Jeeps have become quite the favorite ride for some people, give their military heritage and sturdy outlook.
However, if you own a jeep wrangler, you might be familiar with intense vibration, the annoying clunk that comes out of the front end.
What is this vibration, and what causes it? Given the sophisticated engineering and a high-end design, this problem can easily be get rid of.
However, according to many, the vibration is still present in the new models. Does that mean it’s mistaken as a problem?
This article will provide answers to all such questions related to a jeep wrangler. If you are into finding out more, keep on reading.
Before getting into further discussion, let’s first talk about what this tremble is. When the steering wheel of a vehicle starts to shake violently once the car reaches a considerably high speed
This vibration fades away as you decrease the speed to 50mph.
Why Jeep JK Vibration at Highway Speeds?
The answer lies in the balance of the shafts as a problem in that area mainly causes it.
First, you need to identify where the vibration is originating; it is either the front or the rear side where the shafts are present.
To get rid of this vibration, you need first to balance the front end of the rare shaft. The rear shaft can also be the culprit. If the rear shaft is unbalanced, there can be an annoyingly loud noise causing the jeep to vibrate.
If you don’t take appropriate care of your ride’s gear, things can get problematic. Hence, another reason behind the vibration can be a problem with the U-joint. A damaged u-joint can cause vibration under the jeep, which can increase as you accelerate.
If nothing works, the problem might lie in the lower control arm; worn-out bushings might be the issue here.
Damaged bushings can harm another drivetrain component, so make sure to fix it if something is wrong there.
How to identify Which Shaft Creates Vibration?
If you think the problem lies in the driveshaft, you can check it by driving without one. Take off the driveshaft and go in two-wheel drive mode.
If the vibration goes away completely, the problem was with the front driveshaft. But hang on a moment. What if the vibration continues?
In that case, reattach the front driveshaft and remove the rear one; operate in four-wheel mode, which you can call a front-wheel drive. The vibration is likely to stop.
If it still goes on and you feel you’re banging your head against a wall. Don’t worry as the problem is more straightforward to deal with, like something wrong with the tires, etc.
How to Remove the Driveshaft?
As you will have to take off the drive shafts to check and eliminate the cause of vibration in your jeep, here’s how you do it. I have tried to simplify things with this 4-step guide for you.
Here is what you’ll need:
- A jack and a jack stand
- A wrench
- Some tape
Start by jacking up the jeep and secure it in its place using jack stands.
Engage the jeep into a four-wheel-drive; it will help you remove the nuts easily.
Next up, remove the bolts using a wrench, and you’ll be easily able to detach the shaft.
Tip: tape up the joint to avoid losing any bearing caps.
However, if the shaft doesn’t seem to work that well, you can always keep an option for buying a new one. Here are some recommendations: these are some of the best driver shafts in the market
Yukon Gear & Axle (YDS002) Performance Driveshaft
It is a USA-made driver shaft that increases the angle up to 26 degrees, reducing the vibration up to a great extent. The installation is pretty easy and quick too.
The sturdy design allows you to drive on and off-road without much worry as it upgrades over stock drivelines. See the latest price of Yukon Gear Performance Driveshaft
Yukon Gear & Axle (YDS007) Performance Driveshaft
It is the best for a 4.5″ lift. It is recommended to use U-bolts/joints for optimal performance.
You get all the installation hardware included in the package, and everything is manufactured in the USA, which speaks quality. See the latest price of Yukon GearPerformance Driveshaft
Why Jeep Wrangler Vibrates at 30 mph?
I have seen people talking all over the internet about another problem that seems familiar within the jeep wrangler.
They complain that the jeep vibrates, even at 30mph. It happens due to an unbalanced driver shaft or improperly installed tires.
The latter might only be a cause if you recently changed your tires. Check for the rims; there can be a bent there that is causing the vibration. Don’t forget to make sure all tires are balanced.
For a quick fix, rotate the tires and take them for a test drive. It should fix the problem. If not, then you might have to look deeper into it.
Check if all four tires are balanced; if this doesn’t seem to be the problem, it’s the driveshaft that requires balancing.
Why Does a Jeep Wrangler Vibrate at 40 mph, 50 mph at 70 mph?
A common reason behind this kind of vibration is the misbalance in the driver shaft, leading to trembling caused by the noise produced.
Therefore, your first go-to should be the driver shaft; look for misbalance in the front and rear shaft. To check where the problem lies, remove each shaft one by one and take your jeep for a test drive.
If the vibration stops at any point, you’ll know where the problem was, front or rear shaft.
You may also want to give the U-joints and bearing a check. There can be an issue thee due including wear and tear or some damage.
Why Jeep Wrangler Front-end Vibration?
If it’s the front end, you should check the front driveshaft first—the vibration in the front end occurs when the front driveshaft is unbalanced.
In such a case, it starts to produce a loud clatter, which results in vibration of the front side of the jeep wrangler.
To rectify the situation, detach the shaft and take it to the nearest auto shop to bring back its lost balance, and you’ll be good to go. There are many other similar cases regarding the vibration in the jeep wrangler. Let’s discuss a few.
Why Jeep Wrangler Vibrates While Turning?
Some people complain that the wrangler vibrates while turning. The leading cause behind it is a problem with the wheel bearing.
To check if you’ve got a bad wheel bearing, grab the top of your jeep’s tire and give it a jolt. Keep doing so until you can tell there is a bad wheel bearing. If you feel a movement or if it has a give-back to it, check your tracbars.
Turn on the ignition and move the vehicle back and forth. If you hear a rattle, it means your tracbars are loose.
Always double-check tracbars to ensure they are torqued correctly along. All tires must be in balance with one another, so give it a couple of checks as it’s hard to tell in just one try.
Another cause can be the sway bars. Try tightening them, and that should fix your problem. Now let’s come to the importance of rotating oil change.
I used to hardly rotate my 33″ BFG MT’s, which caused it to wear unevenly, and my jeep began to experience vibration.
I realized my mistake when I got my 35’s. There was a substantial difference in the ride with no vibrations whatsoever. Hence, make sure to rotate every oil change, so it wears out evenly.
Why Does the Jeep Wrangler Shake at Highway Speed?
If you ever get on to the highway and notice that your jeep starts to vibrate at your speed, it might happen due to unbalanced tires.
The reason can also be the shack in the steering, but if you don’t find an issue there, it is the tires.
The vehicle might also vibrate at highway speed when the driveshafts have a poor angle, so look for that.
We’re not through yet. What if all the things mentioned above are fine and there is still vibration? In such a case, look into the rotor clips. Take these off and give it a test drive.
Why Jeep Wrangler Vibrates at an Idle State?
I don’t consider it as that big of an issue. From 3.6 to 13; if you count 3.6 JL, they all did it, so it’s pretty normal. Now, how can you avoid this problem?
Apply very little pressure on the brake pedal when you put the vehicle in the ignition. I did the same, and there hasn’t been a single squeak in weeks.
You can also use jeep wrangler stabilizers to eliminate the vibrations and absorb all kinds of shocks. I have listed some recommendations if you would like to look more into it:
Why Do You Need a Steering Stabilizer?
A steering stabilizer is not just a secondary piece of equipment. I consider it pretty primary. The reason is when your jeep hits a curb or something bulky, and you do not have a stabilizer to absorb the shock, the impact goes directly to the dragline into the steering box.
In this case, the steering box starts to wear out prematurely; it either gets ripped off completely or becomes very sensitive if you are lucky enough not to have it completely ruined. I know what you are thinking. Would the stabilizer completely prevent the damage? Uh, no. it won’t, but with a stabilizer, the degree of damage reduces up to a great extent, and the vibration comes down to almost negligible.
TeraFlex 09-02-22-110-000 Steering Stabilizer
It is one of the best choices in the market as it offers Equal Force (EF) side-to-side resistance that results in steady steering wheel response.
It provides quick adjustment in three compressions which makes the operation easy and fast. With this stabilizer, you can get rid of vibration in no time. See The Latest Price of TeraFlex Stabilizer
FOX 985-24-001 Steering Stabilizer
If you want high-end performance with sturdiness, this one is for you. It has a powder-coated one-piece alloy body which ensures strength and durability.
The notable feature is that it is 100% functional, which means it’s tunable, so it goes a long way.
This stabilizer has Teflon-lined spherical bearings that are heat-treated; with a redundant Sealing system, it offers long-lasting performance. See The Latest Price of FOX Stabilizer
Also Read: What Does a Steering Stabilizer Do?