"Death Wobble" updated, fixed
I've heard about it but never experienced it until recently. We have a 2017 F250 4wd at work with around 26,000 miles on it, gas engine. At any speed above about 45MPH the steering wheel will star...
Forum Discussion
Heavy duty steering stabilizers do NOT always cur death wobble and they absolutely don't address the root cause.
In short, the cause(s) can be any number of things and it seems dw is one of the more difficult things to diagnose sometimes. And while it typically is a function of worn out steering or suspension parts, often a combination of parts, it doesn't have to be. I recall a very low mile 09 F350 we had on the job that death wobbled. This "phenmomenon" while exclusive to solid front axles is not exclusive to any brand/model of vehicle.
Possible causes (that I can think of):
-Tires out of round, broken belts/separated tread.
-Tire pressure (sort of, like shocks, it doesn't cause it, it exaggerates an already faulty condition)
-Bad aftermarket steering or suspension geometry
-Worn tie rod ends/pittman/idler arm bushings.
-Worn or loose track bar bushings.
-Not enough positive caster in front axle/bad alignment.
In less pronounced cases, a front end may seem fine until the right set of conditions/oscillations get dw started. In more pronounced cases, simply getting up to speed kicks it off.
Shocks and steering stabilizers can help mask or exaggerate the condition, but in and of themselves, they are not the cause, therefore replacing a bad set of shocks or slapping on double stabilizers is not the answer, as it might just cover up the real problem (for a while).
Given the lack of wear n tear on the truck in question, I'd start with the first and last item on that list.
But why even mess with it, warranty, right?
What "parts" are back ordered? You've apparently had it to the dealer and diagnosed, so you have more info than us already.
In short, the cause(s) can be any number of things and it seems dw is one of the more difficult things to diagnose sometimes. And while it typically is a function of worn out steering or suspension parts, often a combination of parts, it doesn't have to be. I recall a very low mile 09 F350 we had on the job that death wobbled. This "phenmomenon" while exclusive to solid front axles is not exclusive to any brand/model of vehicle.
Possible causes (that I can think of):
-Tires out of round, broken belts/separated tread.
-Tire pressure (sort of, like shocks, it doesn't cause it, it exaggerates an already faulty condition)
-Bad aftermarket steering or suspension geometry
-Worn tie rod ends/pittman/idler arm bushings.
-Worn or loose track bar bushings.
-Not enough positive caster in front axle/bad alignment.
In less pronounced cases, a front end may seem fine until the right set of conditions/oscillations get dw started. In more pronounced cases, simply getting up to speed kicks it off.
Shocks and steering stabilizers can help mask or exaggerate the condition, but in and of themselves, they are not the cause, therefore replacing a bad set of shocks or slapping on double stabilizers is not the answer, as it might just cover up the real problem (for a while).
Given the lack of wear n tear on the truck in question, I'd start with the first and last item on that list.
But why even mess with it, warranty, right?
What "parts" are back ordered? You've apparently had it to the dealer and diagnosed, so you have more info than us already.
