Death Wobble - Aftermarket Solutions?

Keith Browning · August 11, 2020

As dealership technicians we are bound by Ford's policies and procedures when repairing vehicles which means we can only use Ford OEM and Motorcraft parts. With that said, I am looking for an aftermarket solution for a stubborn truck that refuses to let go of the front axle/steering oscillation over certain bumps on curves at 50+ MPH.

I want to know what aftermarket solution has actually worked for you to reduce or eliminate this. At this point the truck in question, a 2011 F250 Diesel that has new steering linkages, new shocks, Monroe steering damper and good tires set to specification. The caster has also been set to reduce this as well. This was just dropped in my lap... I see nothing left other than to over dampen. I did adjust the steering gear meshload because it was sloppy which did make a huge difference in how the truck feels but as you know that has no affect on this condition.

mchan68 · August 11, 2020

Adjustable track bar.

Keith Browning · August 11, 2020

Examples? Sources?

8WA Sman · August 11, 2020

What tires does it have and is this a four-wheel drive?

Keith Browning · August 11, 2020

Don't recall the brand but they were all terrain... and of course its 4WD stock suspension with no lift.

8WA Sman · August 12, 2020

When I see random vibration after a bump it, tires is the first thing that comes to mind.

Sorry I will be no help on the AM input, I have always used OE.

mchan68 · August 12, 2020

https://www.dieselpowerproducts.com/p-16561-carli-adjustable-track-bar-17-19-ford-f-250f-350-superduty-4x4.aspx

Matt Saunoras · August 14, 2020

I worked for ford for 10 years and never experienced a death wobble in a truck like I did with my own earlier this year. It has been running fine for years, not a hint of wobble.....until I rotated the tires. They are factory Michelin 20s and they still have 6-7/32 on them but they are shot.

I even installed a new track bar balljoint, bushing and the latest and greatest steering damper for the new trucks. Mind you my truck is only a 15 with 48k miles, there’s no earthly reason the suspension should be worn out.

nelsona19 · August 25, 2020

Tires are usually the first thing I check when dealing with a death wobble after hitting a bump. Been down the rabbit hole a few times with the death wobble parts replacing. I mean i'd check over the whole suspension, maybe recommend a dampener. But I've been bit by tires more than a few times. I always feel better swapping on a known good set on to verify it's going to fix it.