Death wobble

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Nov 28, 2007 | 08:20 PM

Alaska Tony

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Joined: Nov 2007

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Death wobble

I am new to the Ford ownership. Heard recently from someone about the "Death Wobble". Not sure what that is. Also I seem to have loose steering. I can turn the steering wheel in both directions approximately 1" or 2" before the truck responds. Is this related to Death wobble and what are the repairs that can be made?

Nov 28, 2007 | 10:07 PM

IHI

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Joined: Oct 2006

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From: Corn country

First I've heard of the death wobble, but when i got my F350 it was always a scarey ride when it hit any bumps in the road...truck would try to steer itself into the ditch or oncoming traffic. Very scarey ride.

Had all the ball joints replaced and this thing drives like a brand new truck, best $800 I've ever spent.

Nov 28, 2007 | 10:15 PM

Alaska Tony

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Thanks, Iwill look into that. Would the steering column play into it at all, i.e. steering box, steering dampner

Nov 28, 2007 | 10:18 PM

IHI

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From: Corn country

Initally I installed a new steering damper just because it's cheap and fast...in my head i think it drove better, but it was still a death trap. I too had quite a bit of slop in my steering, and my front tires were toed out and looked like an off road racing truck. Now with the new ball joints the steering is very tight/sensative and front tires are now straight up and down. I knew they were bad, but just put off the fix as long as i could.

Nov 28, 2007 | 11:19 PM

swann79

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 1,546

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From: Kemmerer, Wyoming

Do a search for "Death Wobble" on this forum... you'll find enough to reading to keep you busy all night.

Main things to check - ball joints, steering linkage, all suspension bushings (including shocks) on front AND rear. Also... Air pressures. I believe it was Redford who did a detailed air pressure test on his front tires and found that at or slightly below the factory recommended air pressure made for the best steering feel.

Enjoy the new Ford, Welcome to FTE, you've found a great resource!

Nov 29, 2007 | 02:14 PM

BareBones

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Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,060

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From: Burnsville, MN

Actually, death wobble seems to relate to a perceived bad design issue on the new vehicles, especially the 2005+ models. Your profile shows a 99 250, so you don't have "death wobble", you have worn out steering components.....

Nov 29, 2007 | 04:30 PM

CO250

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Joined: Oct 2007

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Death wobble is nothing new at all. It can play into a lot of different components, by themselves or at the same time. This is a site for Jeeps, but it breaks it down pretty good: http://www.yuccaman.com/jeep/dw.html.