death wobble
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
death wobble
Hello, I am posting this here in hopes that it is in the right place. I just recently bought another OBS but this one has been converted to the 05 coil suspension. I just took a trip with my fifth wheel and ended up getting a case of death wobble (only when I had to hit the brakes a little bit harder than normal, so it is not real bad yet). Looking into everything and getting other opinions it definitely looks to be the track bar bushing. I am going to start there and then continue on if need be. The truck does have a 6" lift and all the geometry looks to be good. My question is what experience does anyone have. I know it is going to be cheaper to replace just the bushing and the track bar is adjustable and very heavy duty. Throwing money aside because I just want the death wobble gone are the aftermarket track bar set ups any better. It seems like the heim joints on the aftermarket bars would be better and also I have seen some that do away with the factory ball joint on the passenger side as well. I would like any I advice that might help as I am not looking to waste money but if the aftermarket bars are worth the $350+ price tag then I am willing to do it. Thanks for any help.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 10,170
Likes: 8,031
From: Texas
Start by getting a helper; you then get under the truck with engine running, helper gets in the truck and rocks steering wheel back and forth 90 to 180 degrees, qiuckly.
You, lightly touch every joint, bushing, tie rod end that in any way connects to the front axle and feel for ANY movement/play. Mark everything and anything that seems to have any movement or play and start there. I say use fingers because sometimes one can feel movement that they can’t see.
And yes......look at track bar real close!
Good luck.
You, lightly touch every joint, bushing, tie rod end that in any way connects to the front axle and feel for ANY movement/play. Mark everything and anything that seems to have any movement or play and start there. I say use fingers because sometimes one can feel movement that they can’t see.
And yes......look at track bar real close!
Good luck.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Ok thanks. I am almost 100% sure it is the track bar bushing. When I tear it all apart I will probably do the ball joint at the same time. If I do I am wondering about the pros and cons of putting an aftermarket track bar in. Are they worth the extra money. I know that I am just asking for some opinions on the subject as to which one if so, but if they are truly better and more durable than a factory unit then I am willing to spend the money.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 412
From: Washington Coast
There are a lot of different pieces in the front end that can cause death wobble so you need to inspect the entire front end completely for any looseness just as 99150 suggested. Look at new shocks also, especially if you don't know how long they have been installed. Without the dampening effect the springs can go into repetitive cycles of rebounding. I had a F-350 when the front shocks started failing this is what happened. It had dual shocks up front and had both shocks on the right side failed and one on the left.
Typically shocks are good for somewhere between 20K and 30K miles. If the shocks have excessive cycles they will start to pass internally and not do their intended job.
Typically shocks are good for somewhere between 20K and 30K miles. If the shocks have excessive cycles they will start to pass internally and not do their intended job.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rat49f6
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
12
Feb 26, 2010 01:20 PM
dude74crew
Excursion - King of SUVs
12
Mar 22, 2007 09:04 PM
