Super Duty Death Wobble?
#1
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Sarasota FL. Priest River ID
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Super Duty Death Wobble?
Has anybody here experienced this?
I’ve had it happen 3 times, all at less than 40 mph and on paved but bumpy farm roads. Very aggravating and potentially dangerous if it happened at higher speeds in traffic. From what I’ve read Ford acknowledges the issue but has not began a recall/fix.
I’ve had it happen 3 times, all at less than 40 mph and on paved but bumpy farm roads. Very aggravating and potentially dangerous if it happened at higher speeds in traffic. From what I’ve read Ford acknowledges the issue but has not began a recall/fix.
#2
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This has been a known issue for nearly 20 years...so no, Ford is not going to do a recall of any sort. Dozens of articles on the web as I am sure you're aware. Basically though, from what I have read (admittedly just skimmed some articles), the issue is attributed to suspension component wear and tear or loosening of the track bar bushing, damper bracket, ball joints, control arms, and shocks/struts, so regular maintenance is the key to avoiding the problem. Ford recently recommended replacing the steering damper...which once again is a wear and tear item. These are VERY heavy trucks that simply put tremendous load on the various suspension components. Not sure how old/many miles yours has; I'd be a little concerned if this is happening on a vehicle with less than 50,000 miles, but totally understand if the 50K mark or more had been hit. I had a '92 1/2 ton Suburban for many years and rebuilt the entire front suspension twice in 150,000 miles.
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Baja 252 Islander
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#3
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It’s not just Ford, Dodge has had issues with this. Make sure all components are tight as stated especially the track bar. Have alignment checked buy good shop paying special attention to caster setting.
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Gimme Fuel (06-29-2021)
#4
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My 2017 F 350 only has 30,000 mi.
We have a 2019 F250 that has had the same issue.
Over the last 20 years we’ve had at least 12 Super Duty Fords here at the farm and this is the first time I’ve heard about it.
We have a 2019 F250 that has had the same issue.
Over the last 20 years we’ve had at least 12 Super Duty Fords here at the farm and this is the first time I’ve heard about it.
#5
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I have a V10 Excursion ( essentially a super duty underneath) and I experienced what I interpreted as the death wobble. It happens at about 30 to 40 miles per hour in the steering wheel almost shook out of my hands. It turned out to be a dragging brake caliper that heated and warped the disc. Replacing the caliper and rotor seems to have fixed the problem.
#6
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Good shocks, damper, and do a real alignment bringing the caster up over 3.5* and you won’t have an issue. I’ve had at least 10 super duties and never had an issue
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bajaman (06-27-2021), liberator221 (06-26-2021)
#8
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Ive got an 05 F250 SD with 95k on the clock and its never done it.
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Eddienel (07-06-2021)
#10
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2018 F-250 Lariat, 27k ish miles. Had it come up three times on bumpy back roads. Dealer did fix it but now the truck seems to have a little bit of a rake to it where before I’m pretty sure it sat very level front to back, but the ride is better and haven’t had wobble since so I’m ok with it. I also have had work/fleet f-250s for 10 years now and those seem to get it bad when alignment would go out, but I think all our work trucks come with heavier suspension up front for plowing even though we don’t put plows on and that makes it worse.