Vibration in Steering wheel over 55 MPH

[openingshok]

I think once again a Jeep dealer would prefer to make up a story than address a warranty issue. Back story, I have owned a brand new ordered from factory '21 Willys, traded it in when the clutch repair at the dealer destroyed the clutch system (clutch would only engage half way to the floor after I got it back, and I decided I didn't like the JLU clutch anyway and was done with it) for a '23 rubicon extreme recon, was involved in a horrible wreck that totaled the rubicon and just recently purchased a '24 Rubicon. The '24 has a vibration in the steering wheel that starts around 55 MPH, has a maximum frequency at 65 MPH, and is almost gone by 75 MPH. Jeep has 4000 miles on it and has done this since day one. I got the wheels balanced just to rule that out but this vibration isn't balance. It's a pulsing vibration that is consistent whether in 2wd, 4wd, while turning or on straight away, and even when shifted into neutral. Never changes.
Dealer services center stated they inspected the front suspension and steering and everything looks good. Stated they drove 2 other JLUs from their lot and they both had the same vibration. Having driven my '21, '23, my DADs '21 sport, I can say I have never felt this in any other JLU. Was told this is just a character of a drag link steering system or could be a characteristic of heavy tread tires. In short, they couldn't explain it but insisted other jeeps on their lot did the same thing.

My question is, has anyone else ever felt a slight pulsing vibration in your steering wheel at highway speeds? Is this something I should pursue or just roll over and accept a $60,000 vehicle inherently has a vibration as part of its design?

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[Punkn89]

Is there a way you can safely take a video?

I hardly ever recommend this as a fix, but since everything was checked, maybe you should try a new stabilizer. Would recommend a through shaft one like the Fox ATS.

 

[openingshok]

Is there a way you can safely take a video?

I hardly ever recommend this as a fix, but since everything was checked, maybe you should try a new stabilizer. Would recommend a through shaft one like the Fox ATS.

Video wouldn't show anything. It's not a death wobble or even audible. Just a vibration in the hand on the steering wheel. Not the end of the world, but a bit distracting. I have a dash cam on the windshield that if the light is reflecting right off it you can see the vibration in the reflection.
My only concern is it is a bearing that will of course get worse when the warranty is out LOL

I almost didn't post because it is so minor, but then again, we're not talking a cheap vehicle with a ton of miles on it, so thought I would ask the community.

 

[GATORB8]

Is there a ton of balance weight on one of the wheels? Did you have them rotated when they rebalanced?

Still sounds like tires to me.

 

[NWJeepr]

I'd rotate the tires around, yourself, (including rotating in the spare) to see if the vibration changes. If it does, head straight to a good tire shop and have all 5 road-force balanced with weights on the inside. The other thing I'd do is torque all lugs to spec, which for our XR's is 130 lb-ft I believe.

Alternately I'd suspect a driveline balance issue. A u-joint or driveshaft issue in the rear can actually make the front of the vehicle feel like it's having issues, and can be felt or seen in the steering wheel. And of course, if the issue is up front, you'll feel it there too.

If there's a possibility this is, in fact, in your head, it would be worth going to a dealer and test driving another 24 yourself. I don't distrust dealers, but they also don't give us much incentive to trust them. Sometimes getting your own answers nets the best results.

 

[openingshok]

I'd rotate the tires around, yourself, (including rotating in the spare) to see if the vibration changes. If it does, head straight to a good tire shop and have all 5 road-force balanced with weights on the inside. The other thing I'd do is torque all lugs to spec, which for our XR's is 130 lb-ft I believe.

Alternately I'd suspect a driveline balance issue. A u-joint or driveshaft issue in the rear can actually make the front of the vehicle feel like it's having issues, and can be felt or seen in the steering wheel. And of course, if the issue is up front, you'll feel it there too.

If there's a possibility this is, in fact, in your head, it would be worth going to a dealer and test driving another 24 yourself. I don't distrust dealers, but they also don't give us much incentive to trust them. Sometimes getting your own answers nets the best results.

Good ideas. Thanks! Fortunately not in my head (Well, not imagined, but it's getting TO my head LOL). The service report did state they observed the condition. It's Just so constant, doesn't change with acceleration or deceleration or toque applied, that driveline doesn't seem plausible. Remember shifting to neutral doesn't change it. Of course the drive shaft/u-joints are still spinning, but a change in torque would change an imbalance there, I would think.

I'm just glad the dealer didn't come out with a stick and tell me it was rubbing on the tread HAHA!

 

[openingshok]

Is there a ton of balance weight on one of the wheels? Did you have them rotated when they rebalanced?

Still sounds like tires to me.

Didn't have them rotated. TBH I'm still recovering from the wreck that totaled the first rubicon so don't have much strength to do much myself yet. I have a jeep wave oil change coming up soon so will get a rotate then and see if that changes anything. I always have them do a 5 wheel rotation so if a wheel it should get some change. And yes, I know of at least one wheel that has quite a few weights on it, but I believe that's a backside.

 

[oldcjguy]

Good ideas. Thanks! Fortunately not in my head (Well, not imagined, but it's getting TO my head LOL). The service report did state they observed the condition. It's Just so constant, doesn't change with acceleration or deceleration or toque applied, that driveline doesn't seem plausible. Remember shifting to neutral doesn't change it. Of course the drive shaft/u-joints are still spinning, but a change in torque would change an imbalance there, I would think.

I'm just glad the dealer didn't come out with a stick and tell me it was rubbing on the tread HAHA!

Change in torque will not effect an imbalance. The imbalance is there or it isn't. Especially with wheels and tires. That kind of vibration shouldn't change in when shifting into neutral or any other gear. I agree with others and think it's a wheel. Try rotating the fronts to the back and go for a ride. If the vibration moves to the back (you feel it in your seat instead of the steering wheel) then it's one of the wheels

 

[Windshieldfarmer]

Vibrations are frustrating. Make sure they are road force balancing your tires. As others have shared, do some rotating of your tires….using a five tire approach you might find an out of round tire….

 

[Jeep Wick]

I think once again a Jeep dealer would prefer to make up a story than address a warranty issue. Back story, I have owned a brand new ordered from factory '21 Willys, traded it in when the clutch repair at the dealer destroyed the clutch system (clutch would only engage half way to the floor after I got it back, and I decided I didn't like the JLU clutch anyway and was done with it) for a '23 rubicon extreme recon, was involved in a horrible wreck that totaled the rubicon and just recently purchased a '24 Rubicon. The '24 has a vibration in the steering wheel that starts around 55 MPH, has a maximum frequency at 65 MPH, and is almost gone by 75 MPH. Jeep has 4000 miles on it and has done this since day one. I got the wheels balanced just to rule that out but this vibration isn't balance. It's a pulsing vibration that is consistent whether in 2wd, 4wd, while turning or on straight away, and even when shifted into neutral. Never changes.
Dealer services center stated they inspected the front suspension and steering and everything looks good. Stated they drove 2 other JLUs from their lot and they both had the same vibration. Having driven my '21, '23, my DADs '21 sport, I can say I have never felt this in any other JLU. Was told this is just a character of a drag link steering system or could be a characteristic of heavy tread tires. In short, they couldn't explain it but insisted other jeeps on their lot did the same thing.

My question is, has anyone else ever felt a slight pulsing vibration in your steering wheel at highway speeds? Is this something I should pursue or just roll over and accept a $60,000 vehicle inherently has a vibration as part of its design?

There is a 34 page thread about this. Known issue on the Rubicons. I wonder if your XR had a different axle. Some report improvement by changing tires/road force balancing. Others don't. I have this issue on my 2020, has not really changed in 40k if that's any consolation. I suspect the axle shafts, but no one has pinpointed it.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/thrumming-noise-at-highway-speeds-63-67ish.10189/

 

[openingshok]

There is a 34 page thread about this. Known issue on the Rubicons. I wonder if your XR had a different axle. Some report improvement by changing tires/road force balancing. Others don't. I have this issue on my 2020, has not really changed in 40k if that's any consolation. I suspect the axle shafts, but no one has pinpointed it.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/thrumming-noise-at-highway-speeds-63-67ish.10189/

XR does have different axles. Thank you for this reply. It doesn’t bother me much at all but it’s comforting knowing it’s systemic not specific to mine.

 

[GtX]

Change in torque will not effect an imbalance. The imbalance is there or it isn't. Especially with wheels and tires. That kind of vibration shouldn't change in when shifting into neutral or any other gear. I agree with others and think it's a wheel. Try rotating the fronts to the back and go for a ride. If the vibration moves to the back (you feel it in your seat instead of the steering wheel) then it's one of the wheels

This guy has trouble shooted an unbalanced tire a time or two in his life.
?

It doesn’t bother me much at all but it’s comforting knowing it’s systemic not specific to mine.

It seems to have bothered you enough to take it to the dealer about the issue and start a thread.

I'd do just about anything to avoid driving to the dealer, much less letting them touch my Jeep.

 

[TheBirdie72]

Dealer:
“Your Jeep is vibrating as intended.”

You:

 

[oldcjguy]

There is a 34 page thread about this. Known issue on the Rubicons. I wonder if your XR had a different axle. Some report improvement by changing tires/road force balancing. Others don't. I have this issue on my 2020, has not really changed in 40k if that's any consolation. I suspect the axle shafts, but no one has pinpointed it.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/thrumming-noise-at-highway-speeds-63-67ish.10189/

Vibrations from bent axles don't go away at speed, they typically just get worse. XR's have thicker axle tubes, and maybe better knuckles, nothing that would cause a vibration. I don't think there is any difference in the rotating parts, but don't quote me on that. If your vibration is constant, look at axles, defective/out of round rims, bad tires, bent or out of balance drive shaft. If you've lifted your jeep check pinion angles. If you removed or don't have FAD, check the front driveshaft.

 

[OrneryBear]

I'm voting tire/wheel issue. My 08 f150 does this because I'm lazy with rotating tires on that thing and they cupped in the front. Now my rear end vibrates between a certain speed because I put them back there. Don't worry the Jeep gets maintenance perfectly on time.

ANYWHO, this is definitely not "NORMAL" my 23 rubicon drives perfectly smooth and great at any speed, and currently has 9500 miles on it. Probably not much help, but I would not accept it as normal.

Find a different dealer, or an independent off road shop who will actually care about helping you.

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