Front End Shake

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Mar 5, 2021 | 01:25 PM

khpony

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 43

Likes: 4

From: Chama, NM

Front End Shake

I know this subject has been beat to death but I have a situation that appears to be a little different. I live in northern New Mexico and have been looking for a 01-03 SuperCrew for some time. A good one reasonably priced for me is nearly impossible to find in this area. I've located and drove a 02 F150 King Ranch recently that I'd like to make an offer on. When I started it up and drove a 1/2 block to the stop sign (residential area) as soon as I touched the brakes the front end began to shake like crazy! I was going maybe 15 mph at best. Also took it out the highway and did the same when I began to apply the brakes. The brakes themselves felt solid and couldn't notice any signs of warped rotors. Normally I'd assume the rotors and pads need replaced but I'm wondering in this specific case is it possible the struts, ball joints, or sway bar bushings are completely toast? Aside from the front end situation I'm seriously interested in the truck even though it's 5 hours away. It has 250K miles and will need a couple of cosmetic things taken care of but nothing I can't fix. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Sorry for this being so long.
Thanks

Mar 5, 2021 | 05:15 PM

F150_4x4

Tuned

Joined: Oct 2020

Posts: 336

Likes: 16

death wobble ?

check for loose:
tie rods ? Wheel bearings ? control arm bushings ? ball joints ? sway bar bushings ?

Maybe that's why he's getting rid of it.
Ford & Jeeps had huge issues with this.

Mar 6, 2021 | 07:58 AM

rvpuller

Moderator

Joined: May 2004

Posts: 6,528

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From: Home Base Nebraska

I'm guessing it a combination of things but it sounds to me like it's a cracked rotor along with worn-out supension parts.

If you can do the work yourself just go on Rock Auto and price out supension and brake parts before you make a offer.

Denny

Mar 6, 2021 | 08:43 AM

WWR

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 2,920

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Difficult to diagnose from afar but let us know what you find. If the brake pedal pulses under your foot most likely at least part of the problem is rotors.

Death wobble in the traditional sense is caster and only affects solid axles, plus it wouldn't START at 15mph

Mar 8, 2021 | 01:00 PM

khpony

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 43

Likes: 4

From: Chama, NM

Well there was no pulsing on the brake pedal. Brakes were actually solid. It's obviously something to do with the suspension so I need to decide if I want to make a run after it or pass. Thanks for the feedback I truly appreciate it. If I end up buying it, get it home, and diagnose it I'll report back on my findings. Thanks again!

Mar 8, 2021 | 05:33 PM

WWR

Cargo Master

Joined: Dec 2015

Posts: 2,920

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Yes, curious if you get it

Mar 8, 2021 | 06:06 PM

steve(ill)

Hotshot

Joined: Jul 2005

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If it ONLY does it when you apply the brakes, then it is probably brake related. You dont have to have a vibration in the foot to be a brake problem..... Rotors are old and shot.