When it comes to vehicle upkeep and maintenance, safety should always be your top priority. An issue with your vehicle could turn into a serious safety hazard, especially if it affects the way it handles. Handling issues at high speeds can easily be deadly and it is important to make sure that your car is safe and secure at all times. Being able to control your vehicle is crucial and if you notice a problem, you need to get it looked at and repaired as soon as possible.
One of the most dangerous handling issues you can come across as a driver is known as death wobble. Death wobble tends to happen at specific speeds and is caused by a problem with the steering or suspension. During an episode of death wobble, the steering wheel will jerk back and forth uncontrollably and the vehicle may shake violently. This can be incredibly unsettling and difficult to manage, especially if you are on the highway or driving at higher speeds.
Death wobble is common in vehicles that have a solid front axle. This is due to the fact that all the different front suspension and steering components are connected, and Jeep vehicles like the Wrangler and Cherokee are especially susceptible.
Knowing some of the most common signs that your Jeep is prone to death wobble will help you get the issue repaired before it becomes a hazard on the road.
What Is the Jeep Death Wobble?
The Jeep death wobble is characterized by a sudden, violent shaking in the vehicle and a jerking motion in the steering wheel. It is usually caused by loose, worn, or damaged components in the steering or front suspension system. In a vehicle like the Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Cherokee, the solid front axle connects all these different components, and when there is an issue with one of them, the entire front end will be affected. This can result in a loss of control, especially at highway speeds, which is incredibly dangerous.
If you have noticed that your vehicle’s steering or handling feels off and that vehicle has a solid front axle, it is a good idea to have it looked at by a professional mechanic. They will ensure that all your front suspension components and steering mechanisms are in good shape so you don’t end up dealing with the death wobble in a highway driving situation. Knowing some of the signs your Jeep might be prone to death wobble will help you get the service you need so you can stay safe on the road (and off-road!).
Sign #1: Steering Wheel Vibrations
One of the most common signs that your vehicle will develop a death wobble or already has developed it is a persistent vibration in the steering wheel. When your car’s steering components or front suspension start to wear out, they will wiggle around at certain speeds or when turning the vehicle.
In a solid-axle vehicle, this is a sign that once you reach highway speeds, your car may start to vibrate or sway wildly, causing a potentially dangerous situation. As soon as you notice vibrations, even at lower speeds, it is a good idea to have the vehicle assessed by a professional mechanic.
Sign #2: Uneven Tire Wear
Keeping an eye on how your tires are wearing out is a great way to check on the overall condition of your vehicle. This is especially true when it comes to the steering or suspension components. Since any small change in the suspension can cause the tires to move slightly or disrupt their angle on the road, strange, irregular wear patterns are a surefire sign that something is wrong.
Cupping, which looks like divots in the tire’s tread blocks, or inconsistent bald spots throughout the tire can all mean that they have shifted away from their stock position. This means that you could have a loose suspension component and worn-out tires, which can cause death wobble at highway speeds.
Sign #3: Loose or Worn Suspension Components
Your suspension is responsible for protecting the vehicle and you from bumps, divots, or other rough patches on the road. It is also responsible for dictating how the vehicle handles and how it responds to the way the driver turns the front wheels. If one of your suspension components comes loose or wears out, your solid-axle vehicle could develop a death wobble.
A few times a year, check your suspension for any loose or worn parts that could eventually turn into a safety hazard. It can be helpful to take pictures each time so you can reference them and see if anything has changed since the last time you inspected the suspension.
Sign #4: Unusual Noises When Steering
Problems with your vehicle’s steering system are generally fairly easy to identify. Keep your ears open when making turns, and listen for any rattling, groaning, or squeaking as you turn the wheel. If you hear any strange noises, this might mean that your steering components are wearing out and need to be replaced. Failing to do so could eventually cause a death wobble, so it is always better to be on top of any replacements or repairs instead of finding out that you need to fix your steering while going 65 or 70 miles per hour on the highway.
Sign #5: Inconsistent Performance
Any kind of inconsistent performance when it comes to your vehicle is a cause for concern. When you go over bumps, potholes, or other road hazards, your car should not feel any different afterward or change the way it behaves. If you notice that the steering gets loose after going over a speed bump or that there are more vibrations than normal after you hit a pothole, this is a sign that your vehicle is starting to develop issues that can turn into a death wobble.
Your vehicle should always deliver consistent performance, even after dealing with tough road conditions or bumpy terrain. A change could mean that a component is loose, and you should have it repaired right away before it turns into a dangerous situation.
Preventive Actions for Jeep Owners
As a Jeep owner, it is essential that you do everything you can to keep your suspension and steering in good condition. Regular preventive maintenance will ensure that you don’t get death wobble and that you will be safe on the road. The best way to keep death wobble from happening to your Jeep is to stay on top of your alignments.
Alignments ensure that your wheels are always at the right angle and that everything in the steering system is properly calibrated. When you get an alignment, the mechanic will check all the various steering and suspension components, which will help you identify any developing problems and get them fixed before they turn into death wobble.
A steering stabilizer is also a great way to prevent death wobble and keep yourself safe. A steering stabilizer is a specialized type of shock absorber that prevents side-to-side motion in your vehicle and can help reduce wobble in the event of a broken or worn component. While it won’t fix death wobble that has already started, it is a great way to keep yourself as safe as possible should you run into an issue with your front suspension or steering.
How Endurance Auto Protection Plans Cover Mechanical Issues
When it comes to keeping your vehicle safe on the road and preventing some of the issues that can lead to a death wobble incident at high speeds, timely repairs are essential. As soon as you notice a difference in the way your vehicle steers or handles, you should take your Jeep to the shop immediately. However, this can present some financial challenges, and not everyone has an emergency fund in place to get their vehicle repaired at a moment’s notice. That is why having an extended warranty or aftermarket warranty is such a great idea.
When you buy a new car at the dealership, it will almost always come with a warranty that is provided by the manufacturer. This factory warranty is there to protect you from potential issues that can come up due to design flaws or problems in the production process.
Once that warranty is up, though, you will be responsible for making any repairs yourself, and this can lead to incredibly high repair bills, which can be debilitating if you don’t have a protection plan in place. An extended warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), is a great way to continue coverage on your Jeep and ensure that any issues with the steering or suspension don’t turn into a death wobble.
Endurance offers a wide range of plans that cover vehicles of all types, including Jeeps. Plus, with customizable coverage, you can make sure that your suspension and steering systems are covered so you can get the repairs you need. With an Endurance plan, as soon as you notice an issue with the way your vehicle is handled or how it sounds, you can take it to the shop and avoid dealing with a death wobble at high speeds.
Jeep Death Wobble FAQs
What is the most common cause of the death wobble in a Jeep?
The most common cause of death wobble in a Jeep is a loose or broken front track bar. This essential suspension component keeps the front axle centered underneath the vehicle, and if any of its bolts or track bar bushings wear out, you can end up with a death wobble. Checking the condition of your track bar on a regular basis will help keep you safe on the highway and diagnose any death wobble issues.
Which Jeep models have death wobble?
Wrangler and Cherokee models are the Jeep vehicles that are most commonly associated with death wobble. This is due to their solid front axle and the surrounding components that keep it in place. While other vehicles are susceptible to death wobble, Wranglers and Cherokees are the ones that get it the most often.
How to avoid Jeep death wobble?
The best way to avoid Jeep death wobble is to get regular maintenance on your vehicle from a professional mechanic. Wheel alignments, tire balancing to fix unbalanced tires, and suspension tune-ups will help stop small problems from turning into big ones and protect you from death wobble at high speeds.
Keep Yourself Safe With Endurance
If you want to avoid death wobble in your Jeep, Endurance has an auto protection plan that will help keep you safe. With a variety of different plans for everything from high-mileage older vehicles to top-tier luxury cars, Jeep owners can find the perfect coverage for their specific needs. Plus, Endurance covers vehicles that other providers won’t, such as Canadian Gray Market cars, vehicles used for rideshare or delivery, and cars with a rebuilt or salvage title.
In addition to top-of-the-line coverage, Endurance plans also come with a suite of standard benefits. These include things like 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection. For a small activation fee, you can protect yourself even further with Endurance’s Elite Benefits, which comes with extra perks like tire repairs, key fob replacement, and up to $1,000 in total loss coverage.
When you are ready to get the best possible coverage for your vehicle, no matter what issues it is prone to, Endurance is here for you. Contact our award-winning customer service team at (800) 253-8203 to get a FREE quote. You can also head over to the online store for an instant price preview so you can find the perfect plan.
Be sure to head over to the Endurance Warranty blog for more helpful resources, including Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Gladiator articles, frequently asked questions, warranty provider comparisons, DIY tips, and much more.