Death Wobble Poll?
New User
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Well here’s my update I wasn’t happy with the way my truck was reacting to midsize bumps on the freeway . Not the full blown DW like I had before but almost. So back to the dealership for nine days . The mechanic was able to replacate the wobble thinks we should try shims . Unfortunately shims are on back order 2 weeks out . F250 diesel 14,000 miles bought new in 2018.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: DFW
Every driver owner has a different level of comfort when it comes to defining this condition labeled Death Wobble. I think with all the videos that are being made available for viewing that definition is getting more accurate and therefore the data more reliable.
If you examine the poll results while admittedly it is very rudimentary and unscientific; these reported trucks with the "badly worn" components are IMO very new vehicles, most without suspension modifications.
If these bushings are badly worn as is suggested, then the mechanics of and the forces that induce this suspected wear needs to be investigated (which may or may not be taking place)as well as the bushing materials need to be reengineered.
IMO; This will cost Ford a lot of money and therefore will not happen until Ford is required to do so. It will be a tragedy (and lawsuit that cost Ford a lot of money) that triggers the response and that is the tragic part.
If these bushings are badly worn as is suggested, then the mechanics of and the forces that induce this suspected wear needs to be investigated (which may or may not be taking place)as well as the bushing materials need to be reengineered.
IMO; This will cost Ford a lot of money and therefore will not happen until Ford is required to do so. It will be a tragedy (and lawsuit that cost Ford a lot of money) that triggers the response and that is the tragic part.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
Link to a post- shows “Death wobble” on a Jeep- now people know what it is
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 486
Likes: 2
From: Spring Creek, Nevada
Good video. However, that DW is nowhere near as severe as what I saw on I-80 a few years ago on a Dodge that was passing me. The wheels literally folded under the truck repeatedly until he got it shut down. I mean, I thought the center hub would be throwing sparks it was so bad. I'm sure the sidewalls would have shown some scuffing.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 21,195
Likes: 306
From: Near Salmon Arm BC
Here's a Ford....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EuQ6f8rgT4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EuQ6f8rgT4
I would expect that something named a DEATH WOBBLE would be violent and severe, throwing the vehicle around wildly.
That would not even make me slightly concerned a all. Heck if that was all it took to scare me I would have stopped riding motorbikes or flying in the first 20 minutes of doing either lol.
i was expecting to see it launch off the road and through the ditch!
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Driftwood, TX
A little tire shake seems like nothing at all to me.
I would expect that something named a DEATH WOBBLE would be violent and severe, throwing the vehicle around wildly.
That would not even make me slightly concerned a all. Heck if that was all it took to scare me I would have stopped riding motorbikes or flying in the first 20 minutes of doing either lol.
i was expecting to see it launch off the road and through the ditch!
I would expect that something named a DEATH WOBBLE would be violent and severe, throwing the vehicle around wildly.
That would not even make me slightly concerned a all. Heck if that was all it took to scare me I would have stopped riding motorbikes or flying in the first 20 minutes of doing either lol.
i was expecting to see it launch off the road and through the ditch!
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 21,195
Likes: 306
From: Near Salmon Arm BC
Yes that is terrible.
I was referencing that one particular video, which was in my opinion nothing at all.
I'm going to guess some are very violent to earn it a name like Death Wobble.
Also happy that it hasn't ever happened to me.
Some minor tire shake and steering wheel shake has.
But nothing even close to making me lose control and crash.
New User
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Yep, 2017 F250 6.7 Powerstroke SRW FX4 Crew Cab with snow prep/ camper package, all stock with 17,500 miles and BAD death wobble. Has happened to me about 8 times now, and now it starts at around 55 mph, mostly when hitting a bridge seam on the highway. This has GOT to be ruining everything in my front end. Brought it to the dealer and had the steering damper/ stabilizer replaced, did nothing for the DW. Now waiting for caster shim kit... NOT HAPPY
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 554
Sorry to hear that Jim.
Yes that is terrible.
I was referencing that one particular video, which was in my opinion nothing at all.
I'm going to guess some are very violent to earn it a name like Death Wobble.
Also happy that it hasn't ever happened to me.
Some minor tire shake and steering wheel shake has.
But nothing even close to making me lose control and crash.
Yes that is terrible.
I was referencing that one particular video, which was in my opinion nothing at all.
I'm going to guess some are very violent to earn it a name like Death Wobble.
Also happy that it hasn't ever happened to me.
Some minor tire shake and steering wheel shake has.
But nothing even close to making me lose control and crash.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 652
Likes: 5
From: Katy Texas
I believe the steering and suspension joints in these new trucks are of low quality from a low cost manufacturer. Its like a crap shoot if you get good parts. Ive had 2 OEM centerlinks installed in my 2 wd and they both have had way too much play in them. The excessive play causes bump steer, metallic chatter in the steering wheel over bumps, and irregular tire wear that sets in after about 1k miles after rotate and balance. My alignment is spot on, yet i have a loose “nervous” feeling in my steering wheel. The parts are garbage plain and simple. Dont think that they dont engineer parts to fail because they do, its just some are failing waaayy too early. Service after the sale, out off warranty, is the bread and butter for both the mfg and the dealership. This problem needs to be eliminated. Its dangerous for all parties involved. As for they guys still driving the “wobble trucks” just stop until it is fixed. The amount of force being exerted durring an event such as “death wobble” is destroying your vehicle.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 486
Likes: 2
From: Spring Creek, Nevada
So, where's the list of aftermarket suspension parts that will fit either as OEM, with a leveling kit, or lift kits that will prevent all this premature wear and tear? (Rhetorical question I suppose but a proven answer would be nice). The dealer ain't paying for it all but I might spend the cash if it's proven to stop this nonsense (that I've yet to experience). Then we can start a new thread called "THE FIX for Death Wobble 2017+ SD"
So far I'm looking at Fox ATS SS, Fox 2.0 shocks and hoping it never happens. I'd love for this to be a dead horse thread.
So far I'm looking at Fox ATS SS, Fox 2.0 shocks and hoping it never happens. I'd love for this to be a dead horse thread.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 255
Likes: 1
Im convinced this death wobble issue on the 17+ truck has to do with how much higher the truck is and the angle of the drag link. The last gen truck used same design but was considerably lower then this gen and way less of an issue. Ford needs to fix this asap. Im yet to drive a 17+ F250/F350 that wont rip the steering wheel out of your hand when you hit an expansion joint or offset crack in the road. The only way possible to get that much feedback into the steering wheel is due to the pitman arm angle/drag link not being perfectly in sync. I have had 2 2005 F250s, 1 2006 F350, and a 08 F250 diesel, all 4x4s, all high mileage and not one of them had death wobble or steering wheel feedback from bumps in the road. Yet I have driven multiple brand new 17+ Super duties that do have the issue.