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Author Topic: TJ steering problem  (Read 6388 times)

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RichT

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TJ steering problem
« on: February 24, 2006, 12:25:27 PM »
Hi

My TJ has started wandering a bit on road, and has (twice) gone into a bit of a death wobble after hitting potholes, all the steering gear (knuckles, tie rod ends, pitman arm, etc) seem tight, when I grab the stteering linkage going into the steering box there seems to be quite a lot of play between input and reaction - am I looking at needing a new steering box?
The Jeep has only done 32000 miles, but has had a lot of use off road, last weekend I took part in an enduro event and probably stressed the steering up a bit (Scottish peat bogs and rock crawling).

Any thoughts/input appreciated.

Cheers

Richard
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isle of man

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« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2006, 12:36:44 PM »
yes......this has happened to me....you think what the f^*ck has fallen off but all appears to be ok.
strange when the steering wheel vibrates so violently. never got to the bottom of this on my old wrangler.
think its called the death wobble........
peter henry
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chrisjones

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« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2006, 12:53:26 PM »
New steering damper?
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Anonymous

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« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2006, 01:25:39 PM »
Dont suppose the wobble could be down to loosing some balancing weights off the wheels, might be worth a look on both rim edges  :?:
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Anonymous

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« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2006, 01:37:46 PM »
And do check your wheel bearings too..... ;)

When mine got a bit vague on the steering, it was due an MOT, my mechanic lifted the front and both wheels had ~1.5" of wobble :) He had a bit of a moan at me for that one :)
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Anonymous

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« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2006, 01:53:01 PM »
Quote from: "chrisjones"
New steering damper?


that would be my first thought!!!
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RichT

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« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2006, 03:49:19 PM »
Hi

Hi again

Just jacked the front end up again to check what you guys have suggested, wheel bearings are OK, weights are still on the wheels, no obvious damage to the steering components, the damper does seem to move quite easily though.

Would a knackered damper allow the rapid wheel shimmying after hitting a pothole?

It wouldn't contribute to the loose feel of the steering as well, would it?

Thank's again

Richard
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Anonymous

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« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2006, 04:12:04 PM »
Quote from: "RichT"
Would a knackered damper allow the rapid wheel shimmying after hitting a pothole?



it would, I had the same problem on my old rangie!!! & it aint gonna help the vagueness either......
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Anonymous

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« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2006, 04:28:01 PM »
Quote from: "The Kitchen Devil"
Quote from: "RichT"
Would a knackered damper allow the rapid wheel shimmying after hitting a pothole?


it would, I had the same problem on my old rangie!!! & it aint gonna help the vagueness either......


Yeah, KD replaced his on his rangie, but KD's vagueness never went away... :)

Yep, Dampers can cause all sorts of probs, undo one end and try pushing the piston in and out, if it's easy, then bin it... :)

Bad Dampers are also the cause of global warming, the war in Iraq and Stews current bad mood.... :D
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Bubba

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« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2006, 06:37:31 PM »
steering damper also check ya track rod isnt bent but me oneys on the damper
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Bat Fastard

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« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2006, 08:14:51 PM »
Stevos had a gubbed steering damper for a few days, and it had a very nasty wobble.
It kicked in above a certain speed rather than a pot hole, but imagine it may have had he hit one.

It frightened me and I was only following in my Jeep.  :shock:

My replacement one worked loose, and though I did not get to the infamous death wobble it was iffy enough to know something was not right.
Not had any more bother with it since. ( I know I will regret saying that)
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Stella

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« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2006, 10:10:25 PM »
Hello Bat.
How are the new wheels?
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IBTJn

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« Reply #12 on: February 25, 2006, 12:43:56 AM »
Check the track bar as mentioned.  Make sure it's torqued correctly.  Death wobble is usually caused by that, and/or bad tires (or tyres as you call them ;)
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Mike Pavelin

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« Reply #13 on: February 25, 2006, 09:06:10 AM »
If you can't find any loose/ bad ball joints, bolts etc, disconnect one end of the damper. pull the piston in and out. You should get a srong, even resistance. If there are any loose spots, replace it.
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RichT

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« Reply #14 on: February 25, 2006, 07:56:54 PM »
Hi

Once again, thank's for all the input, checked everything mentioned by you guys, steering damper is goosed, new one ordered.

Suprised what a huge difference the steering damper makes, I suffered the dreaded wobble again today, found the best way out of it is to steer one way or another, rather than just hang on, the wobble stops immediately.

Thank's again

Richard :D
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daggie

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« Reply #15 on: February 26, 2006, 12:44:52 AM »
the caster angle could also be fucked :wink:

twas with me zj/g what ever the fuck it is, fucking scary  :(
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RichT

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« Reply #16 on: March 13, 2006, 05:12:22 PM »
New ProComp steering damper fitted, toe in adjusted (thank's to www.4x4xplor.com/alignment.html ), no more death wobble.

The original damper was well goosed, toe in was 15 mm, reduced it to 5 mm (33x12.5 tyres).

 :D
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