2001 Jeep Cherokee Vibration at high speeds (Above 60MPH)

FRONT END SHIMMY AFTER STRIKING A BUMP OR POTHOLE -2001 Jeep Chero...
FRONT END SHIMMY AFTER STRIKING A BUMP OR POTHOLE
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 02-003-03, Date of Issue:  August 29, 2003
JEEP:1999-2001 (XJ) Cherokee (Domestic & International Markets) GROUP:Suspension
Related Ref Number(s): 02-003-03
ARTICLE BEGINNING
OVERVIEW
This bulletin involves the replacement of all four front suspension control arms and the two axle suspension bushings.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION
The customer may experience a self-sustaining front end shimmy or vibration after the vehicle front suspension has struck a bump or pothole. The occurrence of this condition may be intermittent as it may be dependent upon the size bump or pothole that is struck.
DIAGNOSIS
Test drive the vehicle over a road surface that duplicates the customer complaint. If a self-sustaining shimmy is felt and the customer has described the condition perform the Repair Procedure. REPAIR PROCEDURE
Replace the upper and lower front suspension control arms (four in total). Replace each respective axle suspension bushing as each upper control arm is replaced. Refer to the appropriate Cherokee Service Manual for detailed removal and installation instructions.
POLICY
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE I don't know if this one pertains to you, but it's a known defect.

This is not the problem. You have to do better than that. High speed vibration is not the same as hitting potholes and having the front-end shimmy.

Our tech researched your vehicle and found a known defect with your car that could be related to your problem. Since you didn't hit a pothole, at 130,000 miles your suspension could still be wore out enough to shimmy at high speeds. When they replaced your motor did they install new motor mounts? You can try to service the transmission and see if that helps.

Not to mention it DOES not have to be a pothole! The TSB states BUMPS as well, and I don't know about your ara, but bumps are plentiful where I come from!

I am having the transmission serviced and will have the tech look at control arms for wear. Also will see if new engine mounts were put in when the engine was replaced. Thanks for your response.

This was a problem even when your truck was new, and no wear was visible, it may be occuring at this point though. If it has a track bar on it, have them look at that, when the ball end of it under the radiator is worn you can get this problem too..

You may not have a transmission problem at all- My 2000 jeep cherokee did the same thing until I had the front brakes replaced. Afterwards everything has been fine. I was told that sometimes the rotors may not have been balanced properly from the factory and were causing the vibration. Mine would start around 55 mph. If I got over 60 mph the vibration would be less but still there. It was definately worse at 55 though.

I'm happy to report that my jeep at 102,000 mi. has had only one repair made to it during this time (I bought the jeep brand new in 2000)- I blew a lower radiator hose. That was 20,000 mi. ago. I use the thing just about every day and it just keeps starting and running. I never had a better running machine (well, my dodge dakota was a close second- it had 96,000 on it when I traded it- with no repairs during the time).