Hey all! I'm new to the site and have a few questions about death wobble...
I've owned a lot of Jeeps over the years, but never really kept any of the previous ones beyond 60,000 miles or so.

My current '01 TJ has 107,000 miles and has been ours since 2001. It has a "Puck" lift of 1.75" and 33/12.50/15 BFG AT's. (Been that way since 10,000 miles, or so.)

Recently, it has developed a very serious death wobble, mostly when braking.

My question is: What should I replace? Unit bearings? Rotors? Tie rod ends and center link? I figure the rotors and pads are a no-brainer, but....
I've seen what happens when the unit bearings fail. Not pretty!

Thanks for reading!
Jason.

Oh, and also, is the crossover steering conversion a viable option for the street? I figure if I have to replace the tie rod ends and center link, may as well go all the way...

Id start with the brakes first. The only death wobble Ive personally experienced was at certain speeds which was due to loose steering components. Never had it happen when braking before

i agree with chris sounds like your brakes are warped. i have dealt with my dw issues and yours is sounding like it is in the brakes right now. could also be a in the tires not being balenced or your front end out of alignment.

this is a fun adventure and it really tests your detective skills and patience threasholds.

Thanks guys! I'm going to do the rotors and pads and see what happens.

O'rilley's has your front rotors for only $35.00 each and brake pads for $15.00 a set. Seems like this would be the inexpensive way to start your investigation.

There's also a good article about balancing your tires with airsoft BBs. Since you got some big tires, this may be beneficial.

http://www.higherground4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?4101-Balancing-your-tires-with-Air-Soft-BB-s&highlight=balancing

Heres the thing, If your rotors are warped from heavy braking you will get some shaking through the steering wheel when braking not death wobble. If you want to check to see if the hub bearing are bad jack the front axle up one side at a time. Keep the tire on and grab the tire and basically shake it. You will immediately know if you have bad hubs. Do the death wobble happen at a certain speed? Like for instance I have a ZJ that has a slight wobble at 42-45 miles an hour.

The steering wheel does not shake. The entire front axle shakes and makes a clunking noise (When I brake hard.) Doring hard braking it wont stay in the lane. Otherwise, it's fine. I only have the issue when braking. I am going to try to do the brakes at my work (In the shop.) this week. Couldnt get it done at home, the jack kept sinking into the dirt at my place. (I live in wittmann on 5 acres, but no garage or concrete. :( )

When I had breaking death wobble I had to check how tight everything was on the trac bar. I found it was very loose up near the frame and the frame mount. tighted everything up really good, DW went bye bye.

everything is tight there on the track bar. Gonna do the brakes tomorrow (Thurs.) or friday in the shop at work. So.... We'll see! Wish me luck, I'll need it!

I did the brakes on saturday and the wobble is gone! Mustve been warped rotors... I'm going to drive it to work on thurs for a real test, in real world conditions. Thanks for all your replies guys!
Jason.

drknow90rs wrote:I did the brakes on saturday and the wobble is gone! Mustve been warped rotors... I'm going to drive it to work on thurs for a real test, in real world conditions. Thanks for all your replies guys!
Jason.

good job! glad that was all it was. from what you had described that sounded like the problem. most wobbles of the steering side happen at 35 and 45 mph range. glad to hear that you found it.

Man, we got a bunch of helpful smart guys here! LOL.

TRUE! Now on to my other issues! LOL Gotta get that new lift installed, buy some new wheels and tires (My 33x12.50x15's are worn out and I will need bigger tires with the 7.5" lift.) And figure out the issue with my airbag light... SIGH, never ends... LOL.
Jason.

Oops! Double-post!
Jason.