The Myth About Death Wobble and Steering Stabilizers
Understanding How Steering Stabilizers Work
A steering stabilizer connects to a stabilizer link, which is connected to your vehicle’s suspension. A steering stabilizer is also commonly called a steering damper, and it functions to absorb abrupt movements (such as when you notice a cute kitten in the road at the last second and turn your wheel to miss it). Such sharp movements would almost certainly result in partial or total loss of control of the vehicle if the steering stabilizer were not present.
So, we can see that steering stabilizers are very important and can protect you from injury or death on the road. But the problem with the blanket claim that these stabilizers will protect against “the wobble of death” is that they can’t and won’t always provide adequate protection.
The wobble of death (or death wobble, as it’s commonly called), refers to the violent vibrations that impact the steering wheel when you drive above 40-45 mph (though it can also potentially happen when you’re going slower than that). Steering stabilizers are lauded as the fix for this dangerous phenomenon, but they aren’t always effective.
Why Lifted Vehicles Are More Susceptible to Wobbling
Keep in mind that the wobble of death isn’t just caused by a violently vibrating steering wheel. It’s also caused by violent vibrations of any and all steering wheel components. Once you’ve had a suspension upgrade, you need to be especially vigilant to make sure your vehicle is protected against the wobble of death. The only way you’ll know for sure is if you get under your vehicle and inspect every single component of your suspension and steering systems. While it’s true the wobble of death can impact any vehicle, it’s known for happening in lifted rigs.
The propensity for violent wobbling can be due to incorrectly installed suspension or steering components. It can also be caused by faulty drag links, bushings, track bars, ball joints, and other parts. While a steering stabilizer can help minimize the risk of violent wobbling, it’s essential to make sure the one that’s installed is new and in good condition. Sometimes installing an old steering stabilizer can give you a false sense of security but fail you in the most dire situations.
Take Precautionary Measures
Whether you plan to lift your Jeep or leave it as-is, you should be hyper-vigilant in minimizing any risk of experiencing the wobble of death. While making sure your steering stabilizer is in good working condition, don’t rely solely on that piece of equipment to keep you safe. Remember to also inspect other aspects of your steering and suspension systems to make sure every part is installed properly and is in good condition.
If you have any doubt about your ability to detect potential issues that might lead to the wobble of death, don’t put that type of stress on your shoulders. Take your vehicle to a shop and have a professional mechanic check things out for you. A professional inspection can reveal things that you might have missed on your own and can give you greater peace of mind that your vehicle is safe to drive.
Recommended Steering Premium Brands
If you have any doubt about what brands to choose. Check out some of our top picks: TRQ Steering & Suspension, Steer Smarts, RockJock, and RT Off-Road.
