Front Wheel Shake

Twice my wife has experienced uncontrollable shaking of the front tires and steering wheel. Both times it has been when her 96 GC has crossed the same bump in the asphalt on a local road. It has not happened with other rough spots in the road. Speed is 40 mph. First time after she pulled off the road and checked to see if she had a damaged tire, she resumed her trip home with no other problems. I checked out the suspension and wheels and could not find any problems. Now three months later it happened again. This time I was with her and witnessed the steering wheel going wild and the severe shaking of the front end. If that was to occur at high speed it would be all over. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what is happening? Obviously something in the way the GC hits this specific bump it starts a gyration in the suspension, but what piece is failing? This shaking is so bad I don’t think the steering damper (which I need to replace) could absorb the shaking if it was new.

Thanks,
Rich

Welcome to AF Wino (if you haven't been welcomed before otherwise welcome again)

Death wobble is not uncommon in Jeeps and other vehicles with similar suspension and steering. I've even had it show up in a Nissan 2wd.

use the forum search to look for "death wobble" in the jeep section

There is also a piece in the sticky (things to know about grand cheroees http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=411199 )at the top of the JGC section list.

If you have any more questions after you "digest" all that info - ask away!!

Enjoy the forum

JD

Go get your tires balances and a wheel aligment and let me know how it drives after that.