Death wobble is a term used among Jeep owners as a way to describe a particularly violent shake of the steering wheel. This phenomenon can happen to any vehicle, but solid axle vehicles are very prone to it. Lifted Jeeps, in particular, are known for this issue. If you’ve experienced death wobble, you know how frightening it can be and dangerous in some situations. If you haven’t experienced it, don’t worry, it’s an easy problem to live through and fix, and Extreme Terrain is here to show you how to do it.

The issue will typically occur at speeds over 30 mph when one tire hits a bump just right, although, it can happen on perfectly flat ground or at even lower speeds. The steering will begin to oscillate back and forth, causing the wheel to shake violently as well as the entire front end. The problem will only go away if you slow down or stop the vehicle. When it happens, it’s best to keep a loose grip on the steering wheel. Fighting with the steering wheel will not make the problem any better. Slowly apply the brakes to slow the vehicle until the shaking stops. Jumping on the brakes can load up the front suspension and cause the entire chassis to shake much harder.

The root of the problem is typically the lower track bar bolt which can come loose over time. With the track bar loose, the axle can shift left and right, causing the shake. The problem can also be found in the alignment: either toe or caster. Control arms bushings, wheel bearings, and worn out steering boxes can also cause this issue. The large majority of the time, however, the issue is the track bar.

If you find a need to have to replace the track bar on your Wrangler, you can find options on Extreme Terrain. And don’t forget to check out more from Extreme Terrain on its website and Facebook page.