Steering stabilizer talk

[Jeep Wick]

At 44k I'm finally experiencing some intermittent wobble. I'm obviously going to check everything but I'm assuming I will need a stabilizer. I'm sure Teraflex is great but I don't want to spend $400. The Fox 2.0 seems popular, is there anyone else I should consider?

Sponsored

 

[dragoneggs]

Exact Center by Road Master is another one to consider… especially if your Jeep is a toad. Also not cheap but does a great job taking the wandering out of my 2dr. Contact Roadmaster to get the right amount of force for your vehicle.

 

[jc1003]

I installed a rough country steering stabilizer and it feels way better than the stock unit. Didn't spend a lot of money either.

 

[Tejas]

At 44k I'm finally experiencing some intermittent wobble. I'm obviously going to check everything but I'm assuming I will need a stabilizer. I'm sure Teraflex is great but I don't want to spend $400. The Fox 2.0 seems popular, is there anyone else I should consider?

Mine did the same at about the same mileage. After i changed the tires which were original, wobble went away.

 

[Jeep Wick]

Mine did the same at about the same mileage. After i changed the tires which were original, wobble went away.

I'm sure that's a factor too. I might rotate them again as I have more life on the rears.

 

[Old Jeeper]

At 44k I'm finally experiencing some intermittent wobble. I'm obviously going to check everything but I'm assuming I will need a stabilizer. I'm sure Teraflex is great but I don't want to spend $400. The Fox 2.0 seems popular, is there anyone else I should consider?

Install NOW ASAP...

Lots of rube Goldberg and gimmicks out there.

I like the AEV SS.

 

[GATORB8]

I've got the Bilstein, similar to Don's AEV.

One I would look at if doing a stock replacement is the Steersmarts HD-N.

EDIT: Note, the Steersmarts has a smaller bushing than some of the aftermarket relocation kits need, specifically synergy's.

 

[Jeep Wick]

I've got the Bilstein, similar to Don's AEV.

One I would look at if doing a stock replacement is the Steersmarts HD-N.

EDIT: Note, the Steersmarts has a smaller bushing than some of the aftermarket relocation kits need, specifically synergy's.

I was wondering about Bilstein, I know they have a good reputation. How long have you had it and how do you like it?

 

[limeade]

There's quite a few other parts which could need replacing before the SS. Before spending money on one, take it off and drive the same roads where you're getting the wobble. If it's still there, then your SS is fine.

The first two parts I'd be looking at when experiencing a mild wobble is track bar and ball joints. Both of these are notorious for wearing out quickly and causing mild to full blown death wobble. At 44k miles, your ball joints are more than likely wearing out. The stock track bar is a thin-walled piece of junk and should be tossed in favor of a quality aftermarket one, even if you're on stock tires.

 

[Speed331]

Another vote for the AEV Bilstein. It has a nice firm feel compared to the stock ss and does a good job smoothing out some of the 'chatter' that comes through the stock steering components.

I do agree with checking the track bar bolts/bushings as well as the ball joints. My track bar came untorqued at around 20k and ruined the bushings, causing all sorts of wobble.
Surprisingly, my ball joints are still solid at 60k miles- go figure.

 

[Jeep Wick]

There's quite a few other parts which could need replacing before the SS. Before spending money on one, take it off and drive the same roads where you're getting the wobble. If it's still there, then your SS is fine.

The first two parts I'd be looking at when experiencing a mild wobble is track bar and ball joints. Both of these are notorious for wearing out quickly and causing mild to full blown death wobble. At 44k miles, your ball joints are more than likely wearing out. The stock track bar is a thin-walled piece of junk and should be tossed in favor of a quality aftermarket one, even if you're on stock tires.

Thanks for the tips. The roads where this happened are out of town and I'm not sure when I'll be over there again. I do like a good reason to buy upgrades, maybe I'll get a track bar on Black Friday. I'd be really surprised if it's the ball joints but I'll check it over this weekend.

 

[limeade]

Thanks for the tips. The roads where this happened are out of town and I'm not sure when I'll be over there again. I do like a good reason to buy upgrades, maybe I'll get a track bar on Black Friday. I'd be really surprised if it's the ball joints but I'll check it over this weekend.

Don't be surprised.....mine were loose at around 16k miles with stock tires. Not enough to cause a wobble or shimmy, though it was only a matter of time.

 

[Roky]

I'd be really surprised if it's the ball joints but I'll check it over this weekend.

I’ve changed these jl ball joints as early as 6-8k miles, they don’t always present a problem with the standard bj test…. I’m not sure why, although my theory is the plastic insert is tight enough when prying tire up and down, but not tight enough to handle 5-6k lb rig……

 

[GATORB8]

I was wondering about Bilstein, I know they have a good reputation. How long have you had it and how do you like it?

Had the Bilstein for a couple years, it's fine. Like other monotubes it's under pretty good pressure, I don't notice any steering push but may be due to weight and tire size.

That's one reason I'd consider the Steersmarts, it is balanced so no pressure in one direction, similar to the more expensive through shafts.

 

[Jeep Wick]

Well I ordered the JKS track bars also, decent price on ET and made in USA. Arrive Saturday, so early Christmas for my Jeep.

Sponsored