The JL Wrangler has a vibration that violently shakes the driver and passengers is so frightening that those who have experienced it or investigated it have branded it the “JL Wrangler Death Wobble.” To date, there is no specific cure, but here is what we know.
The Death Wobble
The Death Wobble is a perceived safety concern of the JL Wrangler. The steering wheel and the entire front end shake uncontrollably, terrifying the people inside. Unlike other common shaking which happens to other vehicles from time to time, it appears random. There is no certain speed where it happens.
The actual cause of this shaking has eluded auto mechanics and investigators. When it happens, it could be related to a wide variety of problems. Sometimes the Wrangler in question has one or more of these problems at the time of this violent wobble.
- Track bar is worn or loose
- Worn ball joints
- Loose or worn tie rod ends
- Steering damper is problematic
- Wheels are out of alignment
- Control arm bushings need replacement
- Frame welding is deficient
- Loose suspension or steering bolts
Some Jeep owners have replaced the steering stabilizer, however this ends up being only a temporary solution. The Death Wobble returns shortly afterward. But it can serve as a temporary fix while you’re trying to figure out the true cause.
How to Get It Fixed
We are familiar with the JL Wrangler Death Wobble here at A1 Performance Auto Repair. If you are experiencing this problem, give us a call and schedule an appointment. It is best you don’t drive the vehicle anymore until it is fixed.
We will give your vehicle a thorough check for all the usual suspects. We’ll get it narrowed down to the actual cause of the violent vibrations and fix it. Sometimes it is an obvious problem and sometimes it takes some digging. But we always find the cause and repair it.
