Death Wobble....Again!
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
Death Wobble....Again!
I haven't posted on this issue in the past, but my truck has been into the dealer twice for this issue. First time at 16k kms and again at 80k kms. The truck now has 92k kms on it and is experiencing the DW again. I will be taking it in again shortly.
the last 2 times this occurred, the track bar was replaced as well as a tie rod end, the front shocks and last time the steering stabilizer was also replaced.
Since these measures don't properly fix the issue, I am trying to determine from those of you that have made adjustments to your alignment, what exactly did you adjust (caster, camber, toe, etc) and by how much?
I am due to replace my tires shortly, but since it happened with fewer kms on it, I can't believe that the tires are at fault. BTW, I run winter tires so the original tires do not have 92,000 kms on them and it started with the winter tires a couple weeks ago and I have since changed back to the A/T2s for the summer and it is still happening.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated as well.
the last 2 times this occurred, the track bar was replaced as well as a tie rod end, the front shocks and last time the steering stabilizer was also replaced.
Since these measures don't properly fix the issue, I am trying to determine from those of you that have made adjustments to your alignment, what exactly did you adjust (caster, camber, toe, etc) and by how much?
I am due to replace my tires shortly, but since it happened with fewer kms on it, I can't believe that the tires are at fault. BTW, I run winter tires so the original tires do not have 92,000 kms on them and it started with the winter tires a couple weeks ago and I have since changed back to the A/T2s for the summer and it is still happening.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated as well.
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
I haven't done the dual stabilizer yet, as I believe that this may mask the problem as opposed to fix it.
I will try and find the posts about negative camber...
I will try and find the posts about negative camber...
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
i have a drw with 285/75/17's I got a rancho dual steering stabilizer a week after getting those tires, i had a my truck death wobble on me for the first time just after the new tires were put on but after i threw the steering stabilizer on... 30,000 miles later still no more death wobble
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 1
From: Wasaga Beach, ON
What speed does the death wobble occur at and how bad is it? I have a vibration in the steering at about 120kmph (~75mph).
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
Epicowlick did a lengthy post about it several years ago.
I had the wobble occur three times, it was also when the original equip tires were pretty much worn down to the wear indicators. I think I had around 45,000 miles on the truck.
When I got new tires I also got new shocks and steering stab. My truck now has 210,000miles on it and I've never had the wobble come back.
I don't know what caused it to either happen or go away, but it did.
I had the wobble occur three times, it was also when the original equip tires were pretty much worn down to the wear indicators. I think I had around 45,000 miles on the truck.
When I got new tires I also got new shocks and steering stab. My truck now has 210,000miles on it and I've never had the wobble come back.
I don't know what caused it to either happen or go away, but it did.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,220
Likes: 4,225
From: Kaysville Utah
I just went through it a second time on mine.
The first time at 36,000 miles just before it went out of warranty. Ford replaced the front steering stabilizer and all was good.
At around 100,000 miles I started getting it again. I took it in for the coolant flush and asked Ford to look at it. They said everything was good. That afternoon, I had some of the worst Death Wobble I'd ever experienced. So I figured it was something I needed to work on.
I replaced the steering stabilizer again. This time with a Bilstien. It helped but didn't fix the problem. I changed out tires. I was down to 6/32, Again this helped but didn't completely fix the problem. I was hearing my bearing, So I replaced my Front hubs/bearings and that has totally fixed the problem. I don't think any one of these was the total problem. But all three seemed to contribute.
The first time at 36,000 miles just before it went out of warranty. Ford replaced the front steering stabilizer and all was good.
At around 100,000 miles I started getting it again. I took it in for the coolant flush and asked Ford to look at it. They said everything was good. That afternoon, I had some of the worst Death Wobble I'd ever experienced. So I figured it was something I needed to work on.
I replaced the steering stabilizer again. This time with a Bilstien. It helped but didn't fix the problem. I changed out tires. I was down to 6/32, Again this helped but didn't completely fix the problem. I was hearing my bearing, So I replaced my Front hubs/bearings and that has totally fixed the problem. I don't think any one of these was the total problem. But all three seemed to contribute.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 84
For example, I've never had this happen on my truck so there is something slightly different with various trucks where some have the issue and some are fine.
I tend to find this video as a good example.
You would know DW when it happens.
Video should begin about 1:00 in, if not fast forward to then.
Ford F-250 "Death Wobble" - YouTube
Edit: The forum breaks the URL with the time indicated. Copy/paste.
Code:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8EuQ6f8rgT4#t=56
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 677
Likes: 118
From: Ontario, Canada
Well, I guess I will start with new tires considering they are getting to the wear limits and the shocks and steering stabilizer are only 6 months old with 13k kms on them. We'll see how this goes 
Thanks for all the input fellas. This site rocks
Thanks for all the input fellas. This site rocks
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 11
From: Central NJ
I too had DW with stock tires and with aftermarket tires all while under 30k miles. Added dual stabilizer and it helped, but what I think really PREVENTS it from starting is I replaced the OEM steering dampner with a Bilistien. Had not had any hint since then and I now have over 70k miles.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,676
Likes: 913
From: Milford, MI
If your going to play with the alignment you'll want to add caster. Camber won't help with anything other than wear your tires funny (caster is not a tire wearing angle). I think bd diesel has a kit to add caster. I'll look tonight when I get to a real computer.