Jeep starts shaking between 35--40?

Question

I have a 91 wrangler with 33's. For the last few weeks, most of the time (especially when i am turning or hit a pot hole) between 35-40, the whole jeep starts shaking. I don't think that the tires are out of balance, because it never shakes at high speed (75-80). I pulled out the steering stabilizer, but it still appears to be in good condition (not sure how I would really know unless it just didn't have any pressure left at all). Any help would be great

Answer 1

33 inch tall tires have a HUGE amount of mass. Make sure the tires are in both Static and Dynamic balance. How old is your steering stabilizer? If it's very old, you DO need a new one. It's not a bad idea to run dual stabilizers with tires this big. I was a technician at a Jeep dealership. This is a common problem. Dual stabilizers will solve it. Stabilizers don't last forever. After all, stabilizers are just shock absorbers mounted parallel to the ground whose compression valving is the same as their rebound valving. They wear out just like shock absorbers. Also, ANY worn front suspension components (i.e. tie rod ends) will accentuate this problem.

Answer 2

You could replace your steering stabalizer and get it aligned, but that could just be putting a band aid on the real problem. Raise each tire, and grab it at 3 and 9 o clock and see if you can shake it back and forth, then do the same at 12 and 6. If it can in either direction, either your ball joints or wheel bearings are worn out which most likely will require you to take it to a shop. If these are not fixed then you'll end up with the same problems a few months down the road. Another thing to check for is steering geometry. If you look at your front axle from the front, is your tie rod and drag link fairly close to being parallel? (One bar goes from your steering box to your passenger wheel, and the other connects both wheels) I'm guessing you got a lift, and when you lifted it, you should have installed a dropped pitman arm which gets everything close to being parallel. If not then this can wear out ball joints, bearings, and a whole bunch of other stuff. My little brother had these problems with his '97 wrangler.

Answer 3

I know, a stupid suggestion to begin with.....CKECK the lug nuts. If not the problem check tire pressure. Ball joints. Steering stabilizer. Possibly a bent rim. CV joint going bad. Really bad warped rotor(s).

There are a list of things that can be checked, start with the easiest and cheapest then work your way up. Check really important stuff first also that may cause a severe accident such as ball joints.

Answer 4

When is the last time you had the front end aligned? Wheels may or may not need balancing, the front end could be out of alignment.
And for the record, I dont know where you live, dont tell me, lol...but most speed limits are around 70 ; )

A simple test will tell you at your local tire shop if your Wrangler needs aligning...my bet is it does. Good luck!

Answer 5

If the whole Jeep shakes at that speed then you need to replace the u-joints. If it is in your stering wheel then I don't have a clue....just being honest. GB seems to be on the money if its not the u-joints/

But I too have a 91 and it was the u-joints. Stick with Dana for u-joint replacements.

Answer 6

Sounds like death wobble. Try balancing the tires and making sure none of them are bad. Get an alignment and make sure caster is set to the proper spec. Replace the steering stabilizer, and check the front end for loose parts. That should just about cover it. Not cheap, but its rare to fix a car with a major problem for cheap.

Answer 7

Check tires for bulging on the inside portion of the tire

Answer 8

I put a 1.75in set of coil spacers and 31's on mine and have had the same problem. I changed my "5th" shock, the front end stabilizer, and had it alligned and my problem was gone.

Answer 9

sounds like a drive train balancing problem.

Answer 10

your tie rod and ideler arm might be worn (this is what they say when your front end is going out)