything is better than a Fram filter!

[@williardbillmore5713]

I had this happen in my 4 wheel drive AMC Eagle. The problem went away when I replaced the shock absorber on the control arm they called the "steering damper".

[@Donnythelatemodeltech]

Thanks for the awsome comment. I could really use some technical advice on this situation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqa5Xq1_npKDe7s

[@williardbillmore5713]

@@Donnythelatemodeltech The old Eagles were a lot like modern Jeeps in the way the steering linkages were configured. When the car got to be about 8 or 9 years old, if I hit a bump while going between 55 and 60 MPH, the death wobble would take over the steering and was impossible to stop unless I slowed down to about 45. One day I took out the steering damper and found that it offered very little damping like a worn out shock absorber or strut. All the ball joints and bushings seemed okay, so I put in a new damper and I also replaced the pitman arm because that was loose too ( about $30 at the time) and I then tried every steering and road condition and the death wobble NEVER happened again. It could have been a combination of the Ptman and the damper but I believe the worn out damper was the biggest part of the problem. I hope this helped.

[@carlo9524]

Tie rod? CV Joint? Stabilizer Bar?

[@MikeMcChiken]

They were coming off the showroom floor doing that . They said don't go over 65mph🤣🤣

[@stacey3637]

Mine will do this going 45mph on a smoothie road. One shop said a $1000 repair (4 tie rods, steering damper, track bar). Next shop (second opinion) said couldn't see a problem anywhere. Third shop said 1 bad tie rod. Feeling bummed.

[@thomasarussellsr]

My 1996 2wd 1/2ton E150 shakes like that aftet a pot hole or gentle slowing on a downhill. Firm, but not hard braking (6-7 on a 10 scale) will stop the wobble if I catch it before it goes completely wild. Other than that, I have to come to a complete stop. If it goes completely crazy 4 or 5 times, it starts breaking steering gear bolts. It has also broken the driver side bumper to frame bolts, and broken the rusty frame in front of the steering gear. I have formed and bolted 1/4 inch plate into both sides and the bottom of the frame, and replaced the steering gear bolts 4 times. I will try the bushings and things you showed here. I wish I had the funds to replace the van, but am unemployed right now. P.S. just under 200k miles

[@arthurdolle5257]

Yes a lot of help I have an XJ and and have replaced track bar bushings and tie rod ends seem okay and control arm bushings seem okay but with 200,000 miles I suspect not tight anymore. Don't have death wobble yet but it seems pretty sloppy steering. Going to replace the track arms after seeing your video thanks

[@isaiahwelch8066]

I would check your steering adjustment at the box, since you say you've got 200K on the clock, and "sloppy steering." With the steering wheel unlocked, and the engine off, move your wheel left and right, and note how much play you have. You shouldn't have more than 2", or 20°, from center on steering wheel play. If you have more than that, first, center your steering wheel (do this by having no pressure on the wheel itself; it will self-center). Then go to the steering box, on the driver-side frame rail (follow the steering linkage underneath to locate the box). On top of the box, you'll usually see a nut, with a slotted or Allen-key adjuster. Loosen the nut, but do not remove it -- you need the adjuster to be able to be turned. Once you can turn the adjuster, tighten it to tighten up the steering wheel play. WARNING: Do not overtighten the adjuster, as this can cause the box to internally destroy the fluid passages and ball-bearings on the inside. Once you get your steering wheel to the proper play spec, use the screwdriver or Allen-key to hold the adjuster in place, while you tighten the adjustment nut back down.

[@arthurdolle5257]

@@isaiahwelch8066 thanks for the suggestion but I've already adjusted the steering box when I was replacing the ball joints, also I've adjusted and checked the toe in. All of that definitely helped but it's still sloppier than I would like. Maybe I expect too much after driving a 2019 Honda Civic which has very precise steering. On my XJ I replace the ball joints and carefully checked the tie rod ends, and looked over the control arm bushings which looked like they were okay, don't think they've ever been replaced and are the original so after 200,000 miles and this video going to replace them. My XJ isn't real sloppy just takes a lot of adjusting when I'm trying to go straight at 60 MPH. Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.

[@larrywarren1049]

Also look for cracked frame around steering box where it gets bolted

[@isaiahwelch8066]

@@arthurdolle5257 : Also, I have one other suggestion: First, jack up the front end. Once this is done, check your steering linkages from the box to the tie-rod ends -- see if your Pitman arm or idler arm is loose. Second, check your rear suspension as well, to check for worn control arm joints, bad bushings, etc., as this can lead to steering wander, dog-tracking, etc. The reason I say to check the rear, is because normally, most Jeeps are RWD -- ergo, the drivetrain "pushes" when loaded. In a curve, a vehicle that is "pushed", if a curve is taken too fast, will cause oversteer. In your Honda, being FWD, you're "pulling," which in a curve, leads to understeer (the car wants to keep going in a straight line, and you feel like the car doesnt turn quickly enough). Lastly, check the steering shaft (from steering wheel to steering gearbox) for bad rag joints. These are the bushings, in the steering shaft, that articulate, and also absorb vibration from the steering system. If you have bad rag joints, that also can lead to sloppy steering.

[@Donnieketola]

They were out just as fast as the old one's right?

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

great video and thank you for your effort really cool !

[@cdeprima1209]

The suspension vibrates and rotation is one degree of freedom; death wobble is the natural frequency it vibrates at and unfortunately has an undesired amplitude. A steering stabilizer dampens these vibrations in the direction that is needed. I say be conservative with the build, minimize tire width, size and weight. I say use near zero offset for better steering accuracy and less tire drag and wobble. Slow down and take it easy until you get it all worked out.