1998 Jeep Cherokee Fast ANOYING Vibration >55mph

Tiny
98CHEROKEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 JEEP CHEROKEE
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
I just bought an 1998 Cherokee with 160,000 miles on it. It has been female driven and Dealer maintained for its long life. Looks good inside and out, even the oil at 3,000 miles is pretty clean. There is one problem I cannot figure out, nor can the mechanics I've taken it to. This ridiculous vibration above 55 mph! The tires and wheels have been checked. The rear-end was badly in need of a bearing kit, I had a local transmission specialist rebuild it and put two new wheel bearings at the end of the axel shafts. Drive shaft and U-joints checked out (straight shaft - no bearing there), the front end components all look pretty new and are tight. I am getting ready to replace the drums and shoes in the back but seriously doubt that could be it. The front calipers look good and rotors / pads look fairly new too.

The vibration starts around 55mph and gets progressively worse the faster you go, it seems to be at a much higher rotation than the tires are moving which leads me to believe it is in the drive-train, but where? It feels as though a massager has been attached to the body of the vehicle, seems to be everywhere! I cannot pinpoint a place of origin. I drive back roads to avoid highway speeds because it is driving me crazy! Any advice would be greatly appreciated and could save me from the men in white!

Thanks.
Sunday, March 2nd, 2008 AT 7:07 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
These have had a problem with a steering vibration dampner. You either need the superceded one form the dealer or a heavy duty one from the aftermarket. Probably safer going the route of the dealer on it, but you must tell them the reason for replacement. There is a service bulletin on this.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_dampner_3.jpg

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Sunday, March 2nd, 2008 AT 7:10 AM
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Got your PM

Other potential sources can be an unbalanced driveshaft or axleshaft, a differential problem. I have heard of a tail housing bearing and bushing in the transfer case, and steering gear box problems.

Best to check on a lift to try to narrow it down. Problem is running it at a high speed while it's off the ground can cause damage to the cv joints at they are extended out.
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Saturday, March 15th, 2008 AT 11:06 AM

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