So I have a '22 Wrangler Unlimited with 23k miles. When I am at at speeds north of 30mph it sometimes shakes/vibrates pretty violently for about 5-6 seconds. Feels like the wheels and steering wheel are about to fall off. I first thought perhaps the issue may be a tie rod but with so few miles I cannot imagine that is the case?

TIA!

Its called death wobble, brah!

Thats what it feels like.... What is causing it? I put on a 2 inch lift several months ago but wouldnt think that would cause it.

Our stock Rubicon has done it a few times. A lift only makes it worse.

akaggie05 said:

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Our stock Rubicon has done it a few times. A lift only makes it worse.

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Lift higher.

I have 2 friends that replaced the steering stabilizer with a Fox and that solved it

The problem is there's not a sure-fire method to fix it. It's not just a Jeep issue - happens to solid front axle vehicles (F-250's are also known for this).

Often, it can be a problem with worn suspension components. It's a harmonic issue (think Tacoma-Narrows bridge collapse), so hard to anticipate all combinations of environment, tire, lift, etc. Could just start with an alignment?

Never had that problem in my 2020 JLUR but... In my 1999 Ford Expedition, when the brake rotors get worn, it's death wobble city right at 55 mph

I'm in a JT with 3 in lift and 35's. If I'm driving 35-45 mph and go around a small turn/bend in the road mine will wobble a little bit. Sometimes more than others. Only once has it wobbled enough to make me pull over to regain control (that was fun). My buddy owns a Jeep shop on the west side of Houston, I may mention it to him next time I'm getting tires rotated.

drumboy said:

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akaggie05 said:

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Our stock Rubicon has done it a few times. A lift only makes it worse.

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Lift higher.

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Need to even out the rubber ducks on the dashboard. Can't have too many weighing down one side.

And that's why you call 'em a Jeep.

Charismatic Megafauna said:

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I have 2 friends that replaced the steering stabilizer with a Fox and that solved it

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That doesn't fix anything, it's a band aid that temporarily hides the true issue.

BoDog said:

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That's what it feels like.... What is causing it? I put on a 2 inch lift several months ago but wouldn't think that would cause it.

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What kind of lift and who installed it?

This comes up here every once in awhile. It comes up regularly on Jeep forums and groups.

First thing is first. Check that all front suspension parts are torqued to spec. Then mark them with a paint pen so you can visually check going forward.

Then lift the front enough to get a pry bar under the front wheels. Lift up and down. Check for movement at the ball joints.

Tires rotated and balanced.

Check front shocks.


Steering stabilizers do not fix death wobble. They cover it up.

Replace your factory ball joints. The stock ones absolutely suck and wear out.

Yeah I would double check the torque specs of all your suspension components.

1.5" lift on a 2016 JKU here and I've never had any death wobble. Drives better than stock.

Yeah "solved" was a poor word choice but if you're not going to fix geometry issues (add camber) a heavy duty steering stabilizer will make the dw go away

A steering stabilizer is all you need…

And this is why you hear Bronco people talking about IFS being superior…one of the many many reasons

Bronco6Gen said:

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A steering stabilizer is all you need…

And this is why you hear Bronco people talking about IFS being superior…one of the many many reasons

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IFS is superior in some situations. It will never flex offroad in the way that SFAs can.

Know what controls dw even better than a heavy duty steering stabilizer? Hydro assist

Charismatic Megafauna said:

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Know what controls dw even better than a heavy duty steering stabilizer? Hydro assist

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this is true.

Furlock Bones said:

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This comes up here every once in awhile. It comes up regularly on Jeep forums and groups.

First thing is first. Check that all front suspension parts are torqued to spec. Then mark them with a paint pen so you can visually check going forward.

Then lift the front enough to get a pry bar under the front wheels. Lift up and down. Check for movement at the ball joints.

Tires rotated and balanced.

Check front shocks.


Steering stabilizers do not fix death wobble. They cover it up.

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Don't forget the wheel alignment & balanced tire pressure, especially in front.

For the OP, Jeeps are great until you start messing with the suspension and lift. If your installer doesn't know what they're doing, it can get ugly fast. '06 TJUR & '19 JLUR. I went Rubi because the common mods are done by the factory.