It’s a known issue with Jeep vehicles, and although rare, it’s called the “Death Wobble.” According to the NHTSA, there are only 600 reports in the last 20 years.
Is the death wobble normal?
If you own a Jeep, you may have heard stories of a strange phenomenon known as the “death wobble.” Well, we are sorry to say that the rumors are true. The death wobble is a very real and potentially dangerous issue that plagues many Jeeps.
What is the most common cause of death wobble?
The cause of the death wobble is usually poorly installed, damaged, loose, or missing suspension or steering components. The death wobble is more frequent in modified vehicles. Improper installation of aftermarket parts can increase your risk of a death wobble.
What vehicles are known for death wobble?
Death wobble happens in Jeeps, 4x4s, and trucks when rapidly rotating steering wheel components cause your steering wheel to move rapidly from side to side. This causes your vehicle to feel like it’s about to fall apart and you want to hold onto the steering wheel for dear life.
Do all Jeeps get death wobble?
One of the common death wobble myths is it can’t happen to stock Jeeps, only ones that have been lifted. Any solid front axle vehicle runs the risk of experiencing death wobble. However, it is true that if you have done any suspension upgrades (Ex: Lift kits) you are more likely to experience death wobble.
What happens if you don’t fix death wobble?
If the rods don’t move, make sure to have them replaced. Faulty tie rods are very dangerous, and not just from a death wobble viewpoint. In worse cases, the wheel can even fall off of the steering assembly. If that happens, the vehicle loses its steerability.
What does death wobble feel like?
A death wobble is when your car shakes, wobbles or vibrates while you’re driving. It’s used to describe serious shaking and vibrating that occurs particularly at high speeds.
How is a death wobble diagnosed?
Worn rod ends and bent tie rods can cause the telltale signs of death wobble: steering wheel shake, chassis vibration, and wandering. A good tie rod will have adequate rotational movement at the joint but will not have any up-and-down or side-to-side play.
Will Jeep fix the death wobble for free?
Jeep’s free “death wobble” repair
But that hasn’t stopped the problem from taking center stage in a number of lawsuits filed against Jeep’s parent company, Chrysler Fiat Automobiles. The company responded in 2019 by developing an improved steering damper and offering it as a free repair.
Can steering stabilizer fix death wobble?
Steering stabilizers do not fix death wobble.
Is death wobble covered by warranty?
If the wobble is caused by a faulty suspension or loose or damaged steering components, it’s likely a manufacturer’s defect that’s covered by the Jeep three-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty. If it’s due to something else, Jeep might deem it wear and tear and refuse to cover it under the warranty.
Why car wobbles at high speed?
As you get into the higher speeds, if you distinctly feel vibrating coming from the engine, this could be a result of a lack of power, fuel, or oxygen getting to it. The spark plugs, fuel filter, and air filter should all be checked and replaced as needed.
What causes death wobble when braking?
The biggest reason for this shaking problem is the condition of your rotors – the disc your brake pad clamps down on when you apply your brakes. Most commonly, the vibration happens because the rotors have some kind of imperfection on their surface or they have changed shape (warped) over time.
What year Jeep should I avoid?
When looking at the worst-performing models of the Jeep Wrangler, 2012 took the win. Among the issues it had, there have been 9 recalls, making it the worst for Jeep. The 2007 and 2008 Jeep Wranglers are not too far from that, as they have 10 and 9 recalls, respectively.
What year Jeep has death wobble?
If you have a Jeep vehicle with a model year between 2015 and 2018 that is experiencing uncontrollable shaking or similar mechanical problems, be sure to check for a service notice.
Can ball joints cause death wobble?
Worn ball joints and unit bearings are also a significant cause of death wobble. Jack up the vehicle and grab the front and back (3 o’clock and 9 o’clock) of the tire and see if there is any play.
How common is death wobble in Jeeps?
It’s a known issue with Jeep vehicles, and although rare, it’s called the “Death Wobble.” According to the NHTSA, there are only 600 reports in the last 20 years.
Can worn shocks cause death wobble?
Death wobble is often blamed on a failed steering stabilizer or shocks and struts.
Should I drive if my car shakes?
A car vibrates slightly while you drive due to the rotation of transmission gears and the crankshaft. However, these vibrations don’t usually distract you while you’re on the road. If the vibrations get violent, it’s time to take action.
Why my car shakes at 70 mph?
When your car vibrates every time you drive at 50-70 mph, it is most likely that your wheels are out of balance. The vibrations will emanate from the steering wheel across the seat and through the vehicle’s floor.
Is it safe to drive with unbalanced tires?
Unbalanced car tires can cause damage to different parts of your vehicle. For example, driving with tires that aren’t properly balanced puts undue stress on your shocks, bearings, and wheel assembly. Increased fuel costs. Driving on tires out of balance may cause your fuel costs to rise.