Steering Issue While Braking

[Kuhn]

I don't have major issues with bump steering, but when I brake the Jeep wants to swerve all over the road... more than other lifted trucks I've driven. I have an upgraded shock for the steering stabilizer, but is that just not enough with 35s? Is it time to upgrade to a dual steering stabilizer system? FYI I have about 3.5'' of suspension lift and 14.5'' wide super swamper Bogger tires. Thanks for any and all info.

[Kuhn]

Well... It's not the tire pressure but the stabilizer shock is a little corroded. I may need to replace that shock, but it is just as old as the others... Maybe the 35s are just too much. I'll update as I work on this issue.

[fredjacksonsan]

When you say "all over the road" is that literally, or does it swerve to one side?

I'm thinking that there is some play in the front end that's allowing this to happen, so check your alignment and front end parts.

You can also apply the brakes when at a stop, then try to move the vehicle forward a bit; an alert spotter may be able to spot the deflection point.

[Kuhn]

It's not consistantly swerving to one side. It depends on where I am in relation to the grooves in the road. There does not seem to be much play in the steering (meaning that I can feel the Jeep respond when I steer from one side to the other), but that's definately worth checking. I really want to put the stock wheels/tires on and see how it reacts...

If smaller tires fix the issue, what might be needed for the 35s? Dual steering stabilizer? Different tires? Less attentive driver? Thanks!

[Kuhn]

OK... I did a little more research. If you have a bias ply (non-radial) tire, it will have a distorted footprint when traveling at higher speeds causing it to wander at freeway speeds due to the grooves in the road. Super Swamper Boggers (which I use) are not such tires. But I think I read that the wider the tire, the more likely it is to wander, due to grooves, and mine are 14.5''. Since I want to keep these tires I am going to have to check the control arm assembly first. Then I may need to consider crossover steering, which I think ORU makes the necessary parts for.

Anybody have any oppinions on Crossover Steering? Thanks!

[Kuhn]

I could just use a drop pitman arm insteadof the crossover steering...

[scoutinkeith]

I'm going to assume that you have a TJ(since you mentioned control arms).
cross-over steering would definatly be an improvement over the stock setup, however, before spending a lot of money on it, I'd check everything in the front end first.
as you mentioned, check the control arm bushings; also check the track bar mounting points, and all the tie rod ends in the steering.
you can check most of these by having someone turn the steering wheel wile you watch these parts for movement.
also, check the ball joints and unit-hubs, to check these, jack one (front) tire off of the ground and grab it at the 6 and 12-o-clock positons, and try to wiggle it. if it moves, look from the back side of the tire to see if the play is coming from the ball joints or the hub.

also, it's a good idea to check the caster angle and toe, as both of those could cause wandering if they are out of adjustment.

good luck,
Keith

[Kuhn]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thank you. I'll update once I check for play in the steering.

[Ray H]

Its true that big tire will amplify everything but before you go replacing stuff, try this experiment.
Find a flat, ungrooved smooth surface like a parking lot. At speed, let go of the steering wheel and hit the brakes. Do this a few times. If the steering wheel consistantly turns to one direction (the jeep may veer slightly in the opposite direction), youve got bump steer because your drag link and trackbar are not parallel. A drop pitman will help but only if you relocate the trackbar to keep everything parallel. Crossover is better but more $$$$.
If it just randomly swerves back and forth, its something else. A HD steering stabilizer or dual stabilizer may get rid of it but it wont cure it, just mask it.

[bloodyprice]

it sounds here that everyone is looking at the chassis when i hear faulty caliper, your brake caliper could be sticking, which when braking could be pushing against the pad more to one side causing a pull.

you can get a remanufactured brake caliper from advance auto parts for less then $50.

it has happened to me before, and ill bet thats what it is.