Steering Shimmy

[Jackubau2]

Hi everyone, Have a 2022 JL Rubicon with the XR package with 13,000 miles on it and bought it having 5,000 miles.

Ever since I have owned it has this shimmy in the steering wheel when hitting highway expansion joints and noticeable steering wheel shimmy when hitting pot holes around town.

I have tried multiple versions of steering stabilizers, upgraded the track bar, and tires.

Before I go down the path of upgrading tie rod, drag link, etc do you think this would get rid of the steering wheel shimmy?

Dealer and reputable off-road shop says all the steering parts and torque are good. I have also driven solid axles for 15 years now, so used to driving them.​

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[rohdawg]

Did the reputable off road shop look at your ball joints?
If the rest is good that’s the first place I’d start.

 

[Ang1Sgt]

I agree with ball joints

But,

Have you swapped tires front to back to see if it could be a bad tire, wheel, or balance?

 

[Jackubau2]

They did say ball joints all good and have swapped tires a few times to check for a bad one. All balanced too.

 

[Bandit59]

Hi everyone, Have a 2022 JL Rubicon with the XR package with 13,000 miles on it and bought it having 5,000 miles.

Ever since I have owned it has this shimmy in the steering wheel when hitting highway expansion joints and noticeable steering wheel shimmy when hitting pot holes around town.

I have tried multiple versions of steering stabilizers, upgraded the track bar, and tires.

Before I go down the path of upgrading tie rod, drag link, etc do you think this would get rid of the steering wheel shimmy?

Dealer and reputable off-road shop says all the steering parts and torque are good. I have also driven solid axles for 15 years now, so used to driving them.​

Is it bad or just a little shimmy Mine has ever so slight one. I chalk mine up to be a Jeep thing

 

[DogplasmaPeopleplasma]

If it’s just a little shimmy the dealer may push to replace the stock steering stabilizer. That may make sense for a completely stock ride that doesn’t really get pushed beyond dirt roads and sloppy weather, otherwise it makes sense to take a larger view as others have mentioned about loose suspension components, ball joints going bad, etc.

There is a tsb for the stabilizer if you are still under warranty, but not sure how far out it covers. Mine got replaced as a 2021 and has been fine ever since.

 

[Jackubau2]

Is it bad or just a little shimmy Mine has ever so slight one. I chalk mine up to be a Jeep thing

I would say at highway speeds it is a decent shimmy and lasts a few seconds.

 

[Bandit59]

I would say at highway speeds it is a decent shimmy and lasts a few seconds.

Mine is very minor but in my Ram I never feel it over the bridges

 

[Jackubau2]

Mine is very minor but in my Ram I never feel it over the bridges

Funny you mention the Ram, I have a Ram 3500 as well and it handles everything with absolutely zero movement in the steering wheel.

 

[Bandit59]

Funny you mention the Ram, I have a Ram 3500 as well and it handles everything with absolutely zero movement in the steering wheel.

Part of it It’s a Jeep thing. Yours sounds like a little more than that. Mine is only noticeable but only happens for a brief second my Ram is rock solid

 

[Upnarms]

What track bar did you get? I did steersmarts yeti hd with pro bushing. And if you want zero shimmy go big or go home- apex or rpm 2.5ton tie rod and drag link.

No more shimmy. Awesome steering.

Did you get a through shaft stabilizer? You may want to. I had bad luck with standard ones causing a right pull

 

[COJeeper]

What track bar did you get? I did steersmarts yeti hd with pro bushing. And if you want zero shimmy go big or go home- apex or rpm 2.5ton tie rod and drag link.

No more shimmy. Awesome steering.

Did you get a through shaft stabilizer? You may want to. I had bad luck with standard ones causing a right pull

OP has my issues! I put an aftermarket lift and 37s on mine though.

anyway, u got the ATS specifically for the reason you said, push/pull to passenger. I complained to the last shop that did my alignment and then bought the Fox ATS and now it tracks straight. It’s annoying because it doesn’t wander, it tracks straight on a flat road, it just drives me crazy with the steering shimmy. I’m also afraid it’s unsafe as it doesn’t feel planted and I feel shaking in the seat and body, not just the steering. Sad year for me.

 

[Upnarms]

OP has my issues! I put an aftermarket lift and 37s on mine though.

anyway, u got the ATS specifically for the reason you said, push/pull to passenger. I complained to the last shop that did my alignment and then bought the Fox ATS and now it tracks straight. It’s annoying because it doesn’t wander, it tracks straight on a flat road, it just drives me crazy with the steering shimmy. I’m also afraid it’s unsafe as it doesn’t feel planted and I feel shaking in the seat and body, not just the steering. Sad year for me.

Well for around 1200 bucks, maybe a little less when on sale, you can get rid of any shimmy with the apex or rpm 2.5 ton aluminum tie rod and drag link. I think there is another company that recently makes one for around 800 (edit Cavfab 2.5ton steering $750). It sucks having to spend 2 or 3 grand to get good steering, but i will say it's been really nice not thinking about it anymore.

 

[Jackubau2]

Those are beefy! It is attempting to do it, just so I don’t think about the shimmy on every upcoming bump

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