TJ Wrangler front bushes...what do you think?

[CleanGetaway]

Visited a 3rd mechanic today in desperation of trying to eliminate the death wobble.

We have replaced the front universals and had a full alignment/balance then just over a month later we got the death wobble 3 times in 10 days then it happened to me yesterday twice in a 20min drive...both times I was only doing about 50km/h.

So I went into Bridgestone and he put it up on the hoist for me and straight away pointed out these bushes and also one of the lower control arms possibly might need replacing or straightening. We were suggested by a previous mechanic to have the right side ball joints replaced as they were slightly worn but this Bridgestone mechanic didn't agree. During the test drive when accelerating in 1st & 2nd the vehicle does track to the left considerably.

Can anyone agree to this or make comments as I am no mechanic but to me it looks like it could definitely be causing a lot of play thus resulting in the steering going crazy! He recommend Urethane bushes, not polyurethane as they will last longer. around $350 for the kit and installed. Then he'd do a balance and alignment.





What do you think about the steering dampener or whatever it's called?




Lower Control Arm

[TJ Dave]

Hello,

There was one pic (lower control arm) that showed that he rubber of the bushing had separated partly or fully from the inner sleeve, this is a accurate indicator of the bush being past it's useful life. I recommend replacing all control arm bushings.

Another cause of wobble can be the front trackbar/panhard. This is the one that goes diagonal from the frame on the drivers side to the axle on the passenger side. If it is worn at one or both ends it will cause wobble.

Worn ball joints are another cause of wobble, I'd replace them if they are bad.

I'd check all of those things, the track/panhard and/or worn bushes are usually the cause of wobble, ball joints least cause. Can't remember if you said its been wheel aligned lately, wouldn't hurt to have it done when the worn parts are replaced.

I had worn bushes and worn track/panhard and it wobbled badly, replaced control arms and wobble went away apart from a slight shimmy and vague steering, replaced trackbar and steering is now toight like a toiger

Dave

[CleanGetaway]

Thanks Dave, I'll mention that information to him. And yes it had a full alignment and balance just over a month ago if not less.

I have it booked in next Tuesday so I'll let you know how we go!

[Wooders]

How much lift has it got - 3"?
Does it have an adjustable panhard?
IMHO don't use urethane or poly in arms especially if the vehicle goes offroad.
Those arms look pretty ordinary. You might get more benefits changing to a set of quality aftermarket arms.

[CleanGetaway]

It has a 2" lift apparently. I purchased it the way it is.

I am not sure about the Panhard, If it did I'm sure I would have been told so.

what kind of quality aftermarket arms would you recommend?

[CleanGetaway]

Can you see anything suspicious from these photos I just took?

Thank you for all your help!

[Jeff]

Just had a read through your other thread - have you checked the wheels? Missing wheel weights could cause those wobbles.