Front end shudder

[Slither]

Hi,I have a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo,6cyl,auto.I was driving at highway speed and crosed a rough patch of road.The front end began to shudder like it was all falling off.I pulled over ,and found nothing obvious.I tried resuming and all was fine.It did it again afew minutes later ,and about an hour after that,stopping seemed to erase the problem.It is intermittent and at speed,usually after hitting a rough patch,or bump.I can drive all day in the city,on smooth streets,at lower speeds,no problem.I was told it may be the steering damper,Which isnt laeking,but may be worn out.Any ideas,Thanks.

[croozer]

Originally Posted by Slither

Hi,I have a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo,6cyl,auto.I was driving at highway speed and crosed a rough patch of road.The front end began to shudder like it was all falling off.I pulled over ,and found nothing obvious.I tried resuming and all was fine.It did it again afew minutes later ,and about an hour after that,stopping seemed to erase the problem.It is intermittent and at speed,usually after hitting a rough patch,or bump.I can drive all day in the city,on smooth streets,at lower speeds,no problem.I was told it may be the steering damper,Which isnt laeking,but may be worn out.Any ideas,Thanks.

Also known as "The death wobble" Look it up here on the site, There can be one of many reasons and repairs.

[Slither]

Wow,I guess its a common problem.A friend had this happen last year on his,spent a few thousand,allnew front end parts,and brakes,still had it.He is away for the holidays,so I cant ask what finally solved it.I am going to try the stabilizer tomorrow,its only 40$.Thanks for the reply.

[JeepForever]

I replaced the steering stabilizer on my '94 Jeep GC and it reduced the problem, but I still had occasional death wobble. Then I replaced the front track bar and I haven't had a problem since then.

[Slither]

Well,had the steering stabilizer replaced,3 mechanics looked at it.All is well,have driven over the same stretch of road a few times now and no shake.The steering has less wander now too.When it was on the hoist,they showed me they could wiggle one tire and the other moved very easily.Cost 43$ for part and a half hour labour.Thanks guys..