It’s referred to as “death wobble” and most of us have experienced it at least once if not more.

Many people will tell you many different ways to fix it. The most common is “replace the steering damper”. Ford did that for me when the truck was brand new and death wobble occurred several times following the replacement of the damper.

I finally leveled the truck and had the caster shims installed to about 5 degrees. After the leveling kit was completed I never once experienced death wobble again.

 

It’s referred to as “death wobble” and most of us have experienced it at least once if not more.

Many people will tell you many different ways to fix it. The most common is “replace the steering damper”.

It is definitely referred to as the death wobble but it definitely has nothing to do with the steering damper/ stabilizer...0%

It's usually caused by bad/worn ball joints, worn steering components (not damper) or steering gearbox/ loose gearbox.

A steering stabilizer isn't even needed on a vehicle, they do absolutely nothing and is just something else to spend money on.
Run a truck with and without one, you can even run dual's. they are supposed to help reduce kick in the steering wheel. take your truck off road...it will still break your hand/ arm if it wants to.

 

I haven't experienced the " Death Wobble" on a Ford but I have on other vehicles even cars. It's usually caused by excessive wear in the steering parts, ball joints and I've even seen it caused by loose wheel bearings. Minor wear in each of the front end parts can be compounded together to add up to a lot of slop or free play in the steering resulting in the death wobble. On some trucks it can be minor but on others it can be down right terrifying. You're gonna need to check each and every part in your front end. You didn't mention it your truck has oversized tires but they can make it feel even worse. Take your time and check everything. Check the ball joints with and without preload on them. Steering box free play and even the bolts to the frame. Pitman arm to the steering shaft. Don't forget to check the front end bushings also.

 

So there is no one thing that causes "death wobble"? Wow this seems alot. Thanks alot i appreciate it. No oversize tires. As far as i know its 100% stock.

 

Worn or worn out front end parts are usually the cause. Front end alignment will cause it to. Caster being off. After you make sure everything checks out good and any problem parts replaced then have your alignment checked. Make sure they get it dead on, not just close or good enough.

 

Everyone saying it’s worn steering components and ball joints but my truck was a couple months old and less than 5000 miles when it started. Nothing worn on a truck that new. There are videos on YT of guys pulling out of dealerships in brand new trucks, hitting a pothole, and the death wobble ensues.

I honestly believe it has more to do with Ford not matching the coil spring rate with shock compression and rebound rate along with next to no caster. I say that because all I did was a leveling kit and BOOM! All fixed. 185,000 miles later and it never has happened again. I’ve since replaced many steering components that was most certainly worn but never got death wobble while those worn parts were along for the ride.

 

 

I do believe that caster plays a big part in it. Adding the leveling kit may have had an affect on that. I don't know for sure.

 

I added 3 degree caster shims that brought the truck to 5.5 degrees. I agree. I think it’s the caster.

 

Okay newest update after doing some research today I have found that they say according to a master technician for Ford that adding a dual steering stabilizer dampener shock kit completely removes the death wobble from the Ford F250s and F350s.

 

I bet he wants $1500 + labor too. I wouldn’t buy it.

 

So if adding a dual steering stabilizer dampener shock kit doesn't fix the problem then what will? Because it seems like many different people have several different so-called Solutions.

 

Start here.

Carli Ford Super Duty Caster Correction Shims

Struggling with death wobble or poor steering feel on your Ford? If caster is your fix, these shims will allow you to easily and quickly add caster to a leveling kit, lift kit, or stock truck to dial in your alignment.

www.cjcoffroad.com

 

Ok so installing these Carley Ford Super Duty Caster correction Sims do I need one set or two sets or how many do I need that says a $75 for a set

 

One set. One shim per side. Then get the truck aligned.

You can call CJC Off-Road and talk with those guys too. They have the best customer service hands down. They won’t steer you wrong.

 

Ok great thanks alot

 

Alright, there's a lot of varying answers, but I'm not seeing a few big and important questions being asked. Is your truck 2wd, or 4x4? how many miles on it? Your first thing to do, is get the front end off the ground, and see if anything feels loose when you try rocking the wheel up and down, as well as side to side. Then, if you feel movement, it'll be a little tricky, but you'll need to determine what is causing said movement. Another item not mentioned is improperly balanced tires. This can also compound your issues. As can very badly worn and cupped tires that can create and amplify a lot of vibrations.

The caster shims are great, but that's something that REQUIRES an alignment immediately, as every change to camber/caster (and they do change both) also changes the toe angle of the tire.

I want you to understand, this isn't rocket science, but it CAN get complicated and stabilizers aren't a fix at all. I owned a Jeep on 36's and deleted my stabilizer entirely. I didn't feel even a HINT of difference. Not one. They're honestly not useful at all. That's money better spent on diagnosing the issue, and fixing it. Not putting a bandaid on it.

 

Thanks. Its a 2016 f250 lariat 4x4 with 121k miles

 

Knowing this, I would say have the balance checked on all 4 tires, as that can definitely cause issues. Then while you're at it, a good thorough inspection of the entire front end. Tie rod ends, ball joints, track bar (this is a big one, my boss's 2018 had this, and it was a mystery until we found it) and equally important, the U joints in the front knuckles. If those aren't good, it can cause some strange and funky stuff too. So can just general bad U joints on drive shafts.

Ase certified input, from a guy whose forte is suspension and anomalous vibrations in vehicles. I'm quite good at it too, except on Jeeps, where the only fix is to live with it, or throw the whole GD thing away.

 

Ok thanks
Sounds like its gonna cost out the wazoo but im stuck with it now. So do you think after an alignment i should install a dual sterring suspension dampener and or shims

 

Dual won't do much. Don't waste your money, and that Ford guy is full of $hit. Tires, alignment caster, worn suspension ball joints/track bar ends, steering tie rods and box... etc

You really have to get to the bottom of it. It can be almost anything in the front end. But yeah caster is the magic item.

As for driving off the lot and getting the death wobble, happened to my father's 19, they replaced track bar and hasn't come back since. Combination of alignment and shifty parts. Ford isn't an amazing vehicle, these trucks are cash cows for fords bottom line. They cheap out on most things to pad the stockholds returns. You can get parts that are bad from the factory.

 

I absolutely agree that these are basically Ford's bread and butter, especially to fleets. So premium quality isn't the thing, although it should be for what we are forced to pay. That's another whole separate discussion though.

Now professionally, I disagree on caster being the "magic item" however it will help substantially. BUT, and this is the big thing. It will not help no matter what if you've got bad parts that need to be replaced. Therefore, diagnosing, and addressing worn out components is the ultimate magic item here in my experience. Really let's just say a GOOD mechanic, and the right settings really is the magic item here. I mean good, as in a mechanic who knows how to find the issue, and what he or she needs to adjust to what setting to achieve the result.

 

I would first look at your tires, check for cupping or separation...even in the back. I had a back tire separation play havoc with the front.

 

I have an06 350 on a 6” lift with dual steering stabilizer and have never had a death wobble at not yet !

 

I've got dual steering stabilizers from Fabtech that were on the truck when I bought it. 8in. lift, 37x13.50's, honestly I don't know what good they do, If any. Probably don't do much more than add some resistance to the steering. I've the stabilizers to a couple of other trucks I've had in the past and except for one Dodge they didn't do much. My belief is If your front end is set up right you shouldn't need them. I would only add them as an absolute last resort. I'm sure a lot of folks think they look cool or tough or whatever but that don't make the dog hunt. Save yourself a couple hundred dollars and make sure your front end is right before you do anything.

 

As others have stated.... Dual stabilizers won't do anything. You need to raise the front end of the truck, and check your track bar, steering linkages, and all of your front end components for movement.

 

LOL, I just came across a random youtube video the other day. It was from Texas and a guy asking what are the most reliable trucks, etc. Of course a 7.3 was #1

Anyway, the shop the kid was talking to said the newer fords are known for the death wobble.
They said front end parts and bad tires will make the issue worse. They also said they swear by dual stabilizers and it will cure the death wobble
That's when I quit watching. sure if your stabilzers are like my fox's and it holds the steering wheel in place from a turn, it will help some but it's not going to cure the issue or prevent it. and most stabilizers aren't that stiff and it unsafe

just thought I'd share it. I should find the video to post it here...

 

LOL, I just came across a random youtube video the other day. It was from Texas and a guy asking what are the most reliable trucks, etc. Of course a 7.3 was #1

Anyway, the shop the kid was talking to said the newer fords are known for the death wobble.
They said front end parts and bad tires will make the issue worse. They also said they swear by dual stabilizers and it will cure the death wobble
That's when I quit watching. sure if your stabilzers are like my fox's and it holds the steering wheel in place from a turn, it will help some but it's not going to cure the issue or prevent it. and most stabilizers aren't that stiff and it unsafe

just thought I'd share it. I should find the video to post it here...

I'm gonna put 6 stabilizers on! It'll keep me from wobbling when I get out for that DWI test.

 

I was thinking about putting a couple on my wife, maybe that would keep her from running her mouth so much. 🥴😂🤐

 

Add caster shims and max them out, toe in set to 1/8 and make sure your steering box has zero play and go from there......this being AFTER you confirm all front end parts are free of play. Also lot's of negative comments on dual steering stabilizers here, but IMHO they 100% improve ride quality by drastically reducing bump steer. My city has worse roads than post bombing Ukraine lol and I've tested back to back with and without on the same stretch of road fwiw.

 

I don’t disagree with you about steering stabilizers. I do think they play a good role in the steering of the truck. They are just not a fix for death wobble. I hate hearing of or seeing people waste their money on an expensive dual setup just to go out the same day and get death wobble again.

 

here is an excellent video for the OP
Death Wobble

 

I wish that guy would have addressed air pressure and tires.

None the less, there seems to be two types here.

Those who just purchased a truck and wont admit they need to throw money at it.
and those who have a new truck with a lift/level who wont admit they need to throw more money at it.

 

Ok. First of all I want to thank you all for the feedback. So i got my tires balanced and rotated, and an alignment. So far the wobble has not returned. Even though im still leary about when it could or will do so again. I am appreciative of your insights and knowledge as you all have saved me a chunk of money.

 

Hit any bumps yet while at highway speeds?

 

Hopefully that took care of it. Don't let it cause ya to lose faith in your truck and keep you from enjoying it. These trucks aren't cheap to own and maintain but they're the best on the road. Each one has it's own individual quirks and personality. They're like people, no two are exactly the same. Good luck with your truck and keep on trucking.

 

Will do!. They are solid trucks!

 

I know it’s been a while since this post but hopefully you’re still on the forum. I just bought my 2016 F250 with 116k miles. This just happened to me and it scared the s**t out of me lol. How do I know if the truck is leveled or not already? It seems like it is all stock.

 

the front will sit lower than the rear if it's not leveled, will have a factory rake