Ok, I have a problem. I have researched and researched and researched the notorious death wobble.

Problem: 55-60+ mph hit a bump front end shakes violently. Slow down to 40 mph it stops. DOES NOT happen every time, and may only happen once a week, but when it does my whole front end feels like it will come loose.

Solutions to date that have not worked:

1. Rotate and balance tires. (tire shop)
2. New shocks. (me)
3. New steering stabilizer. (me)
4. Changed ball joint and bushing in track bar. (Dealership)
5. Check ball bearings and seem to be ok. (me)
6. Check tie rod ends and are ok. (Dealership)

The only other options people have given me:

1. Dual Steering Stabilizer. (Have had truck since Jan and hasn't done it in about 19,000 miles. Why would it need it now? Truck has 109,000 miles on it.)

2. New tires. (If it were the tires wouldn't it do it all the time? )


Guys I am to my wits end. Anyone had this problem? Can someone please give me some direction.

 

maybe try the upgraded track bar from WC Motorsports?

The dual steering stabilizer doesn't really fix the problem it is really only a band aid.

I would think that if the tires were the problem it would do it all the time, but then I'm not a tire expert.

 

Try it for $800 ? Geeesh. If it was a definite fix, I would gladly spend it. I appreciate the idea. I will consider it as a last option.

 

Good video:

 

Hey there dustan003,

If you decide to head into the dealer, let me know, and I'll see how to best assist. I'm here to help.

Todd

 

 

I've already taken it to the dealer.

 

Thanks for clarifying, dustan003. I was unsure as to whether your ride is currently at the dealer. Also, send over a PM with your full name, phone number, and VIN; I'll check things out on my end.

Todd

 

The Death Wobble is a series of events, not just one particular item. The bump sets off the wobble when conditions are right. Start over and check everything, Upper & Lower ball joints, track bar, tie rod ends, wheel bearings. How old are the tires? Tires have a radial - lateral balance and most shops sell & mount tires..... they could care less once you walk out the door. Dismount and check the rims for balance.

Go back and do your homework... You also need a good shop to align the truck, not talking about the discount store down the street.

 

Thanks Max. That's about the best answer I've gotten. I will update when I find the solution.

 

Track rod joint??

 

No idea brother. In going in to the shop in the am we are going to do a once over on every thing.

However, I put my spare tire on the front left, and it changed enough to make me belive it could be my tires.

I will update tomorrow evening.

 

You will be looking for more than one item, the tire is a start where the bump sets it off. It all adds up to the Death Wobble.

 

I want to chime in here,not really to add anything new, but to reiterate the good information you have been given.

1. Single and double steering stabilizers do NOT solve wobble, they merely mask it.
2. Some part is still worn or damaged, such as ball joints, steering components, tie rods, or a combination of any of them.
3. Wobble wears tires badly, which leads to more wobble. Changing a tire decreases the amount of tire damage rolling around, but it does nothing to solve the wobble.
4. Have tires dismounted and wheels checked for runout.
5. Have tires remounted and road force balanced.
6. Have a reputable shop check the alignment.

 

Just got back from the shop.

1. Steering Stabilizer- good
2. Drag Link- good
3. Track bar-good
4. Sway bar-good
5. Lower driver side ball doing - not good (had a lot of play/ replacing).
6. Upper driver side ball joint - good (has 109k on it/ replace replacing)
7. Lower passenger side ball joint - not good (had some play/ replacing).
8. Upper passenger side ball joint - good ( has 109K on it/ replacing).
9. Shocks - good
10. Tie Rod Ends - good