2wd bumpsteer/death wobble?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,243
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From: Chicago and Mt Carroll IL
2wd bumpsteer/death wobble?
Just returned (luckily) from 300 mile trip mostly on township blacktop/county roads. 3500 miles on 08 2wd SD. Hit a pothole while changing a lane to the right with passenger side front tire and damn if the truck didnt violently react by lurching to the left in what felt like a temporary total loss of steering control. Immediately took corrective action (to the extent the truck allowed) and slowed from 65mph to about 50 and it recovered fine, wiped my a** and continued home, remembering along the way reading other similar horror stories but they all seemed to be 4wd, particularly with lift kits. This is dead stock 2wd. Anyone with similar problem in 2wd truck please respond. I will not put an employee behind the wheel of this thing until I figure out whats wrong and based on similar postings, I probably don't trust that the dealer will do much of anything that really addresses the problem. Thanks in advance.
Eddie
Eddie
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 574
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From: SW Idaho
Any pics of the pot hole? I could be wrong but it looks like the problem could be the driver and the hole he hit. Maybe take another truck and hit that hole at 65mph to see what happends? Anyways glad you are safe.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,243
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From: Chicago and Mt Carroll IL
just got my license
Funny I guess, the pothole was more of a tire track depression. Still won't put my kid behind the wheel of the truck. Been driving 33 years, consider myself both adept and safe as I've never been involved in an accident and haven't had a mover in 20 or so years. Also noticed similar, but less violent, front end reactions when driving over uneven or bumpy pavement at speeds between 50 and 70 mph. Traded my 02 Silverado 2500 HD for this piece of chit because the price was right and my 97 ranger has 210,000 trouble free miles on it so I felt comfortable trusting Ford. oh well
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Chicago and Mt Carroll IL
good point on the tires redford. Continental something or anothers came with the truck, seem more passenger car like. Noticed right away they hydroplaned easily when wet and they're pretty willing to break loose when not dry. Wanted to upgrade tires and rims anyhow, probably now sooner rather than later. Might add that I checked inflation tonight along with a cursory check of lug nuts etc and everything seemed fine. Hope its not alignment at 3500 miles but may have been a little sloppy upon delivery.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,060
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From: Burnsville, MN
I doubt very much you have "death wobble" because I have followed a lot of the descriptions on these forums closely and I don't believe the situations fits.
First, unless Ford finally got around to updating the front suspension in '08, the 2wd models still have the old front suspension system. I.e., the same suspension used for decade(s?) before the term "death wobble" came into being.
Second, if you do have death wobble, its the first reported instance among many dozens of reports. Not to say you aren't right, but about a year ago this topic was absolutely beat to pieces, and no one with 2wd to my recollection ever reported the problem.
Third, you've got to provide more information on your vehicle type. Power steering on diesels is different than power steering on gassers so the diagnosis would likely be different too.
Last, post your front tire pressures, and whether you see any wear patterns even though you only have 3,500 miles. The more information the better - when the really knowledgable posters show up they're going to need it....
First, unless Ford finally got around to updating the front suspension in '08, the 2wd models still have the old front suspension system. I.e., the same suspension used for decade(s?) before the term "death wobble" came into being.
Second, if you do have death wobble, its the first reported instance among many dozens of reports. Not to say you aren't right, but about a year ago this topic was absolutely beat to pieces, and no one with 2wd to my recollection ever reported the problem.
Third, you've got to provide more information on your vehicle type. Power steering on diesels is different than power steering on gassers so the diagnosis would likely be different too.
Last, post your front tire pressures, and whether you see any wear patterns even though you only have 3,500 miles. The more information the better - when the really knowledgable posters show up they're going to need it....
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Chicago and Mt Carroll IL
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: NH
I agree, I am also going to say this isn't the "death wobble" as it usually equates to a violent vibration oscillation. The fact that the pot hole or depression that pulled you severely could be caused by other issues, some that were mentioned.
Seeing as the 08 only has 3500 miles i would tend to rule out the word "worn" from the equation. I am not familiar with the 2WD front ends but i would do a full inspection of ball joints/tierods etc.. to eliminate any possible "defective" items. If all looks ok replace with quality tires and wheels as you had planned on. I am to assume it is under warranty so have ford do/check alignment and full front end inspection to see if it reveals anything. If all checks out ok install an aftermarket steering stabilizer this should hopefully eliminate any further occurences.
Seeing as the 08 only has 3500 miles i would tend to rule out the word "worn" from the equation. I am not familiar with the 2WD front ends but i would do a full inspection of ball joints/tierods etc.. to eliminate any possible "defective" items. If all looks ok replace with quality tires and wheels as you had planned on. I am to assume it is under warranty so have ford do/check alignment and full front end inspection to see if it reveals anything. If all checks out ok install an aftermarket steering stabilizer this should hopefully eliminate any further occurences.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Chicago and Mt Carroll IL
Thanks Dave, bringing the truck in Saturday morning. And thanks for admitting you have a Pathfinder, I feel ok about my (humbly awesome) 08 4runner now that replaced my 01 xterra. Need a yuppie commando vehicle here in chicago to climb over the other 2.8 mil who can't drive.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,022
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From: Redford, Mi.
I have a 2001 F350, supercab, 8 ft bed 173,000 miles and live in the pothole capital and have never experienced the death wobble. I run Michelin's and haven't had an issue, only front end work was ball joints at about 115,000 miles. Turn key ...>> go baby go.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,243
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From: Chicago and Mt Carroll IL
Update: Swapped out the factory Continentals and rims for 18" x 9" XD Hoss with Michelin LTX A/T 2 LT275/65R18/E, 12 mm offset on wheels. 70# front, 75# rears. This is the way the truck should have been delivered. Bumpsteer (or whatever) is completely gone. The front end inspires confidence. Ride quality even though load rated E is like driving a Benz by comparison. With increased track, sticks like glue in the twisties. Successive potholes at highway speed absorbed with grace with virtually no feedback at the steering wheel. Very slightly elevated hum at 65mph, barely noticable. Wet traction better than Contis dry. Digs thru mud on sites (wet spring here in IL) like it has 4wd without any plow effect on fronts. Thanks to everyone esp Dave 67 for advice, dealer couldnt find any front end problems because they weren't checking for thoroughly unsuitable tires. Best 1800 I've ever spent on a vehicle, the AT/2s are a little spendy but caught a great deal on rims at 4wheelparts.com. Side benefit is truck no longer looks like my grandfathers workhorse F100, pretty trick with the bronze XDs. Future plans now include 1 1/4" rear stabilizer bar and replacement aftermarket steering stabilizer.
-Ed
-Ed
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