Death Wobble

[Wildbirdguy]

I have a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. 22,000 miles on it. Everything is stock on it.
Has been in the shop now 3 times for the Death Wobble. I call it.
First two times they said the steering stablizer has to be pumped 30 times. To get fluid going or something. Third time. They said they replaced it. Seemed to work for about 5 months. Going into shop foe the 4th time this Tuesday.
Shakes bad on interstate. Not going fast if you hit a bump etc.
I try to tell them you shouldn't be scared to drive on the interstate in basically a new vehicle.
Anyone else have this problem with theirs what was it? The shop actually like they really don't know.

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[lowmpg]

May want to consider a new track bar and checking the torque settings on the front suspension components. Upgrading from the factory track bar might fix your problem, a steering stabilizer generally doesn’t fix a death wobble, it just hides it.

 

[4xFUN]

I have a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. 22,000 miles on it. Everything is stock on it.
Has been in the shop now 3 times for the Death Wobble. I call it.
First two times they said the steering stablizer has to be pumped 30 times. To get fluid going or something. Third time. They said they replaced it. Seemed to work for about 5 months. Going into shop foe the 4th time this Tuesday.
Shakes bad on interstate. Not going fast if you hit a bump etc.
I try to tell them you shouldn't be scared to drive on the interstate in basically a new vehicle.
Anyone else have this problem with theirs what was it? The shop actually like they really don't know.

Does the steering wheel shake violently and you have to slow waaaay down for it to stop?

 

[Wildbirdguy]

Yes everything like all 4 tires are going to come out. I have to pull off the interstate. Stop then it's fine until I hit the next bump.

 

[4xFUN]

Yes everything like all 4 tires are going to come out. I have to pull off the interstate. Stop then it's fine until I hit the next bump.

As others have said the first thing I would look at is the track bar. The dealer can also check all suspension parts for looseness or wear and I would have them (or someone) check tire balance and wheel alignment. Being stock, it should be pretty straight forward to diagnose. All the above can be contributing factors.

Note: You will likely be charged for some of this...'Adjustments' are only covered for the first 12 months under warranty.

 

[dragoneggs]

Have the dealer check the track bar and and drag link bushings for wear/looseness. The steering stabilizer is not the fix. And just because one is worn, it doesn’t mean you have two or more worn. Have them check the Tie Rod ends as well. Not likely If you haven’t been wheeling but the other source could be the ball joints. From what I am told the OEM stuff does not hold up long if you are offroading.

 

[rohdawg]

First two times they said the steering stablizer has to be pumped 30 times. To get fluid going or something.

Are you committed to going to this shop? I ask because that diagnosis is bullshit… twice.

 

[Wildbirdguy]

Not commited no. I have no clue about being a mechanic amd it's under warranty but apparently they are telling me garbage

 

[rohdawg]

Not commited no. I have no clue about being a mechanic amd it's under warranty but apparently they are telling me garbage

Understanding you want this to be covered under warranty if possible, any chance there’s another dealership near you?
Seriously, that diagnosis alone tells me all I need to know about your first shop and why it’s been back four times now.

With your Jeep being stock it’s probably a case of worn suspension components and that being the case, it shouldn’t be too tough to track down and fix.

 

[Glamisfan]

9 times out of 10 it seems to be the ball joints. Myself and many others have replaced the track bar, drag link, tie rod, and added a track bar/steering box brace, along with rebalancing and rotating tires, and after all that doesn’t fix the problem, new ball joints finally fixes it!

 

[Wildbirdguy]

Yes I guess I will drive a hour away amd try another shop.

 

[rohdawg]

Yes I guess I will drive a hour away amd try another shop.

That’s a start. There’s plenty of good advice here about what it could be. If it starts to sound like the next dealership is blowing smoke, might be time to find a dedicated 4X4 shop.
If you were closer I’d help you out myself. Tracking down DW isn’t that difficult if you know what you’re looking for.
I really hope you have better luck at the other dealership and they get it squared away for you.

 

[Wildbirdguy]

I appreciate your time and everyone else who made a comment.

 

[rohdawg]

I appreciate your time and everyone else who made a comment.

Come back and let us know how it goes.

 

[dragoneggs]

9 times out of 10 it seems to be the ball joints. Myself and many others have replaced the track bar, drag link, tie rod, and added a track bar/steering box brace, along with rebalancing and rotating tires, and after all that doesn’t fix the problem, new ball joints finally fixes it!

Unless DW occurring with less than 15-20K miles. My problems are OEM drag link and tie bar. Even caused premature wearing on my Clayton track bar only one year old. Northridge making a warranty claim. I now think the OEM steering components are junk if you off-road much and are the weak link once you put a proper lift on.

Most important is to check and retorque it seems.

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