shakey towing of jeep cherokee

PRodacy wrote:
NCHauler, higher mileage Jeeps aren't the only ones that can get death wobble. It can show up on vehicles with only a few hundred miles on them. Don't expect to see a lot of looseness. You won't be able to visually see any. You have to place a finger across the joint and have someone else move the steering wheel. If you feel ANY movement at all the joint or bushing needs to be replaced. Be sure to check the control arms as well.

By the way, the steering stabilizer mentioned by mower mech might mask the problem for a while, but it won't cure it.

Thanks for the head's up...Have never had the issue, and I hope I never do....BUT, should it occur, I now have information that I didn't before.

again, thank you,
Jim

Push the "tow-in" limits to the max, just short of abnormal treadwear.
Use minimum tire inflation pressure when towing it.
And all that after making sure the tires are in good balance, and have been rotated from rear to front. It could amaze you what an invisible treadwear pattern on front tires can do,.....and is the reason to rotate.

NCHauler, higher mileage Jeeps aren't the only ones that can get death wobble. It can show up on vehicles with only a few hundred miles on them. Don't expect to see a lot of looseness. You won't be able to visually see any. You have to place a finger across the joint and have someone else move the steering wheel. If you feel ANY movement at all the joint or bushing needs to be replaced. Be sure to check the control arms as well.

By the way, the steering stabilizer mentioned by mower mech might mask the problem for a while, but it won't cure it.

I had a 2006 Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited that started the death wobble one day after crossing railroad tracks at 35 MPH.
I replaced the stock steering damper with a Monroe heavy duty unit, and that helped, but did not cure the problem.
I inspected the entire front end, and could find no apparent wear or looseness.
I had the tires rebalanced and checked for roundness.
The Jeep had a suspension lift, body lift, engine lift, and tummy tuck, custom bumpers, winch on the front and 30 gallon fuel tank in the rear.
I started having the tires rotated every other oil change, and the problem went away.
It worked for me, but I don't know why.

PRodacy wrote:
I've owned Jeeps for over 40 years. Sounds like it's definitely a death wobble. It's not as common on Cherokees as on Wranglers, but it happens. It's usually caused by worn bushings, worn tie rod ends or draglink ends, or some of each. Basically, when these parts get worn, even a little bit, there is enough looseness in the front end that death wobble occurs. There should be videos showing how to check a of these components. Otherwise, go to a good four wheel drive shop - dealers almost never have the experience to diagnose or fix this problem. I generally have to replace the bushings In the upper and lower control arms every 40,000 miles or so, and rebuil the tie bar and drag link ends every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. The reason for your Death wobble can be hard to find unless you know what to look for, but it's usually not too hard to fix.

You're addressing Jeep's that have quite a few miles on them...OP would have to tell us how many miles he has on his 2014 Jeep....My 2014 Jeep had 21,000 miles on it and no problems.

Again, never heard of death wobble on a Jeep Wrangler, or Cherokee..really wasn't aware, but does it happen earlier than the 40, 50, 60K you're speaking of or is it something that develops over time with mileage adding up?

Heard of it on some Ram trucks that were like that straight off the dealers lot, though I've never had that issue either with the 3 I've owned....

I've owned Jeeps for over 40 years. Sounds like it's definitely a death wobble. It's not as common on Cherokees as on Wranglers, but it happens. It's usually caused by worn bushings, worn tie rod ends or draglink ends, or some of each. Basically, when these parts get worn, even a little bit, there is enough looseness in the front end that death wobble occurs. There should be videos showing how to check a of these components. Otherwise, go to a good four wheel drive shop - dealers almost never have the experience to diagnose or fix this problem. I generally have to replace the bushings In the upper and lower control arms every 40,000 miles or so, and rebuil the tie bar and drag link ends every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. The reason for your Death wobble can be hard to find unless you know what to look for, but it's usually not too hard to fix.

Hmmm, hadn't heard of death wobble pertaining to the Jeep's....but never had any reason to frequent a Jeep forum...Have owned Jeep's since 79'....the last several being a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude, (had it for about a year and a half), before that, I had a Jeep Compass and now have a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited....never had an issue like the one the OP is speaking of...Have owned Jeep Grand Cherokee Limiteds, Patriots, and again, one's mentioned above...In fact, according to Consumers Report I should have steered clear of Jeeps , due to how bad they are.:h..and I never had the first issue with any Jeep I've owned from 79 through now....but, if nothing else, post made me aware of a possible issue...

being the owner of an 08 Jk I have heard of but not experienced the "death wobble" as it is referred to. There are numerous articles written about this across the internet. Forums directly

pertaining to Jeeps is a good place to start. Apparently some years and some Jeeps had incorrect bolts inserted in some suspension parts. Also tires and lift kits may affect this. My research

has shown some owners have sought out every available remedy to no avail. Front wheel alignment is another cause. Let us know what you find out.

This section is for Tow Vehicles.....vehicles used to TOW rv's with...You may get more information in the section called "Dinghy Towing"....That's section discussing RV's towing a vehicle, or a "Toad"......

I would think information about towing the Jeep could be found in the Owners Manual. But even if you leave it on this forum, odds are you'll get some answers that may help...


Jim