I have a 2004 F150 FX4 with 3.73 limited slip. This is my first full size truck (other than a Toyota 4Runner I owned years ago). Compared to my wife's 2001 Eddie Bauer Expedition, this vehicle has exceptional handling characteristics but I do notice that the steering wheel has allot of feedback. I do not notice significant vibration that would suggest I have the problem mentioned by so many of the users in this forum but the feedback does seem extreme. My truck was manufactured in Virginia in mid September 2003. I noticed that there are two Technical Service Bulletin posted by another user of this forum where the vibration problem is noted. One of the TSBs notes that there is steering wheel "nibble/shimmy" at speeds in excess of 60 mph on vehicles produced prior to 8/30/03 and a different one that states the same problem but no specific date.

All that said, what the heck is steering wheel "nibble/shimmy" and how would you folks explain it to someone like me who is mechanically challenged? Is it similar to the feeling of having a wheel/tire out of balance or severely worse? As I said above, I mostly notice the feedback in the steering wheel and it seems to be very sensitive (i.e. I "feel" every bump in the road).


Other specs:
Mfg in VA mid 9/03
5.4L
3.73 Limited Slip
18" wheel
BF Goodrich tires (stock - not aftermarket)
6.5' Styleside
FX4
Tow package
Super Cab

 

2004FX4Wheeler,
Looks like we have the same exact truck with the same problem.
My truck is as follows:
04 Scab
18" BFG
3:73 -Limited Slip
FX4
5.4L
Towing / Payload package
6.5' Bed
Manufacturered in Virginia
Only difference: mine was manufacturered in January of 2004.

Anyway, as to your Nibble/Shimmy question; I actually believe that you describe the situation much better by saying that the steering provides "feedback" at speeds in excess of 60 mph.
Now, mine only does it at 70mph give or take mph or 3.
However, since I am at 2000 miles, I have noticed that the problem has subsided somewhat. I really only receive tons of feedback when I am on particular stretches of I-5 traveling at 70 plus.
Who knows, I am mechanically challenged as well, but I am most definitely following this "Vibration" issue closely as it is definitely noticeable and somewhat abnormal.

"Mad"

 

I have 5,300 miles and it seems as if it started around 3,000 miles. I put my air pressure at 33.5 - cold (I have a digital tire gauge) and that seemed to make a bit of a difference. I think 35psi cold is too much pressure for these rigid tires.

At this point, I am taking my truck in tomorrow to the dealer because I am a little out of alignment so nothing can be determined on my end until that is corrected. After that, I don't know what I'll do other than wait and see. All I know is that when I drove it off the lot and for a short time thereafter it was like driving a luxury sedan and it all of a sudden changed and the feedback in the steering wheel is really getting old. One day while driving to work I actually opened my mouth, just barely so my teeth were still tocuhing but loosely and then rested my jaw and my teeth actually chattered from the feedback I was getting in the cab. I later realized that the stupid dealer inflated my tires to 38 psi! After an adjustment in PSI it got better but still allot of feedback for any truck, especially the 2004 Motor Trend Truck of the year.

 

We Most definitely have to watch this issue.
Everything Else is GRAND!!
Mine drove like a luxury sedan until I got her home and paid 35K for it..

 

2004FX4Wheeler,
I have that same steering vibration problem with my XLT, 4.6, 3.55 limited slip, with 6.5' bed. The truck came from Virginia also, and was delivered in late February. I have no vibration from the rear, but I feel every bump in the steering wheel when the truck gets to 30 mph or so. I'm wondering if this is normal.

 

I am taking my truck in tomorrow for an alignment, I have a slight drift to the right and I will ask the service folks about the feedback in the steering wheel. I expect that the answer will be "I don't know" but maybe they have run into this before and can shed some light on the issue. I will certainly let everyone know the outcome, regardless of their answer. This is a great forum...glad I ran across it. Thanks everyone for providing their input.

 

2004FX4Wheeler
Thanks for following up on this steering feedback. I'll be anxious to hear what Ford has to say.

 

I took my truck in this morning to get my alignment looked at. It was out of align. They said the feedback I was feeling in the steering wheel was because I had too little air in my tires? The mas psi is 35 and I keep 33.5psi in them (stock 18" BFGs). If anything, less air would improve ride and make less vibration.

I decided not to argue and too keep a close watch on the drive and alignment to see if this ocurrs again. My drive back to the office was smoother. In my opinion the tires are overinflated and I intend on letting them back out to 33.5 psi cold.

If the truck is not holding an alignment (I have 5,350 miles) longer than 5,000+ miles then there is obviously something wrong with the front end which could explain the feedback I am getting with the steering wheel and cab. Perhaps the factory alignment is not correct? Maybe the stiffer frame on this new model is making it difficult to hold an alignment? I don't know.

 

Guys!!!!

I've been one of the most vocal in hear but I've got some great news!!! Today they installed the vibration dampener kit which I took a picture of an put in my gallery. This thing is strange looking, but appears to take out at least 75-80 of the vibration and shudders. It's a 25 lb. round weight inside of a black heavy metal box attached to the rear drivers side frame. The weight can rotate and wobble up and down thus canceling the vibration effect. It's not very noticeable and appears to do the trick!
I was really skeptical and didn't think it would work, but so far on my initial tests I have to say I'm impressed. Maybe they have a new dampener that is working now? If you don't have this, get it! I still have more testing to do, but I'm very happy it's much better. The technician went for a ride with me because he also has the same truck and was pretty excited that they appear to have this resolved. I also had the rear end fluid changed with a new type to get rid of the take off on turn shudder. I'll keep testing, but I'm happy at this point I've got my truck back. Stay tuned....no pun intended. :-)

oh....one more thing....since I had to put the stock tires back on to prove my problem to the service department, I decided to go back and get the Nitto Terra Grapplers put on to run another test. Bought the 285/60/18
They appear to handle just fine at this point. In fact, they seem to be better than the stock tires for ride and smoothness.

 

thenetguy
What part of Washington do you reside?
I want to shake your hand.
You just alleviated all of the problems I could have had with my dealer. I was waiting until my first service to see if they figured what the heck was happening. I can now go straight for the throat!!
Anyway my friend, let's hook up, I owe you at least 2 beers or whatever you prefer!!

 

mad
Beer? Did you say Beer? I'm near Seattle. What part are you from? I'm always up for a beer!
I'm totally impressed with my dealership in handling this issue, so I hope you did your homework when you bought yours. :-)

 

just took my 2004 supercab ariat to the dealer service dept took look into the steering wheel vibratiing at 60 mph im glad to know that im not the only one with this problem and will direct them to this web site if they act like the dont whats wrong!!!!!!also i have a strange noise coming from on of mny pulleys when i first start the truck in the morning the are going to check that as well..and iw ill def ask about a dampner .....this web site is informational i love it ....