Abu Dhabi Off-Road Club Forums

Hello, it's been a while.
I own a 2011 JK wrangler sport, manual and my query is about the wheel hop because the other day while I was driving at low speed, the front wheel started hopping violently and then stopped when I halted on the road. I did go over a few speed bumps without slowing down prior to that hop so do you think it was because of that or is this something else. My wife drives the car and I don't want her to get hurt while driving at high speeds so could you please advise. It hasn't happened ever since that one time and it drives normal now but I am just worried it might happen again and I do not want to even sell the car without fixing this issue (if there is one) to avoid any mishaps for the buyer.
The car has 2.5 lift kit from terraflex and bigger tires than stock.
Would really appreciate your suggestions and advise.
Thanks
Idries

Check ur steering stabiliser, it happened to me and went off after changing it.
Is it still stock ?

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Hi Idries. Just a thought based on personally experiencing the same with my JK with Terraflex lift, without aftermarket steering stabiliser. The only time I had the issue (also at low speed) was after a pop out. Car taken into the tyre shop, sand removed from the tyre and all back to normal.
Your problem may not be as simple, but worth a shot.

I don't have a steering stabilizer and it is quite lose to be honest so that may be the problem. I guess I could get it in one of the aftermarket shops right?

Just changed my steering stabilizer on my JKU for an ATS Fox at Off Road House. Took them 40 minutes and a good job.


Georges
JKU 2014
0559740888

That's brilliant so I will get it done from them this weekend. Do you have their location mate?

Idris cannot manage to copy the link using my phone. you can call Rami at off road house on 04 321 6760.


Georges
JKU 2014
0559740888

This may be stating the obvious - but are you in 2 WD or 4 WD. I ask as before swapping to a JKU my previous vehicle was permanent 4x4 and it took me a while to remember to switch back to 2 WD when getting back onto the tarmac in the jeep. You need to be able to allow tyre slip between front and rear axles without a central differential or you will definitely get axle hop/tyre squeal or worse.


Martin

The symptom you are describing is a well known Jeep Wrangler phenomenon called "Death Wobble". Normally caused by worn bushes/loose fastenings on your front suspension components, and/or a worn out steering stabilizer. It tends to happen at low speeds (40-60kmh) and generally after going over a hole in the road, speed bump etc, but can happen on a straight road too. If you are able to and have the tools, get under the front and check everything is tight and check the bushes for wear/damage. If not, get it checked at a garage.

There is lots of information on line and videos on You Tube - check them out.

Another "Jeep Thing" to look forward to then

Thanks guys for your help.
It was definitely on 2wd as I haven't been off-roading in a long time and it happened at low speed 20-30kms per hour and right after I was stupidly going over speed bumps in Arabian ranches.
I will take it to a garage (off road zone or ad4x4 in dubai) to check if everything is as its meant to be and also look to change the steering stabilizer as I have to change it anyway from the stock one.
Hopefully, my traveling will slow down a bit in December and I will join you guys in the newbie trips again. Been a long long time.

I had a similar issue which, after much testing, wiggling and stressing many steering joints turned out to be a loose and worn track bar. Steering stabilizers just mask or reduce the effects of an issue which is usually originating elsewhere. The guys at icon know the common culprits.


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I second Grant's recommendation as to the problem, but have no experience with ICON.

Death Wobble is a suspension problem, not a steering stabilizer problem. You could take the stabilizer off and drive a car (even a JK)with a good suspension without ever encountering death wobble. The steering stabilizer is just there to keep the steering wheel from ripping your thumbs off when you hit a pothole at high speed. (This is also why you should never drive offroad with your thumbs inside the steering wheel).

Putting a big steering stabilizer on may help, but is just covering up an underlying problem. If you take it to a shop and they try to sell you a steering stabilizer to fix it, then you need to find another shop that actually understands the problem.

On a 2011, especially if it gets a lot of offroad use, you are probably due for new suspension bushings anyway. I would recommend you start there. My 2012 JK needed track bar bushings after one year in the desert.

I haven't really done much off reading if at all in the last year or so but you are right I will take it to a garage perhaps off road zone or icon and ask them to do a check. We all know that's basically handing over your atm card to someone but I will take my chances and decide what needs to be done after the check.
Thanks again guys.

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Attached is the quote
This is the quote I got from AEV after their diagnosis but I don't think I need all of those things except for may be steering stabilizer and ball joints!
Can someone please suggest if I should go for only that or with all of their recommendations?
I need to let them know today.
Thanks