steering column vibration

[Rokrover]

Are we talking about the dreaded “death wobble” here? Allpar has a very detailed article that helps troubleshoot the issue, that includes steering column vibration. https://www.allpar.com/SUVs/jeep/death-wobble.html

Chrysler’s TSB to Jeep dealers provides this helpful checklist:

• Is the vehicle equipped with aftermarket components or other modifications (e.g. lift kits, wheels, suspension components or tires) that can affect the performance of or wear upon steering components? (1)

• Check the air pressure in the tires and ensure they are inflated to the recommended pressure. This value can be found on the tire placard located on the driver's front door enclosure.

• Inspect the tires for signs of unusual or uneven wear, cupping or other damage.

• Ensure that the tires/wheels are balanced within specification

• Inspect the steering damper for excessive wear or damage. (2)

• Inspect the track bar for excessive wear or damage. (2)

• Inspect the tie rods for excessive wear or damage. (2)

• Inspect the drag link for excessive wear or damage. (2)

• Inspect the ball joints for excessive wear or damage. (2)

Notes:

(1) Installation of aftermarket steering and suspension components or wheel and tire assemblies that are either not compatible with your vehicle or not designed for on-road use is most often the cause of steering system vibration, in which case you may consult your aftermarket equipment manufacturer or vehicle modifier for repair suggestions

(2) If any of the steering or suspension components are replaced, a front end wheel alignment is required.

Cheers,

[ngpsaki]

In May I had the front end aligned and the front tires balanced. New bushings were required to complete the alignment. When I drive 60 MPH the ride is pretty smooth, but when I go over 65 the front end starts to shake (unless the road is very smooth). I have had the front end inspected and the mech reports everything looks "normal," but I can't help believing I ought to be able to go 65 without noticeable vibration. Out here in the west, speed limits are commonly 65, 70, or even higher. I prefer to cruise at 60-65, but sometimes it is necessary to exceed that in order to pass a slow vehicle. Any suggestions for what I should check?

[caconcourse]

In May I had the front end aligned and the front tires balanced. New bushings were required to complete the alignment. When I drive 60 MPH the ride is pretty smooth, but when I go over 65 the front end starts to shake (unless the road is very smooth). I have had the front end inspected and the mech reports everything looks "normal," but I can't help believing I ought to be able to go 65 without noticeable vibration. Out here in the west, speed limits are commonly 65, 70, or even higher. I prefer to cruise at 60-65, but sometimes it is necessary to exceed that in order to pass a slow vehicle. Any suggestions for what I should check?

Since your alignment is probably good, I would have the tires and wheels checked for roundness. We had tires that wore themselves out of round even with much tread remaining, and they created a terrible bumpy ride. Even with good alignment, our tires have worn funny (cupping) which I think was caused by driving in some fierce crosswinds, and also a tendency for the Chinook suspension to "bounce" in the front in some conditions, since it is heavier in the rear. New front tires restored our bumpy ride to our normally, smooth experience even at high speed.

I know of at least one owner who had an out-of-round wheel, which caused shaking when braking, so that does happen as well. I assume your shocks have also been checked, or they may need replacing as well.

But yes, you should be able to have a smooth ride at high speed.

[BobW9]

Does the vibration start up gradually, then stay the same? Or does it suddenly start when hitting a bump (even just a small one)? Does it get worse if you keep up the speed? I.e. do you have to slow down immediately to feel safe or does it just vibrate a bit continuously and annoy you?

Any vibration due to wheels, tires, balancing, even alignment, I would expect to happen often, most or all the time, when you get to certain speeds. You going over 65 in this case. It can sometimes even start at a certain speed and then go away when you get to a higher speed (that would sound like a balancing issue).

Assuming you mean that on a really smooth road you can drive without feeling the vibration at higher speeds, then I would consider suspension and steering systems, which would kick in with even small bumps but might do nothing while the road is smooth.

[chin_k]

It was pretty slow speed, since if I tried to go faster, it is pretty uncomfortable. I think the road condition is the main issue. I ordered shocks for the front and back a while ago. I removed the back shocks, and tested them, and they were fine. I have not have time to take off the front ones yet, but maybe I will do it in a few weeks (working on house plumbing right now... always something that need attention), and see if that is the cause. I do have to revisit that road to feel if there is any difference. On regular paved road, the rig is perfectly fine.

[BobW9]

I'm sorry, chin_k, I was responding to the post from ngpsaki earlier today of vibration over 65 and his front-end was aligned and tired balanced. He really should have started a new thread, I guess. For that matter, I guess I don't even know for certain his post was related to a steering column vibration.

[chin_k]

That was his last post, and I think Clay addressed it. I think he should check his wheels to make sure it is balanced if it only shake above certain speed independent of the road condition. I wonder if other have a different suggestion.

[Scott]

I removed the back shocks, and tested them, and they were fine.

How did you test them?

[chin_k]

I don't know if it is the right way to test, but I know when a shock get really bad, it definitely will not pass it.

I removed the shock, and pressed it all the way down, and see how well it come back up. I also try to move it up and down while it is coming back up, and see if there is any resistance to me trying to shake it. I know a bad shock would be much easier to overcome, while a good shock would resist my effort. I compared it to a brand new one, and do not notice much difference. I also inspect the shock looking for physical damage and leak, and I found none.

I guess for the effort to remove it and reinstall it, it is probably better at that point to put a new one there.

[markatherton]

I bought a set of seven brand new tires (BFG) at discount tire. Mounted and balanced; I experienced vibration; Took it back 3 times. Third time they put their "best man" on it. Still bad; Went to another smaller shop with brand new equipment. The results were as follows; I bent rim; all tires out of balance; The spare was not balanced at all. They fixed the problem and it was smooth as silk.... Is there a lesson here?