Jeep: 99 jeep cherokee, death wobble, jeep cherokee

Question
I own a 99 jeep cherokee and a few weeks ago it started to vibrate uncontrollably in the front end.  I replaced the steering stablizer but the vibration continues. It normally happens after hitting a bump or when i slow down.  It seems to only vibrate around 50-55 mph. While replacing the stabilzer, I did not see anything else. I have many friends with jeeps and changing the stabilzer worked for them. What else should i check? Is the job a "do it yourself" or should i take it to a mechanic?

Answer
Hi Dan,

Yes, take it to a reputable front end shop, or the dealer. The steering shock is a great place to start -- they commonly fail -- but after that, DIY is mostly exhausted. Vibrations can be anything from water in the tire (or broken loose fix-a-flat), to out-of-round rotors (you also said on slowing down), to poor propeller shaft U-joints, but one thing's for sure -- they can be very dangerous. I've driven many Jeeps with the 'death-wobble', and some can jerk the steering wheel right out of your hand. You mentioned hitting bumps, and that takes braking, and possibly U-joints out of the picture.

There is a Technical Service Bulletin, #02-003-03, with the title "Front End Shimmy After Striking A Bump Or Pothole". This deals with front end inspection, and possible replacement of both upper and lower control arms and bushings -- pretty major suspension work. I'd definitely, without a doubt, start here.

Good luck!