Steering Wheel Shimmy
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Steering Wheel Shimmy
I have a 11' F350 FX4 Package with 20 inch wheels. The Front end hits hard over washboard type roads, and the steering wheel shakes back and forth. I wouldn't expect a shimmy after buying a pickup worth this much. The dealer has replaced the steering stabilizer, but it didn't make a difference.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Steering wheel movement
I seem to be having the same problem. I get a steering shimmy when driving over a bump at freeway speed. I thought It was just the tire size and rough surface along with the tire catching the pot hole. I have OEM 20" wheels. I am curious about what others think also.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
That's definitely a castor problem. You are experiencing bump steer. This usually happens with a 2.5" leveling kit and no alignment compensation. All the best steering stabilizers in the world won't fix the problem. It's going to need an alignment.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,521
Likes: 11
From: Greenwood, SC
A lot of '08-10 owners replace the factory steering stabilizer and state that this makes a huge difference. Most go with the dual shock system. I am thinking of doing this because the "bump steer" on this '11 is much more noticeable than it was on my '08 i had.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 83
It will do this at 35-45 MPH county road speeds over a series of bumps, such as an area where the road crew has fixed a series of pot holes but still a bumpy ride.
Since the steering is so easy with these trucks, I thought it was "normal."
This is assuming I understand this correctly. My experience is similar to turning the steering wheel left/right several times quickly. My reaction is to grab the wheel with both hands because I feel like I need to hold on tight. I still have the stock tires on 18in wheels and no lift.
Since the steering is so easy with these trucks, I thought it was "normal."
This is assuming I understand this correctly. My experience is similar to turning the steering wheel left/right several times quickly. My reaction is to grab the wheel with both hands because I feel like I need to hold on tight. I still have the stock tires on 18in wheels and no lift.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
I can attest to this in the case of a leveling kit. Anyone who lifts or levels the front end should also have the caster angle checked by a good alignment shop. If you think of a shopping cart whose front wheels flop all around due to being mounted on an shaft coming straight down. This is an example of a zero caster steering wheel. On the other hand, think of a Harley with super long forks. That front wheel is extremely stable due to about a 30 degree caster angle. Our trucks need about a 1.5 degree caster angle or the steering wheel will feel very loose and "floppy".
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
