Hi, I have a 1998 1.3 Suzuki swift that has a violent wobble at the front end. its not tires, balance or bearings as this was all done in its mot last week. cant seem to see any obvious problems with parts etc. any suggestions?

SOURCE: Front End Problems

first i would check the tires , are they cupped or chopped on the tread? run your hand over the tread and see if it feels rough and uneven. take the truck to a auto repair shop and have them jack both front and rear axles off the ground, put the truck in 2 wheel drive and run the speedometer to the speed you usually hear the roaring noise, if you don't hear the noise , put the truck in 4 wheel drive, turn off the traction assist if it has one and run it to the speed you would hear the noise. if you hear the roaring noise with tires off the ground, the problem is in the drivetrain, (engine, transmission, transfer case, u-joints, differentials or the front left or right cv halfshafts or u-joints). the older models (97 98) had the front two driveshafts from the differential turning all the time, they engaged in 4 wheel drive from the transfer case and a solenoid on the front differential. depending on the miles you have on this truck, the most likely areas i would look at would be the tires, u-joints/cv joints, and front and rear wheel bearings. thanks and good luck.

SOURCE: death wobble

My Death Wobble started immediately after I installed a set of Coil Spring Spacers (to lift 1.75 inches) on my stock 2005 Jeep Wrangler X. Turned out, the DW was because while changing the height, I also lowered the CASTER angle in the front end. So, to fix it, I could have purchased a set of eccentric bolts for $50+. Instead I went out and purchased a piece of 1.5 inch flat bar for $10 from OSH. I cut out 4 1.5 inch squares. Then i drilled 7/16 inch holes centerline, but close to one side (in exactly the same place) on all for squares. I then removed the lower control arm bolts, nuts and washers. I installed these square offset washers I made so the front axle would be pushed forward (to increase the Caster angle). The toe setting changed a bit, so I reset them to about 1/8 inch toe in. After driving my Jeep, I noticed there is no more DW. The steering wheel was off center, but after 3 attempts, I have that perfectly centered. I have every intension of having the alignment checked, but not till after I find the new tires I want. If anyone is interested, I can draw out and photograph the cure and send it to you. My e-mail is bb62471(at)yahoo(dot)com.

SOURCE: death wobble

when they did the alignment did they notice anything broke or missing? most shops will not do alignment unless everything looks brand new. these vehicles along with the cherokee and grand cherokee are notorous for the sway bar end links breaking up towards the top of the link. check that and grad both driveshaft and push up and down and pull side to side on them if there is movement then change the u-joints. when alignment was done did they do 2 or 4 wheel alignment? rear mount could be broke also, depends on what set-up you have and how hard the person before you was on the jeep. they are alot more things this could be also? are the tires wearing different? check all 4 for signs, inside worn more then outside, cupping, feathering etc. just lay your hand flat and run it across the tire should go pretty smooth. this could also be a steering problem, you emntioned that it does not do it all the time? start checking these things if you haven't already and let me know i would love to help im a jeep fan also i own two of them. good luck and let me know

SOURCE: 2001 Lexus ES300: front end wobbles at 50+ MPH....Bearings?

Could just be your tires need to be balanced. When was the last time you had them balanced and rotated?

SOURCE: AT 120KM HR MILD WHEEL

I had the same problem; I had to replace the steering stabilizer and the track bar. There is a technician's service bulletin out about this problem; happens alot with Jeeps. Use aftermarket parts. It's called the "Death Wobble" and you can lose control of the vehicle very easily.