2004 Jeep Wrangler Front Suspension

JEFF AYALA

MEMBER
2004 JEEP WRANGLER
6 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
54,000 MILES

I have a 2004 Jeep Wrangler that has a noticable shake that begins around 40 MPH and progressively worsening at higher speeds. I have new brakes/pads/rotors/drums all away around. New tires that are balanced and no bent rims. I've inspected the front end and have no visible defects or abnormal tire wear. Can you help advise which component/s may be the most likely problem? Also, I don't have any aftermarket lift kit and am running slightly larger than factory spec BF Goodrich all terrain TA tires.

Friday, November 28th, 2008 AT 12:01 PM

4 Replies

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

My first thought is, you have a front tire out of round or possible cord seperation. You can check by moving your front tires to the rear and vise/versa, and see if the shake follows or goes away. I have brand new tires off the shelf go bad in a couple weeks causing your same problem. Let us know.

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Friday, November 28th, 2008 AT 12:20 PM

JEFF AYALA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

This problem was present before replacing my tires a few months ago so it is probably another component.

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Friday, November 28th, 2008 AT 5:10 PM

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

OK, that pretty much rules out tires. Next stop is a bad outboard drive axle joint or a joint on the forward shaft. 40 to 45 mph is usually when a bad drive shaft joint will show up. Also, are the front shocks good?

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Friday, November 28th, 2008 AT 8:08 PM

MECHCURT

MEMBER
184 POSTS

Dont mean to cut in on the last tech. Check to ensure that the bushings in the front tracking bar are good and all is tight and also make sure the steering dampner shock is working correctly and its bushings are tight. Let us know if this helps thanks Curt

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Monday, December 1st, 2008 AT 10:07 PM