Death Wobble Problems

[JeepGal]

Awesome input Blaine! Thankyou

Very nice explanation of Death Wobble !

Tam

[flywaterguide]

OK, I just did the turning back an forth test. Here's what I found. The tie-rod like end of the track bar, where the track bar is coupled to the frame, bounced up and down when turning the wheel back and forth.

My upper control arms are stock. They appeared to flex a fair amount as well. Everything else looked and felt tight.

So... do I need a new track bar?

Thanks for all the help!

Best,

Jeff

[Chris_L]

You should just be able to tighten the track bar bolt up. It's needs to be mother f@%kin tiight

[flywaterguide]

when i put it on yesterday, i tightened the liven... F##K out of it. the guy at RE said that this would indicate that the track bar is toast. I dunno.

[mrblaine]

OK, I just did the turning back an forth test. Here's what I found. The tie-rod like end of the track bar, where the track bar is coupled to the frame, bounced up and down when turning the wheel back and forth.

My upper control arms are stock. They appeared to flex a fair amount as well. Everything else looked and felt tight.

So... do I need a new track bar?

Thanks for all the help!

Best,

Jeff

What brand of track bar is it?

[flywaterguide]

What brand of track bar is it?

it's the full traction bar that came with their kit.

[mrblaine]

it's the full traction bar that came with their kit.

You need to be more specific. Have a picture? Link to the trackbar from a website?

I've helped install a FT kit, but I need more info.

[flywaterguide]

You need to be more specific. Have a picture? Link to the trackbar from a website?

I've helped install a FT kit, but I need more info.

Here's a pic... I don't know how much it helps though...

[mrblaine]

Here's a pic... I don't know how much it helps though...

Helps a bunch. Is the head of the TRE at the frame side, jumping up and down, or is the tapered pin loose in the hole in the frame bracket?

The tapered pin actually ball shaped on the end in the head. The head houses a socket that the ball rides in. Your death wobble has probably ruined the part. It's replaceable, get another, go from there.

If it the tapered pin in the frame bracket, tighten it. I doubt that's it though. I'm putting my money on a bad TRE.

Double check the axle end turning the steering wheel a bit harder this time. btw- you are doing this with the wheels on the ground, right?

[sarah]

Here is the thread I started a while ago. And here is Rick's post in particular concerning my Jeep. I had forgotten to mention the lower control arms that were also replaced.

[flywaterguide]

Helps a bunch. Is the head of the TRE at the frame side, jumping up and down, or is the tapered pin loose in the hole in the frame bracket?

The tapered pin actually ball shaped on the end in the head. The head houses a socket that the ball rides in. Your death wobble has probably ruined the part. It's replaceable, get another, go from there.
I'm putting my money on a bad TRE.

Double check the axle end turning the steering wheel a bit harder this time. btw- you are doing this with the wheels on the ground, right?

It is the tapered pin loose in the hole in the frame bracket! Yes, done with the wheels on the ground... and an 11 year old behind the steering wheel.

[flywaterguide]

So... it looks like I'll probably get a new tie rod. Also, since the caster is off, I guess I need some adjustable control arms. Should I get uppers or lowers? the lower control arms are aftermarket (Full Traction) and the uppers are stock.

lemme know.

best,

FG

[mrblaine]

It is the tapered pin loose in the hole in the frame bracket! Yes, done with the wheels on the ground... and an 11 year old behind the steering wheel.

Before you do anything else, yank the cotter pin and tighten the castle nut. If it spins in the hole, push up on it with a pry bar to force the pin into the taper.

Post results.

[flywaterguide]

Before you do anything else, yank the cotter pin and tighten the castle nut. If it spins in the hole, push up on it with a pry bar to force the pin into the taper.

Post results.

I did all that before I put up the first post. I took the track bar completely off the jeep, then put it back on and tightened everything. Yep, used a pry bar to hold the bolt in place.

[mrblaine]

I did all that before I put up the first post. I took the track bar completely off the jeep, then put it back on and tightened everything. Yep, used a pry bar to hold the bolt in place.

Now that you have me thoroughly confused. By bolt, do you mean the tapered pin sticking out of the TRE?

Is it still loose in the hole in the frame bracket, or did tightening up that part of it stop it from moving in the hole?

If that part is not moving, is the head of the TRE still jumping up and down while the pin in the frame is tight?

What I am trying to determine is if the frame bracket needs repair because the hole is wobbled out or just replacing the TRE will solve the problem.

If the hole is bad, it can easily be fix, but I need to know what part is worn.