Wobbling Steering Wheel!

Hi floks,

We have almost finished the restoration proces of the our CJ5 1955! we decided to do a 100% original work and We are very happy with the final result. see bellow some pics.

At the moment we have a problem that we have not been able to resolve: a stronhevy Wobbling steering wheel!

This happens when the car starts to move forward and the only way to correct it is to stop and restart. especially when the car is going uphill. when the car is moving fast, there is no such problem.

From your point of view, what should we do to correct the problem?

Thanks in advance.

 

Wow this is a beautiful Jeep. As far as the steering goes, check all your connections, starting at the steering knuckles, to the tie rod ends, to the bell crank, the bell crank pivot, "Ross" steering box, and the steering wheel itself. You should also make sure the ross box adjustment screw is set correctly.

 

Very nice!

I don’t see any wheel weights. Did you have your wheels/tires balanced?

 

Juan-search the site for "death wobble" There should be a wealth of information. In short, you need to go through the entire steering mechanism, king pin bearings, and wheel bearings and make sure it is all in order. The first two places I would be looking at is the Ross box itself and the bell crank needle bearings. Also search for "tight steer". Those do work.

As above-nice Jeep!

 

Beautiful Jeep!!!!!!

 

Juan: Where did you acquire the top?

 

Tjank you.
indeed when I search for "death wobble" I find a lot of information. I will keep you informed.

 

"Death Wobble." Fix anything loose in the steering system. Don't overlook the king pin (knuckle) bearings.

A steering damper (stabilizer) can help, but is not a true solution.

 

Double-check the toe-in setting on the front tires/wheels. The top looks like one from India?
Nice Jeep. -Donny

 

I put a Steering damper on my Jeep it made all the difference in the world. Good Luck

 

That is a beautiful Jeep! I also would like to know where you got the top.

 

Yes, toe-in and tire balance. As long as all the steering parts are new or in good condition.

My understanding of "death wobble" is a little different. I believe the term originated in Jeep circles with the lifted XJ, and is peculiar to coil-sprung Jeeps. Supposedly it's a sudden violent slamming of the tires left and right. So violent that the driver must immediately come to a full stop.

In 1973, Jeep came out with a steering damper kit as a cure for the front end wobble in the CJs. No damper from the factory before that. This was not the death wobble. Instead, it's a vibration at boulevard speeds that you can feel through the steering wheel. Not bad enough to force you off the road, but not something a new car should do. If you have a "death wobble" something serious is wrong with the steering mechanics.

 

Not sure about the terminological history, but I had a '56 that taught me all about it in the early 70's. It weren't no "vibration."

Exactly that violent slamming, it would indeed run the jeep off the road unless I braked to walking speed. No coil springs involved.

 

The best way to look for loose front steering or suspension components I have found with death wobble is to find a willing volunteer. Have them sit in the driver’s seat and slowly move the steering wheel back and forth from slack to slack. While they are doing that carefully watch each TRE, steering joint, suspension component and front axle. While more common with coil front suspensions, it happens to leaf springs as well.

Jack

 

Can confirm. I’ve had it on leaf sprung and coil sprung rigs. New and old steering/suspension components. All were ultimately fixed with tire balancing or re-balancing, which is why I brought it up in the beginning of this thread. OP hasn’t confirmed if the tires are balanced...

 

Death wobble knows no manufacturers it is an equal opportunity offender. Try it in an Oshkosh sander rig not fun.

 

Also check the caster angle. You may need to add degree shims.

 

I Know someone who did it in South America.
I bought the accessories: Beachwood canvas
Windows: Marin material in US
The canvas (tarpaulin) french material

 

Concerning thé top: ok
I Know someone who did it in South America.
I bought the accessories: Beachwood canvas
Windows: Marin material in US
The canvas (tarpaulin) french material

 

Complete with overdrive. Nice.