For a while now I have had a slight wobble to the front wheels when I get over 50mph. The wobble would come and go - some days it was there, some days it was not.
Then, as expected, it slowly got worse. To the stage that going over 50mph was dangerous as the steering wheel felt like it would fall off the vibrations were that bad.
The MOT was due so I thought if something was worn enough to be causing the problem then it would be found. After all the swivel bearings, ball joints, suspension bushes must be really worn for it to shake like it does.
It passed!
Checking the front I could find no movement in any joint either. However, I had a long motorway journey coming up so I had to do something. A quick check showed that track rod ends are £3.50 + vat at the Landrover Supermarket so starting with the cheaper parts I popped down to them and collected three.
One hour after starting the job all three track rod ends were swapped. Sealed for life with greasable ones. The drop arm and steering geometry all set up....time for a test dive.
Perfect! Not a wobble or tremor.
Checking the old track rod ends I can feel no wear in them but two do have a 'notchy' feeling to them. However, for £16 and an hour lying on the floor all is now good.
So if you too have death wobble this might be a cheap way to start diagnosis......
Then, as expected, it slowly got worse. To the stage that going over 50mph was dangerous as the steering wheel felt like it would fall off the vibrations were that bad.
The MOT was due so I thought if something was worn enough to be causing the problem then it would be found. After all the swivel bearings, ball joints, suspension bushes must be really worn for it to shake like it does.
It passed!
Checking the front I could find no movement in any joint either. However, I had a long motorway journey coming up so I had to do something. A quick check showed that track rod ends are £3.50 + vat at the Landrover Supermarket so starting with the cheaper parts I popped down to them and collected three.
One hour after starting the job all three track rod ends were swapped. Sealed for life with greasable ones. The drop arm and steering geometry all set up....time for a test dive.
Perfect! Not a wobble or tremor.
Checking the old track rod ends I can feel no wear in them but two do have a 'notchy' feeling to them. However, for £16 and an hour lying on the floor all is now good.
So if you too have death wobble this might be a cheap way to start diagnosis......
