Yesterday driving home from deer camp (about 120 miles), I had death wobble every time I hit a slight bump over 65mph. I have had it a few times here and there, but never from such small bumps and never so violent. It was so violent that a coffee cup flew out of my cup holder and one time I it was on a turn where I was passing a semi....almost went straight through the turn and into the side of him. Anyway, called ford this morning and they said they had an opening and to bring it on in. I did bring it in and they said, "Ford has identified the issue, but doesn't have any parts available. We can put an aftermarket steering stabilizer in it for around $280. Ford has not created the parts yet and there is no ETA. We can give you a quote on trade in if that interests you." Ford has serviced it for death wobble about 2 years ago and the result was changing both ball joints and steering column.

1) Has anyone else had it this severe and got it resolved?
2) I told the tech I was concerned that he has identified the issue as the steering stabilizer without looking at it since it could be ball joints, sway bar, etc.
3) Even if they identify the issue as the steering damper, I don't think I should pay if ford acknowledges the problem, but doesn't have a solution. The tech effectively said, "You can deal with it until the parts come in (unknown date), pay for aftermarket or trade it in."

Just looking to see other's recent experience.




2018 XLT Crew, 6.2 42K miles 4WD

 

I'm currently looking around for that big chunk of salt. Especially when the dealership says "Ford has identified the issue" and "Ford has not created the parts yet and there is no ETA"...

And then, suggests replacing the steering stabilizer, sight unseen.

 

That is a BS response from Ford and/or the dealer representing Ford.

Any of us can swap out the steering stabilizer (and do it for a lot less than dealer labor charges), but everyone knows this is a band-aid, and not a solution; it just temporarily masks the actual problem that Ford isn't actively solving. Death wobble in a coil spring solid axle vehicle is common, but it is always a matter of too much play somewhere in the components if the caster/camber is set correctly. Suggesting a SS is embarrassing and shows ignorance.

Other shops have come up with solutions like swapping out the camber/caster bushings. I find it odd that Ford cannot produce the same part in short order.
https://www.carparts.com/camber-and-...350-super-duty
https://www.tunersports.com/all-ford...9m242c393.html

 

I had 3" lifted my 2012 and had the same issue. Replaced the steering stabilizer and it was magically fixed. Actually, replaced it when I put a new set of Rancho RS9000's on truck. You should already have a stabilizer on the truck, mine did anyway. If not, you can purchase a bracket and easily add on.

 

I would go straight to a different dealership, if you want to work with a dealership. When this one did the work last time, was it before the steering stabilizer recall came out?

Edit- I see it was serviced for the death wobble concern 2 years ago, the recall was definitely out at that time and would have applied to your repair. If they have replaced the steering stabilizer once already they won't do it again for free (unless you are under warranty). That recall is a one time repair.

 

Steering stabilizer isn't going to fix your problem. At best, it will mask the issue for a few thousand miles. I've always been told that the problem is the trucks don't have enough caster in the alignment, but its possible you have other stuff worn out. How many mies on your truck?

 

Just 42K!!!!!!

 

They said that the original recall didn't fix the issues in all of them so there is a new part available, but only for people that have an issue. Ford also extended the warranty for this specific issue.

 

I was aware of the 10 year warranty coverage for the steering oscillation/ stabilizer replacement, but it is still a 1 time replacement within that 10 years if customer experiences the concern. I was not aware of an updated part, although they previously did a couple revisions to the recall, and I do see the part# for the replacement stabilizer in the recall is no longer available. I assume this means that a new notice will be sent out to supercede the previous one.....not that the stabilizer is truly the fix anyway.

 

That is what they made it sound like today, but said that as of now, no announcement has gone out. They have just been dealing with them as they have come back in. Interesting that this morning the parts weren't available yet and the dealer just called to tell me they found some and will put them on in the morning. We will see.

 

As stated previously, the steering stabilizer is a band-aid. Almost always the problem is worn track bar bushings.

 

+1. I lost mine at 15,000 miles. And again at 40,000. I said enough of that at installed a pmf track bar and have never
Had any more issues. Now at 220,000 miles.

 

That was a problem with mine. I think a couple of ball joints were loose. I replaced all of them, added the track bar from PMF, got the steering wheel and the wheels all aligned properly. Solved the problem that the steering stabilizer could not. In fact, I drove WITHOUT one for a bit to see what happens. Still no death wobble.

 

Been saying for years, if the front end and alignment is good, you don't need one.

That said.... I run duals, lol

 

Follow what aklim said.

Since your truck is stock, base front spring option, stock wheels and tires, stock shocks…. I would put 2 new front tires on it, align it, change the track bar, check all the joints, definitely change the shocks at 42k, and take the free Ford stabilizer.

Since your truck is a wobbler I would rotate and balance the tires every 5-10k.

Also Ford tried to solve this in 2020 by lowering them 1/2”. The HD and SP springs also sit lower. Its a caster alignment issue that causes some of those issues.