[Lakehunter88]

Stock 2019 F350 6.7, I purchased this truck used 38,000 miles in April of last year. First instance of death wobble. Ford performed the recall / steering update. (Ford replaced the dampener, checked tires, tire pressure, etc.).

The second instance of death wobble the Ford dealer replaced the steering dampener with an after- market dampener. Third instance dealer changed / installed caster kit.

Now the fourth instance of death wobble. Passenger tie rod end and and Pitman arm tie rod end look bad (play when moving the steering wheel). 58,000 miles now on the truck. Dealer is checking on costs for parts.

Any suggestions on what tie rod ends I should buy? Motorcraft, Moog, other. Would I be better off to replace the bars and tie rods as an assembly? This is getting old and expensive. Thanks in advance.

 

[ford_doctor]

You must correct any looseness in the steering and suspension and retorque the suspension fasteners before moving ahead. The track bar ball joint and end bushing are critical when inspecting and diagnosing this concern as is the sector shaft drag link ball joints. I also manually check the steering stabilizer and the front shocks as well. Which way did they adjust the caster? Positive or negative? If your alignment measurement is within specification to begin with the last step is to reduce caster (despite what the knuckleheads on the internet say) If the tech working on your truck is not reading the diagnostic procedure in the WSM carefully this is what it says: "Adjust the individual casters low as possible while still remaining within specification and maintaining a cross-caster of .5 degree less on the left side. Toe in should be set to .05 degrees per side + /- .25 degree."

As for what parts to buy I can say I have tossed out a lot of Moog and unknown aftermarket steering linkages and ball joints to say they aren't necessarily better... just less expensive. Of course, I am going to recommend the Motorcraft parts. My observation over the years is that parts that have been replaced and failed again is due to improper installation resulting in damage to the parts.

 

[Lakehunter88]

Thank you Ford Doctor for your reply.

The paper work lists part numbers 5C3Z3B440DDD and 5C3Z3B440EEE. 3/4 degree I think. The dealer did not supply me with the actual caster, camber, toe in numbers. This was done in November.

I forgot to list in my first statement. Dealer also replaced HC3Z3B239B drag link in October.

If I understand your statement correctly. I can tighten these tie rod ends in place of replacement? Hopefully solve the problem?

Thank you.

 

[ford_doctor]

No, you cannot "tighten" a loose ball joint - once they wear, they are done. Perhaps you misunderstood that I meant about retorquing fasteners. When going after the steering oscillation concern it is wise to check the torque on the trailing arms, track bar bracket and the bushing bolt, the steering gear bolts. Looseness at any of those points could contribute to the concern.

 

[Lakehunter88]

Thanks Ford Doctor for the explanation. Tomorrow I will check each of those for proper tightness.ed

I will update when I have more news.

Have a good night. Thanks for the help.

 

[Lakehunter88]

Ford Doctor,

I do not have the proper tools to check the items you listed. I will relay your information to the dealership the next time I am there.

I did observe excess play in the passenger tie rod end and and the pitman arm attachment point. Only when the tires are on the ground. When holding on to the inner tie rod center drag link (HC3Z3304A). A noticeable snap (not a smooth action) can be felt when moving the steering wheel back and forth when the tires are on the ground. When the tires are not on the ground these issues are not prevalent.

I am considering replacing all tie rod ends. The only seemingly healthy one on the drivers side at the same time.

Would you replace all three?

Thank you.

 

[kenval]

Just an FYI....the Ford death wobble has NOTHING to do with the tires or pressure. It has everything to do with the steering stabilizer. Get them to put the newer/bigger stabilizer and it will cure it 100%.

 

[Lakehunter88]

Kenval,

Thanks for the reply. I am on the second stabilizer (dampener). The first one is OEM the second one is aftermarket. Wobble worse than ever.

 

[kenval]

Lakehunter....yeah...not sure about the aftermarket one. My dad's '17 F250 had the wobble BAD. It was just like the videos online and could be easily re-created with known bridge joints that he could hit. It was violent at times. He took it to the dealer. They said they replaced the original steering stabilizer with a beefier version from Ford. That truck never wobbled ONCE after that fix. It was like night and day. Wobble started at about 30,000 miles and he sold the truck with 80k. Never wobbled again after the visit to the dealer and he drove the same roads and highways as before.

Ken

 

[tpcrouch]

I chased this for two years. 2 dealerships, 2 steering stabilizers, front to back suspension bolt checks, alignment and rotations. It was bad enough to damage the brake system as well. (When it hits on the interstate you have to ride it out to get to the shoulder.)
It went away and hasn’t returned with 4 new tires. I had two with broken belts and they weren’t visible until they were I mounted from the rim.
There are many causes, this was mine, this time. 2012 with 201k.

 

[Lakehunter88]

tpcouch,

Thanks for the input. I just had all tie rod ends replaced at the dealer. April 2022. Ford stepped up and helped me out. Thank you Ford and my dealer! The loose steering/steering wheel oscillation is completely gone.

I believe the tie rod ends were the issue from the beginning. Time will tell if this is the cure. Good luck to all of you experiencing this issue. I will post an update at some point.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Lakehunter88]

Update,

2 months later. My truck is steering like it should death wobble is gone. One note, I had a shimmy in the steering wheel from 65-75 MPH. Smooth blacktop or rough road it would come and go. The final solution was to replace all four tires. Drives like a new truck now.

Good luck to others. Death wobble can be fixed. The repair list may be lengthy.