death wobbel

B3 · Dec 20, 2010

what causes it and how do i get rid of it ??? ? got a subburban 3/4 ton, 4x4, 33s. it has new ball joints, front berrings, drag link and tirod ends, with crossover stearing. i dont wheel its just a tow rig / drive it when i want to truck. any info or tech articals would be helpfull thanks

jtreeves1 · Dec 20, 2010

go get it alined

Juan_Hong_Loe · Dec 21, 2010

jtreeves1 said:
go get it alined

Yep.

grcthird · Dec 21, 2010

I know the link is to a cherokee forum but it's got some good info relating to dw in all vehicles. Post #6

http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/cant-fix-my-death-wobble-23747/

xjkrawler · Dec 21, 2010

grcthird said:
I know the link is to a cherokee forum but it's got some good info relating to dw in all vehicles. Post #6

http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/cant-fix-my-death-wobble-23747/

to skip all the bs in there (ive read it a bunch of time)

here is the useful stuff

""""

There are two types of DW. The first typically is speed related. Whenever you reach a certain speed, bam, you get DW, no matter what. This is a vibration/oscillation issue. Look into tire balance, alignment, steering joints, missing bushings (totally shot), loose steering box (either loose bolts or worn internals), etc.

The second is an impact initiated DW. For example, hitting a pothole above a certain speed will start DW. This is more likely a bushings, loosening mounts, flexing components, etc. issue. Basically, something is tight enough that in general straight driving, it is ok, but give it an impact force, whatever is getting loose starts sliding, rebounds and starts going nuts.

Here is how you can tell if the issue is steering related or trackbar related. You are gonna need some balls for this, but stick with me. Once you have played around with the DW awhile you find you can control it a bit by feathering the brakes. So go find a straight, deserted, bumpy road. Get the truck up to speed and get the DW going. You had it happen a few times, you have already been frantically avoiding potholes, so now go find one, quit whining. At this point, the truck is somewhat violently shaking, and you can keep enough control using the brakes to keep it on the road. Roll down the window and stick your head out and look at the front tire. What is it doing?

1. The front of the tire and the back of the tire are moving approximately the same amount side to side. In this case, the axle is stationary, and the wheel is pivoting on the ball joint during the oscillation. Therefore the problem is likely in the steering. Something in the steering has enough give to allow the movement.

2. The back of the tire is moving MORE than the front of the tire in the side-to-side movement. In this case, the knuckle is pivoting on the steering links, and allowing the axle to move back and forth under the vehicle. The problem here is most likely in the trackbar system.

This doesn't really answer a question about what's causing YOUR DW, but it should give you something to think about in your search for the root cause(s). I'd check the trac bar bushings, make sure your wheel bearings are in spec, make sure your tires are balanced, make sure your alignment is in spec - especially caster, make sure your ball joints & TREs are tight, see if you have play in your steering box, etc.

"""