As a Jeep user for a long time, I have already experienced the upside and downsides of what the vehicle has to offer. From its off-roading capabilities to other functionalities, the Jeep Wrangler and other models provide anyone with the best road experience.
However, it’s not always smooth sailing for this vehicle, as I experience strong and violent shaking while driving the vehicle at around 55 mph. But why is my Jeep Wrangler shaking? Also called “death wobble,” shaking occurs when you hit a bump or round a curve while driving at the said speed. More information about the death wobble will be discussed in this article.
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Understanding Death Wobble
To all Jeep users who have experienced death wobble, I tell you, it is terrifying. When you are driving 55 mph or up, if you hit a pothole or a bump, all of a sudden, you will feel that the wheels are shaking one way more than the other and become faster, and you cannot stop it.
When your Jeep Wrangler shakes on the highway, just like in this situation, there is a tendency to experience death wobble. If you hit a bump, your steering wheel goes one way, and it will jerk the other front components in the other direction.
Then, the components overcompensate from one side to the other, and you will see that your steering wheel will shake. The worst thing about the situation is you can only stop it if you pull up on the side of the road and come to a complete stop. So, what are the common causes of death wobble, and how will it be fixed? Check out the list below:
Loose Components
When your Jeep Wrangler shakes when accelerating, it is probably because the ball joints are loose underneath the hood. A good example is when some ball joints are thrown out of whack when hitting a bump creating a death wobble.
The death wobble means one side will be shaking on one side and will be thrown out on the other side, creating the so-called death wobble. To correct this issue, you need to check if the components, including the ball joints, are working properly.
When the ball joints are too loose, the best thing to do is replace them with new ones. When you have flexible components, the moment you hit a bump in the highway, it can cause some motion and jerk on one side and go to another while going back and forth.
Literally, the whole front end goes from one end to another, causing a death wobble. So, rather than replacing it with one ball joint, the best possible solution is to replace all the ball joints with one.
Lift Job Issues
Another reason for your Jeep Wrangler to shake is when it is lifted, and issues arise because of the lifting. If you are using a lift kit that does not come with extended sway bar links, preventing the sway bar from being put in place a little bit higher to make the connection with the original sway bar. This issue can also cause some shaking when hitting a bump or pothole.
In addition, Jeep Wranglers that have been lifted by a few inches can be susceptible to shaking when the drive shaft, which is running from the transfer case and the front axle becomes tilted, which can cause several joints to fall out with each other resulting in the shaking. When this situation happens, replacing the parts is needed.
Stock Suspensions Issues
Another possibility for your Jeep Wrangler to shake is when it is experiencing stock suspension issues. When this situation happens, you will feel some shaking while driving because the bolts and bushings on the Jeep Wrangler’s front track bar are either worn, loose, or compromised. Replacing the components is the best way to correct the issues.
On the other hand, a damaged front axle or worn-out suspension components can also produce some shaking while you are on the road. Also, when a steering system needs some service, it can also cause some shaking in the vehicle.
Front Wheel Issues
Another reason for the Jeep Wrangler to shake is some issues on the front wheels. When there are loose lug nuts, improperly inflated tires, and damaged rims, it can cause an imbalance that can start the vehicle to shake.
In addition, when your Jeep Wrangler has misaligned wheels, this can also result in shaking or a death wobble.
Tire Pressure Issues
Another common cause of the Jeep Wrangler’s shaking is tire pressure issues. When the tire is overinflated, under-inflated, or has mismatch pressures. To prevent the vehicle from shaking, checking the tire pressure is essential to ensure it has the exact pressure needed for your vehicle. Inflate or deflate when necessary.
Conclusion
If you have to ask yourself several times, why is my Jeep Wrangler shaking? There are many possible reasons behind it, as stated in this article. Honestly, a death wobble is not a nice experience to have, so checking your vehicle is essential to prevent unnecessary shaking from happening.