Death Wobble / Bump Steer / Steering Issues / Drifting - RESOLVED

[RubiRob]

Has anyone needed to get an alignment after installing any aftermarket steering stabilizer with or without having to loosen the track bar to get to the steering stabilizer bolts?

No

Sponsored

 

[Uhdinator]

You can put a floor jack under the frame behind the control arm mount on the passenger side and jack it up a little with the tire still on the ground, and the track bar will be up out of the way enough to get to the 2 top bolts on the axle bracket mount and no need to mess with unbolting the track bar. An extension is needed to get past the tie rod. It was pretty easy to change.

 

[Richcurran01]

My JL started getting DW at 8500 miles .
Dealer replaced it with heavier aftermarket stabilizer and while it helped it was somewhat still there. Bought it back and they replaced it with new OEM Stabilizer and it’s better but i still feel something. It’s just a bandaid fix at best . No one has been able to tell what is causing wobble only that a heavier stabilizer will stop it.. doesn’t sound right and isn’t sitting well with me . Way bigger issue then they are letting on .
If next years front end is redesigned with heavier parts I’m not gonna be okay with that and neither should any other JL owner .
It’s clearly not the stabilizer

 

[jamesj242003]

Mike 21163---Do you know if the installation of 1) Steer Smarts YETI XD Adjustable Track Bar and 2) TeraFlex Falcon Nexus EF 2.2 Fast Adjust Steering Stabilizer by Joe's Jeep Jungle voids your warranty with FCA? Furthermore, if you have steering/wobbling issues return in the future, will FCA refuse to repair your jeep under warranty since you did not install OEM parts from FCA? I'm asking because I may end up doing the same thing you already had done at Joe's Jeep Jungle.

 

[jeremyjeep]

Mike 21163---Do you know if the installation of 1) Steer Smarts YETI XD Adjustable Track Bar and 2) TeraFlex Falcon Nexus EF 2.2 Fast Adjust Steering Stabilizer by Joe's Jeep Jungle voids your warranty with FCA? Furthermore, if you have steering/wobbling issues return in the future, will FCA refuse to repair your jeep under warranty since you did not install OEM parts from FCA? I'm asking because I may end up doing the same thing you already had done at Joe's Jeep Jungle.

It is going to depend on the dealership and if they feel the aftermarket part could be sending them on a wild goose chase when troubleshooting steering problems. There is a law (click here for the link) that states it doesn't void warranty, but a dealership can still claim the part caused the problem (or other parts to fail) or could be causing the problem and they could refuse.

 

[Mike21163]

Mike 21163---Do you know if the installation of 1) Steer Smarts YETI XD Adjustable Track Bar and 2) TeraFlex Falcon Nexus EF 2.2 Fast Adjust Steering Stabilizer by Joe's Jeep Jungle voids your warranty with FCA? Furthermore, if you have steering/wobbling issues return in the future, will FCA refuse to repair your jeep under warranty since you did not install OEM parts from FCA? I'm asking because I may end up doing the same thing you already had done at Joe's Jeep Jungle.

Hey Jim, I don't think anyone on this forum could guarantee that the Steer Smarts track bar and TeraFlex Falcon 2.2 stabilizer will not void your warranty. But I also feel that it is very unlikely to cause any of us warranty issues. Based on what I have read on this forum, I am so glad I did not take my Jeep into the dealership for my death wobble and steering issues. The stories I've heard about dealerships having customer Jeeps for months at a time, is totally unacceptable to me. I took matters into my own hands, and with Joe's Jeep Jungle diving in, well I could not be more please with that decision. My lifted JLUR, truly runs better than any stock JL I've been in. As far as voiding warranties, I also truly believe that it's based on your Dealership and the relationship that you have with them. I was concerned about this on my initial lift install, which was also done at Joe's Jeep Jungle. But I was also referred to Joe's from a Sales Manager at the dealership I deal with. I'm very confident and not concerned at all about any potential Voids to my warranty.

Jim, you are not that far from Joe's. Send him an email, get some of your questions and concerns out of the way, tell him I sent you, and get on the calendar to properly install your lift, track bar and stabilizer. Let me know when you are in town and maybe we can go grab some lunch near Joe's shop. What I can tell you for sure, you will not regret working with Joe. There are other members on this forum that have traveled much further than you are, to work directly with Joe.

 

[jamesj242003]

Hello Mike21163---Thanks for information. I've already contacted Joe's Jeep Jungle in anticipation of upgrading the OEM track bar and steering stabilizer with 1) Steer Smarts YETI XD Adjustable Track Bar and 2) TeraFlex Falcon Nexus EF 2.2 Fast Adjust Steering Stabilizer. In addition, I will likely have Rusty's Track Bar Mounting Brace installed just in case FCA's welding problems still persist in their manufacturing operations. This will likely void part (if not all) of my warranty with FCA on a brand new, fully loaded 2019 Jeep Rubicon, but this upgrade may be a more effective way of getting a vehicle to become safe to drive than continually debating the issue with the dealership. Unfortunately, a fairly significant number of brand new Jeep JL Wranglers are simply unsafe to operate at highway speeds due to steering, severe vibration and/or death wobbling problems. Mike Manley, now CEO of FCA, who led a team of very talented individuals to develop an award winning Jeep JL Wrangler (now Motor Trend's "2019 SUV of the Year") probably did not have a vision of producing an unsafe vehicle. The design appears to be great, but it seems that FCA's poor manufacturing and poor quality control management systems for their Jeep Wrangler line are failing them. Although FCA appears to be committed in resolving the JL Wrangler problems, some Jeep dealerships may not share that same level of commitment. FCA needs to do a better job in communicating their genuine commitment to "all their dealership" and convey the knowledge necessary to diagnose and resolve these problems. Let's hope the "fixes" are truly implemented by FCA (and their dealerships) before there are serious injuries and/or fatalities on the highways. Mike Manley and his talented team will have to live with that forever.

 

[jamesj242003]

A number of long term Jeep Wrangler owners and experts alike have said that the steering stabilizer is not the root cause, nor is it the solution for the death wobble. Yet, a replacement of the OEM stabilizer appears to have halted the unwelcomed death wobble in some cases, although temporarily. In Mike21163 case, an upgraded track bar and steering stabilizer appears to have resolved the wobbling problem on his Jeep Wrangler.
Question---If the OEM steering stabilizer and/or track bar was/were the weakest link on his steering/suspension system where they were receiving most of the load/stress, what impact will the new steering stabilizer and beefed up track bar have, now that they are the strongest link on the steering/suspension system? Will the high load/stress get transferred elsewhere that will result in a shorter life span on other parts or components of the steering/suspension system?

 

[Chewbacca2264]

Quick update, the stabilizer and track bar are done I have played with tire pressure and found the best range for my vehicle/tire combo. On calm days with no traffic I can keep it in the driving lane on the interstate and actually drive the speed limit, toss in some wind or truck traffic and I am 10 mph under the speed limit and hanging on for dear life. Almost pulled a Clark Griswold the other day and put the old four wheel drive family truckster under a tractor trailer. I joke about it but honestly this is not a laughing matter, this thing is still flighty and has no return to center in the steering at all. Further research has led me to believe as others have spoken of that caster is the key. I spoke with Rusty the other day and he gave me a starting point for adjustable lower control arms. My buddy's shop is quiet this morning so we are going to tackle the next phase. Looking to move caster from 4.8 to 6 or so. Then will report back with results later today. Wish me luck LOL!

Chewi

 

[wbee]

Quick update, the stabilizer and track bar are done I have played with tire pressure and found the best range for my vehicle/tire combo. On calm days with no traffic I can keep it in the driving lane on the interstate and actually drive the speed limit, toss in some wind or truck traffic and I am 10 mph under the speed limit and hanging on for dear life. Almost pulled a Clark Griswold the other day and put the old four wheel drive family truckster under a tractor trailer. I joke about it but honestly this is not a laughing matter, this thing is still flighty and has no return to center in the steering at all. Further research has led me to believe as others have spoken of that caster is the key. I spoke with Rusty the other day and he gave me a starting point for adjustable lower control arms. My buddy's shop is quiet this morning so we are going to tackle the next phase. Looking to move caster from 4.8 to 6 or so. Then will report back with results later today. Wish me luck LOL!

Chewi

Good luck, I like the feel of my steering at about 6 degrees of caster, very stable. I do wonder why your steering won’t return to center. I had that problem one time when I made the mistake of loosening the adjuster or set screw on top of my steering gear box. While I was trying to break it free without stripping it out, I accidentally got it one full turn off and the steering was loose and wouldn’t return to center. That may not be your issues but thought I would throw it out there if it help.

 

[jamesj242003]

Quick update, the stabilizer and track bar are done I have played with tire pressure and found the best range for my vehicle/tire combo. On calm days with no traffic I can keep it in the driving lane on the interstate and actually drive the speed limit, toss in some wind or truck traffic and I am 10 mph under the speed limit and hanging on for dear life. Almost pulled a Clark Griswold the other day and put the old four wheel drive family truckster under a tractor trailer. I joke about it but honestly this is not a laughing matter, this thing is still flighty and has no return to center in the steering at all. Further research has led me to believe as others have spoken of that caster is the key. I spoke with Rusty the other day and he gave me a starting point for adjustable lower control arms. My buddy's shop is quiet this morning so we are going to tackle the next phase. Looking to move caster from 4.8 to 6 or so. Then will report back with results later today. Wish me luck LOL!

Chewi

Chewbacca2264----Is your Wrangler lifted in at all and/or tires larger than OEM? Or is it still in stock condition, with the exception of a new track bar and steering stabilizer?

 

[Chewbacca2264]

Jeep is lifted 2 inches using Rubicon shocks and coils. Running 255/75-17 tires, just installed the lower control arms I purchased from Rusty. I got the 211's that do not have the flex end. We added 9/16 length over stock per Rusy's recommondation. Using an angle guage caster appears to be right at 6. Jeep drives WAY WAY better. Still not what I consider 100% but very driveable. Return to center is not perfect but it is worlds better. Final 2 points, finishing up it appears as though the front axel is not lined up dead center. Don't have time today but I need to shorten the Yeti track bar a bit as the axel is biased to the passenger side a bit over 1/4 inch. Also want to put this on a rack to get exact caster as we may go another 1/8 or so on the control arms. Will get Jeep centered, aligned and then decide if a bit more caster is in order.

Chewi

 

[jamesj242003]

Jeep is lifted 2 inches using Rubicon shocks and coils. Running 255/75-17 tires, just installed the lower control arms I purchased from Rusty. I got the 211's that do not have the flex end. We added 9/16 length over stock per Rusy's recommondation. Using an angle guage caster appears to be right at 6. Jeep drives WAY WAY better. Still not what I consider 100% but very driveable. Return to center is not perfect but it is worlds better. Final 2 points, finishing up it appears as though the front axel is not lined up dead center. Don't have time today but I need to shorten the Yeti track bar a bit as the axel is biased to the passenger side a bit over 1/4 inch. Also want to put this on a rack to get exact caster as we may go another 1/8 or so on the control arms. Will get Jeep centered, aligned and then decide if a bit more caster is in order.

Chewi

Chewbacca2264----Thanks for the feedback information. Did your Wrangler steer and drive normally when it was in stock condition? If so, did you start having problems only after your lifts, etc.?

 

[Chewbacca2264]

Jamesj,

My Jeep handled poorly stock.....after 1k miles I thought the issue was too soft suspension so I added the Rubi suspension thinking I would get a bit of lift and firm up the suspension/steering woes. Well got the lift but made the handling much worse. Been chasing it ever since.....the thing is my caster was 4.8 after the lift......in spec so until recently I never thought it was a caster issue. Thinking now at stock height caster was probably 5.2 or so and it still handled like crap. Leads me to believe I may need to get up to 6.5 or so in present condition to really dial this in. First job is getting the Yeti centered.....the we shall see.

 

[jamesj242003]

Jamesj,

My Jeep handled poorly stock.....after 1k miles I thought the issue was too soft suspension so I added the Rubi suspension thinking I would get a bit of lift and firm up the suspension/steering woes. Well got the lift but made the handling much worse. Been chasing it ever since.....the thing is my caster was 4.8 after the lift......in spec so until recently I never thought it was a caster issue. Thinking now at stock height caster was probably 5.2 or so and it still handled like crap. Leads me to believe I may need to get up to 6.5 or so in present condition to really dial this in. First job is getting the Yeti centered.....the we shall see.

Chewbacca2264--Did you have the dealership re-calibrate your PCM and/or also have your steering box set screw adjusted by 1/8 turn before or after your upgrades? In reading various threads from the JL Forum, a number of owners have had their problematic steering issue(s) resolved with one or both measures executed.

Sponsored