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Am sure this may have been done to death, although if it helps, I have done some research so aware that this is not black and white and could be a few things. Taken the Jimny on the road today for the first time since welding, MoT etc. I had never driven it, or one before.
Between 50 & 60 the steering wheel shaking starts and can feel the wobble. Its not horrendous, but certainly noticeable and not ideal and I would like to cure.
Can anyone advise their suggestion for the first thing to check/replace - King Pin Bearings?
In case its relevant, mine is 2006, 1.3 JLX+, standard original wheels and 48K miles.
If the wobble can be replicated at a specific speed it's not a "death wobble", it's a speed wobble, and you start by balancing the wheels.
Wobble of death is caused by loose/worn steering & suspension components and can be resolved by determining, where the looseness is and remedying that - in extreme cases you'll have to go through the entire front end, piece by piece.
Kingpin wobble is USUALLY around 48 to 52 mph but not exclusively. Tyre wobble is usually 55 mph and above. Unfortunately you are right in the range for either. It's also worth noting that kingpin bearings can manifest as being solid in wet rusty goo and will create wobble without being obviously loose or having any vertical movements. Jimny front axle and steering is one of the most finicky and sensitive ones to get right.
Interesting, thanks. Having read about the death wobble I just assumed thats what it is, ignoring the obvious about wheels....as you say, logical first step.
Thanks for your input. Having driven it a second time, it does seem to be above 50mph when it starts, most noticeable 54 to 60 I think. If taking hands off the steering wheel, it is oscillating. Will get wheels taken off and balanced first and hope thats the issue. It has only done 48K miles, so maybe less chance of it being the wobble problem than if higher mileage(maybe)....
When test driving mine before buying there was a speed wobble at 80 km/h, but the seller knew nathin' about it when asked. I bought it anyway and within a month it was gone all by itself.
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