Symptoms
Violent side-to-side shaking of the steering wheel and front axle, usually at 45–65 mph after a bump or bridge seam, which stops only when you slow right down.
The fix, step by step
- Check the front track bar first: with the engine running, have a helper turn the wheel a quarter turn each way while you watch both ends.
- If the bar moves without the bolt, or one end moves and the other doesn't, the bushing or bracket is worn.
- ExtremeTerrain lists the frame-side bolt at 125 ft-lb.
- Then work through the ball joints, tie-rod and drag-link ends, control-arm bushings and wheel bearings, and check tire balance and pressure.
- Replace whatever is loose, re-torque everything with the Jeep on the ground, and get an alignment.
- Quadratec and ExtremeTerrain both warn that a new steering stabilizer only hides the cause.
Tools & part numbers
- Helper
- torque wrench
- large sockets
- pry bar
- floor jack and stands
- paint pen to mark bolts.
Where to buy the parts
Mopar front track bar 52059982AG, 2007–2018 JKQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown Automotive front track bar 52059982AD, 2007–2018 JKQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Teraflex 835770 track bar bushing, 2007–2018 JKQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
JK track bars (stock and adjustable)ExtremeTerrain ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.