sven
Adventurer
Alright, maybe 99.9% then
Death wobble...?!
- Thread starter LtFuzz
- Start date
Alright, maybe 99.9% then
Nah, that 25% can always be explained. I've had two bouts with death wobble over the years. The first was a horrible death wobble that ended up being swivel preload. The second was a bad panhard bushing, but the wobble wasn't nearly as bad.
It's interesting how a tiny difference in swivel preload can have a huge impact in the wobble.
Mr. Jeeper, again you are headed down the wrong road. No need to mess with caster to get rid of a death wobble on a LR.
galen216
Adventurer
To support Rupp's comment when I bought my RRC it had a relocated dampner AND a OEM located dampner. Once one was removed the wobble was obvious.
Sven and I did the preload, panhard bushings were brand new. In my case it was 100% swivel preload. Truck drove like a dream after that.
ipgregory
Adventurer
Good point on the verbiage Mike. I should have emphasised that a faulty steering damper is likely only part of the problem not the cause, the cause is almost certainly a mix of worn components.
Like everybody else my money is on the preload and the PHR Bushings with maybe some loose wheel bearings in the mix but I'll throw in that the tires are probably slightly out of balance and when he reaches the sweet speed it starts the whole shooting match going.
Like everybody else my money is on the preload and the PHR Bushings with maybe some loose wheel bearings in the mix but I'll throw in that the tires are probably slightly out of balance and when he reaches the sweet speed it starts the whole shooting match going.
kellymoe
Expedition Leader
It's happened to me on two separate rovers and both times it was worn panhard rod bushings. You need two people to check them, one to turn the steering wheel and the other to look for play in the bolt that passes through the bushing. If there is any play in the bushing it will cause the symptoms described.
Fivespddisco
Supporting Sponsor
I want to play too.
41% Panhard 34% king pin 18% tire 5% bearing 2% driver.
41% Panhard 34% king pin 18% tire 5% bearing 2% driver.
Don't you have trust in the powers of the mighty internet and a forum to solve this problem remotely without getting your hands oily?
LtFuzz
Explorer
Yeah, I have access to a free lift and I'll be using it sometime in the next few days.
Michael Slade
Untitled
I have noticed a fine balance between the swivel pin preload (I'm with Sven on this one...), AND not enough toe-in on the alignment.
Start with the pre-load. My bet is that you have some busted parts in there...
Start with the pre-load. My bet is that you have some busted parts in there...
LtFuzz
Explorer
Well, I can't make heads or tails of it. There isn't a component in the front end that sticks out. Everything looks good and tight. The left panhard rod bushing looks a little rough, but I simply don't have the expertise to make a solid diagnosis. I certainly don't have the knowledge/space/tools etc. to make a go at the swivel preload. The ball-joints are weeping, but not significantly and I can't tell if they're shot or just Rover-y. I've got a power-steering leak too (happened after the death wobble), dripping all over the driver's side panhard bushing -- fortunately I can fix both of those.
Gonna throw in the towel -- I found an indie shop down here willing to check it out for me. Guy's been a Jag mechanic for 40 years and has worked on Rovers. I figured if he makes a living working on Jaguars he should be able to handle my Rover without much frustration!
I'll be sure to let you all know what the issues were.
Gonna throw in the towel -- I found an indie shop down here willing to check it out for me. Guy's been a Jag mechanic for 40 years and has worked on Rovers. I figured if he makes a living working on Jaguars he should be able to handle my Rover without much frustration!
I'll be sure to let you all know what the issues were.
Oilworker
Explorer
I´ve had it in the past driving home from Mongolia and have witnessed it with a few friends since then. Take out the panhard rod and check the bushings.
I my case the rubber was completely gone but manually checking for any play showed no movement at all. Only when unbolting it all the pieces fell out.
Other than that...well wheel nuts should be checked regularly and the radius arm bushings may be getting old, too.
In some place in Europe there are serious problems with eco-activists untightening wheel nuts/bolts at night!
I my case the rubber was completely gone but manually checking for any play showed no movement at all. Only when unbolting it all the pieces fell out.
Other than that...well wheel nuts should be checked regularly and the radius arm bushings may be getting old, too.
In some place in Europe there are serious problems with eco-activists untightening wheel nuts/bolts at night!