Front end shakes violently!

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Jan 28, 2005 | 01:34 PM

stupidjet

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Joined: Jan 2005

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From: rockville, md

Front end shakes violently!

when i'm driving, at around 25-35mph, it will start to shake so violently, the wheels literally turn from left to right rapidly, like a "tank slapper" on a motorcycle. dealer look at it, says he has heard of this problem but doesnt know how to fix it b/c the front end looks good....whenever the wheels or something is touched up fromt, it will go away only to come back a few months later...for example, when i blance the wheels, when i have rotated the wheels, when i replaced the front shocks...all of this ade it go away, but them it has always com back. any of you have this problem?

Jan 28, 2005 | 01:57 PM

PLC7.3

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From: Manitoba

The "Death Wobble" do some searches for info............

Jan 28, 2005 | 02:46 PM

beano

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powersteering pump? ball joints? i have no idea.

Jan 28, 2005 | 05:02 PM

MasterTrim

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Had that happen on a Cherokee once. After replacing front diff., axles, torque arms and bushings, front driveshaft, found out it was the transfer case going out.
Don't know if that's your problem but sounds like the exact same symptoms.
Good Luck!

Ken

Jan 29, 2005 | 06:18 PM

PLC7.3

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From: Manitoba

Try jacking up the front wheels and support with stands, then get a channel locks or vise grips. Now grab the drag link and twist the bar while watching the wheel, does it move in and out. Do this on the tie rod to the other side, does the wheel move in and out.

If it does then you are seeing what is happening at higher speeds. Gently twist locking the tie rod ends in opposite directions will stop this wobble.

Last edited by PLC7.3; Jan 29, 2005 at 06:22 PM.

Feb 1, 2005 | 03:26 PM

RANCHHAND

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Joined: Sep 2004

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From: Utah

It sounds like you steering box needs adjusted. Take it to a front end shop and they'll fix it for you.

Feb 1, 2005 | 07:33 PM

cetane anyone ??

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I had a similar problem years ago. It was the tires. I got by for a while by running lower air pressure. Sold it. The new owner put new tires on it. Strange problem. Good luck