Introduction
The Ford “death wobble” is a term used to describe a violent shaking of the steering wheel that occurs in some Ford Super Duty trucks, particularly at speeds around 60-70 mph. It is a serious safety concern that can affect the control of the vehicle. While there is no official recall from Ford regarding the death wobble, there are some potential fixes and solutions that have been suggested by mechanics and owners.
Causes of the Death Wobble
The causes of the death wobble can vary, but they generally involve issues with the steering and suspension components. Some potential causes include misaligned wheels, worn-out steering and suspension components, and worn-out tie rod bushings. A faulty tie rod or worn bearings for the wheels can also contribute to the death wobble. It’s important to note that the death wobble can occur in Ford F-Series Super Duty models from as early as 2005.
Potential Fixes and Solutions
While there is no definitive fix for the death wobble, there are some steps that can be taken to address the issue. One suggested solution is to identify the joint or joints that have even the slightest movement and replace those parts first. This could include the drag link joint or the tie rod joints. Additionally, some mechanics have found success with other fixes such as replacing the tires, checking for worn suspension or steering joints, and ensuring proper alignment. It’s worth noting that some owners have reported temporary fixes that eventually result in the death wobble returning.
Ford’s Response
Despite numerous complaints, Ford has not issued an official recall for the death wobble. However, in December 2020, Ford offered extended warranties and free repairs for the steering wheel oscillation issue, specifically for 2017-2019 pickup trucks. It’s important to consult with a Ford dealership or a qualified mechanic for the most up-to-date information on potential fixes and solutions.
Conclusion
The Ford death wobble is a serious safety concern that can affect the control of the vehicle. While there is no official recall from Ford, there are potential fixes and solutions that have been suggested by mechanics and owners. These include identifying and replacing the affected joints, checking for worn suspension or steering components, and ensuring proper alignment. It’s important to consult with a Ford dealership or a qualified mechanic for the best course of action.
Contents
- What happens if you keep driving with death wobble?
- Can you stop a death wobble?
- How do you stop the Ford death wobble?
- What can you do to fix a death wobble?
- What is the class action lawsuit against Ford death wobble?
- Is there a recall on Ford death wobble?
- Is death wobble covered by warranty?
- How much is it to fix a death wobble?
- Can you still drive with death wobble?
- How much does it cost to fix the death wobble?
What happens if you keep driving with death wobble?
Operating a car with a death wobble makes driving at highway speeds increasingly risky, raising the chance of getting into a severe or even fatal car accident crash.
Can you stop a death wobble?
Grip lightly, pull over, and slow down to stop the death wobble or pull over and stop the car completely and safely. Avoid sudden movements (like jerking into a new lane or slamming on the brakes) as they can cause the vehicle to flip during the wobble.
How do you stop the Ford death wobble?
Slow Down or Stop Immediately
Based on plaintiff statements in the recent class-action lawsuit, slowing down (preferably with Ford power brakes) is the only way to stop the death wobble and prevent injury to yourself and your interior vehicle occupants.
What can you do to fix a death wobble?
How To Fix Death Wobble
- Step 1: Inspect the Suspension for Worn Components. To begin, you must assess if any components are worn or damaged.
- Step 2: Replace Damaged and Worn Components. If you’ve isolated some components with excessive wear in the first step, it’s time to replace them!
- Step 3: Get an Alignment.
What is the class action lawsuit against Ford death wobble?
Ford Death Wobble F250 Consumer Class Action Filed in 2019
The suit goes on to say: “The violent shaking of the vehicle can cause loss of control of the vehicle and difficulty steering while the Class Vehicles are in operation at any time and under typical driving conditions or speed.
Is there a recall on Ford death wobble?
There is no Ford death wobble buy back nor a Ford super duty death wobble recall. Despite numerous complaints for consumers, Ford has yet to issue any sort of official death wobble recall.
Is death wobble covered by warranty?
Death wobble isn’t a design defect, more like a design byproduct. Defective parts will cause it but those are already covered by warranty. Whether the Jeep dealer is competent to diagnose the issue is a different matter entirely.
How much is it to fix a death wobble?
Average Cost
For instance, the cost could be as low as $50 if a loose bolt needs to be tightened. However, if multiple components like ball joints and the track bar need to be replaced, the total cost of repairing your Jeep could exceed well over $1,000.
Can you still drive with death wobble?
As soon as you experience a death wobble vibration while driving, the safest thing to do is ease off of the accelerator and coast to a stop in a safe area. Keep your hands firmly on the wheel, avoid hitting the brakes, and maintain as straight a course as you can while this is happening.
How much does it cost to fix the death wobble?
Average Cost
For instance, the cost could be as low as $50 if a loose bolt needs to be tightened. However, if multiple components like ball joints and the track bar need to be replaced, the total cost of repairing your Jeep could exceed well over $1,000.