Frontend shaking
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Frontend shaking
Today I was driving down the interstate doing 75 mph and I hit dip in the road, after I hit the dip the frontend started shaking out of control for at least 20 feet. It felt like I was going to lose control. Has this happened to anyone else? I have a 2005 f250 super duty with a powerstroke 4x4
I just replaced the shocks 1000 miles ago. What else should I look at under the frontend? Thanks for any help
I just replaced the shocks 1000 miles ago. What else should I look at under the frontend? Thanks for any help
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
The is called "Death Wobble".
There is a TSB for the 2005 - 2007 trucks that addresses the issue:
TSB
06-22-14
STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION
Publication Date: October 25, 2006
FORD:
2005-2007 F-Super Duty
This article supersedes TSB 06-15-1 to update the service labor operations.
ISSUE:
Some 2005-2007 F-Super Duty vehicles may exhibit steering wheel oscillation (back and forth motion), immediately following front or rear wheel impacts (i.e. pavement joints, frost heaves, rough roads, etc.). Steering wheel motion is typically in the range of ± 5 degrees, and typically dampens out in fewer than five oscillations. This condition occurs mostly on 4X4 vehicles, and is more evident on trucks equipped with a gas engine.
ACTION:
Refer to the following Service Procedure to minimize the steering wheel oscillations on impacts, however, there may be some remaining minor oscillation which would be considered normal.
SERVICE PROCEDURE SUMMARY
Set tire pressure and road test vehicle to evaluate vehicle before proceeding with further repairs. If issue is resolved, do not proceed with the rest of this TSB
If concern still exists, check steering damper for leaks; torque steering and suspension fasteners per Workshop Manual
If concern still exists, check front alignment and reduce front caster
Replacement of redundant control steering wheel (if equipped and vehicle built prior to 10/8/2004)
VEHICLE INSPECTION - TIRE PRESSURE
Set tire pressures as indicated on the vehicle label (located on driver's door label).
NOTE: SETTING TIRE PRESSURE TO DOOR SPECIFICATION IS ONE OF THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT MEASURES IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. LOWERING TIRE PRESSURE WILL MAKE THIS ISSUE WORSE.
ROAD TEST
Ask customer what type of road surface and speed generates the steering wheel oscillation.
Road test vehicle on similar road surface and speed, to gain a feel for the customer's issue.
If no issues are identified during the road test, do not proceed with the rest of this TSB.
STEERING DAMPER INSPECTION AND STEERING/SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE CHECK
Wipe down and inspect the steering damper. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to cycle the steering damper and inspect for leaks.
If leaks are present, install a new steering damper.
Check torques on the following steering and suspension fasteners and adjust to specification as required (see following Table).
Torque Specification
Description Lb-ft Nm
Damper nuts (4X2) 59 80
Damper-to-bracket (F-250, F-350 4X4) 26 35
Damper-to-drag link 67 91
Drag link-to-pitman arm nut 148 201
Inner tie-rod end nuts 85 115
Outer tie-rod end nuts 85 115
Track bar bracket-to-frame nuts and bolts 129 175
Track bar-to-track bar bracket bolt 406 550
Track bar-to-axle nut 185 250
Radius arm to axle bolts 222 300
Radius arm to bracket nut 222 300
NOTE: ADJUSTING TORQUE ON STEERING AND SUSPENSION FASTENERS IS VERY IMPORTANT IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. FASTENERS THAT ARE IMPROPERLY TORQUED WILL MAKE THIS ISSUE WORSE.
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND REDUCE FRONT CASTER
NOTE: OSCILLATION ISSUES RESOLVED BY WHEEL ALIGNMENT ARE WARRANTED FOR 12/12 ONLY, REGARDLESS OF OTHER STEPS PERFORMED.
Measure wheel alignment. Verify that Front Caster, Camber, and Total Toe are within specification. Adjust as required. Refer to the Workshop Manual, Section 204-00 for complete alignment specifications.
REDUCE FRONT CASTER
Note the current front caster
Use alignment adjustment bushings to reduce front caster by 0.5 to 0.75 degrees. The caster setting may be at the lower end of the specification as long as the vehicle drives smoothly. Do not put caster setting below the lower specification limit. Use alignment adjustment bushings
F-250/350 4X4:
5C3Z-3B440-CCC (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-DDD (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-EEE (1.0 degree bushing)
F-450/550 4X4 and 4X2:
5C3Z-3B440-HHH (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-JJJ (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-KKK (1.0 degree bushing)
F-250/350 4X2:
5C3Z-3B440-C (0.5 degree busing)
5C3Z-3B440-D (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-E (1.0 degree bushing)
For All 4X4 and for F-450/550 4X2:
Rotate the alignment adjustment bushing so that the bushing hole is in the 45 degree forward and inboard position (See Figure 1)
Figure 1 - Article 06-22-14
This should lower the caster, while keeping the camber within the specification range. If the camber is not in the specification range than rotate the alignment adjustment bushing as needed
The final caster and camber settings must be within the specification limits
Maintain the current front camber, cross-camber and cross-caster settings as close as you possibly can
Adding weight behind the rear axle lowers the rear of the vehicle, which decreases the frame angle, which in effect increases caster
For All F-250/350 4X2:
Observe the camber position of the alignment bushing that is currently in the truck and attempt to maintain that position while moving the caster position forward in the truck
The final caster and camber settings must be within the specification limits
NOTE: CASTER SETTING IS VERY IMPORTANT IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. INCREASING THE CASTER SETTING WILL MAKE THIS ISSUE WORSE.
REPLACEMENT OF REDUNDANT CONTROL STEERING WHEEL - Vehicles Built Prior To 10/8/2004 Only
NOTE: THE REPLACEMENT STEERING WHEEL WILL CONTAIN THE REDUNDANT CONTROLS.
Remove driver air bag assembly. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 211-04 for complete instructions.
Remove the steering wheel.
Install new steering wheel.
Reinstall driver air bag assembly.
Re-set clear vision as required.
NOTE: FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO SECTION 211-04 OF THE WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR COMPLETE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR THE STEERING COLUMN.
PART NUMBER PART NAME
5C7Z-3600-ABA Redundant Control Steering Wheel Assy (King Ranch Tan/Peb)
5c7z-3600-CBA Redundant Control Steering Wheel Assy (Charcoal Black)
5C3Z-3E651-D Steering Damper
5C3Z-3B440-C F-250/350 4X2 (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-D F-250/350 4X2 (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-E F-250/350 4X2 (1.0 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-CCC F-250/350 4X4 (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-DDD F-250/350 4X4 (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-EEE F-250/350 4X4 (1.0 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-HHH F-450/550 4X4 and 4X2 (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-JJJ F-450/550 4X4 and 4X2 (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-KKK F-450/550 4x4 and 4x2 (1.0 degree bushing)
There is a TSB for the 2005 - 2007 trucks that addresses the issue:
TSB
06-22-14
STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION
Publication Date: October 25, 2006
FORD:
2005-2007 F-Super Duty
This article supersedes TSB 06-15-1 to update the service labor operations.
ISSUE:
Some 2005-2007 F-Super Duty vehicles may exhibit steering wheel oscillation (back and forth motion), immediately following front or rear wheel impacts (i.e. pavement joints, frost heaves, rough roads, etc.). Steering wheel motion is typically in the range of ± 5 degrees, and typically dampens out in fewer than five oscillations. This condition occurs mostly on 4X4 vehicles, and is more evident on trucks equipped with a gas engine.
ACTION:
Refer to the following Service Procedure to minimize the steering wheel oscillations on impacts, however, there may be some remaining minor oscillation which would be considered normal.
SERVICE PROCEDURE SUMMARY
Set tire pressure and road test vehicle to evaluate vehicle before proceeding with further repairs. If issue is resolved, do not proceed with the rest of this TSB
If concern still exists, check steering damper for leaks; torque steering and suspension fasteners per Workshop Manual
If concern still exists, check front alignment and reduce front caster
Replacement of redundant control steering wheel (if equipped and vehicle built prior to 10/8/2004)
VEHICLE INSPECTION - TIRE PRESSURE
Set tire pressures as indicated on the vehicle label (located on driver's door label).
NOTE: SETTING TIRE PRESSURE TO DOOR SPECIFICATION IS ONE OF THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT MEASURES IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. LOWERING TIRE PRESSURE WILL MAKE THIS ISSUE WORSE.
ROAD TEST
Ask customer what type of road surface and speed generates the steering wheel oscillation.
Road test vehicle on similar road surface and speed, to gain a feel for the customer's issue.
If no issues are identified during the road test, do not proceed with the rest of this TSB.
STEERING DAMPER INSPECTION AND STEERING/SUSPENSION FASTENER TORQUE CHECK
Wipe down and inspect the steering damper. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock several times to cycle the steering damper and inspect for leaks.
If leaks are present, install a new steering damper.
Check torques on the following steering and suspension fasteners and adjust to specification as required (see following Table).
Torque Specification
Description Lb-ft Nm
Damper nuts (4X2) 59 80
Damper-to-bracket (F-250, F-350 4X4) 26 35
Damper-to-drag link 67 91
Drag link-to-pitman arm nut 148 201
Inner tie-rod end nuts 85 115
Outer tie-rod end nuts 85 115
Track bar bracket-to-frame nuts and bolts 129 175
Track bar-to-track bar bracket bolt 406 550
Track bar-to-axle nut 185 250
Radius arm to axle bolts 222 300
Radius arm to bracket nut 222 300
NOTE: ADJUSTING TORQUE ON STEERING AND SUSPENSION FASTENERS IS VERY IMPORTANT IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. FASTENERS THAT ARE IMPROPERLY TORQUED WILL MAKE THIS ISSUE WORSE.
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND REDUCE FRONT CASTER
NOTE: OSCILLATION ISSUES RESOLVED BY WHEEL ALIGNMENT ARE WARRANTED FOR 12/12 ONLY, REGARDLESS OF OTHER STEPS PERFORMED.
Measure wheel alignment. Verify that Front Caster, Camber, and Total Toe are within specification. Adjust as required. Refer to the Workshop Manual, Section 204-00 for complete alignment specifications.
REDUCE FRONT CASTER
Note the current front caster
Use alignment adjustment bushings to reduce front caster by 0.5 to 0.75 degrees. The caster setting may be at the lower end of the specification as long as the vehicle drives smoothly. Do not put caster setting below the lower specification limit. Use alignment adjustment bushings
F-250/350 4X4:
5C3Z-3B440-CCC (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-DDD (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-EEE (1.0 degree bushing)
F-450/550 4X4 and 4X2:
5C3Z-3B440-HHH (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-JJJ (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-KKK (1.0 degree bushing)
F-250/350 4X2:
5C3Z-3B440-C (0.5 degree busing)
5C3Z-3B440-D (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-E (1.0 degree bushing)
For All 4X4 and for F-450/550 4X2:
Rotate the alignment adjustment bushing so that the bushing hole is in the 45 degree forward and inboard position (See Figure 1)
Figure 1 - Article 06-22-14
This should lower the caster, while keeping the camber within the specification range. If the camber is not in the specification range than rotate the alignment adjustment bushing as needed
The final caster and camber settings must be within the specification limits
Maintain the current front camber, cross-camber and cross-caster settings as close as you possibly can
Adding weight behind the rear axle lowers the rear of the vehicle, which decreases the frame angle, which in effect increases caster
For All F-250/350 4X2:
Observe the camber position of the alignment bushing that is currently in the truck and attempt to maintain that position while moving the caster position forward in the truck
The final caster and camber settings must be within the specification limits
NOTE: CASTER SETTING IS VERY IMPORTANT IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. INCREASING THE CASTER SETTING WILL MAKE THIS ISSUE WORSE.
REPLACEMENT OF REDUNDANT CONTROL STEERING WHEEL - Vehicles Built Prior To 10/8/2004 Only
NOTE: THE REPLACEMENT STEERING WHEEL WILL CONTAIN THE REDUNDANT CONTROLS.
Remove driver air bag assembly. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 211-04 for complete instructions.
Remove the steering wheel.
Install new steering wheel.
Reinstall driver air bag assembly.
Re-set clear vision as required.
NOTE: FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO SECTION 211-04 OF THE WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR COMPLETE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR THE STEERING COLUMN.
PART NUMBER PART NAME
5C7Z-3600-ABA Redundant Control Steering Wheel Assy (King Ranch Tan/Peb)
5c7z-3600-CBA Redundant Control Steering Wheel Assy (Charcoal Black)
5C3Z-3E651-D Steering Damper
5C3Z-3B440-C F-250/350 4X2 (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-D F-250/350 4X2 (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-E F-250/350 4X2 (1.0 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-CCC F-250/350 4X4 (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-DDD F-250/350 4X4 (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-EEE F-250/350 4X4 (1.0 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-HHH F-450/550 4X4 and 4X2 (0.5 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-JJJ F-450/550 4X4 and 4X2 (0.75 degree bushing)
5C3Z-3B440-KKK F-450/550 4x4 and 4x2 (1.0 degree bushing)
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 306
Likes: 2
From: Southwest Desert, AZ
Thanks Redford for all the tech data. Most of us changed the steering stabilizer. Mine did it the first day I owned it, previous owner "forgot to mention". Replaced stabilizer with new one from Rough Country. Never had a problem again. If it goes again I will be putting on a dual next time.
See this video, anything look familiar??
Ford F-250 "Death Wobble" - YouTube
See this video, anything look familiar??
Ford F-250 "Death Wobble" - YouTube
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