What is the Ford Death Shake?

The Ford Death Shake
The Ford Death Shake, also known as the Death Wobble, is a term used to describe a dangerous vibration that occurs in the front end of certain Ford trucks, particularly the F-250 and F-350 models. This issue has been reported by numerous drivers and has gained attention through class action lawsuits and customer complaints.
The Death Wobble typically occurs when the vehicle is traveling at speeds above 50 miles per hour and one of the tires hits a groove, bump, or dip in the road. This can cause the entire steering system to rapidly turn back and forth, resulting in intense shaking and difficulty in controlling the vehicle. The shaking can only be controlled by reducing speed or stopping, which can be dangerous when driving in traffic .
The problem has been reported by owners and lessees of Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks from model years 2005 to 2019. Many customers have experienced the Death Wobble before their trucks reached 36,000 miles, and some even before 5,000 miles. There have been complaints of the issue persisting despite repairs and upgrades, leading to frustration among owners.
Ford has faced criticism for its handling of the Death Wobble issue. Some customers have reported difficulties in getting their trucks repaired, with parts being back-ordered or unavailable. There have also been allegations that Ford blames the issue on improper maintenance, even when the vehicles are still under warranty.
Causes and Solutions
The Death Wobble is commonly associated with vehicles that have a solid front axle and coil spring suspension, which utilize a track bar. This includes many Ford trucks, as well as Jeeps and Dodge trucks. While the exact causes of the Death Wobble can vary, it is often attributed to a combination of factors, including worn or damaged steering components, improper alignment, unbalanced wheels or tires, and suspension issues.
To address the Death Wobble, there are several potential solutions. One option is to upgrade the steering linkage and suspension components to improve stability and reduce the likelihood of the issue occurring. Some aftermarket companies offer replacement track bars and other upgrades that can help alleviate the problem.
Regular maintenance and upkeep are also important in preventing the Death Wobble. This includes proper alignment, balancing of wheels and tires, and regular inspection of steering components. If you experience the Death Wobble, it is recommended to slow down and reduce speed until normal steering control is restored .
Conclusion
The Ford Death Shake, or Death Wobble, is a serious issue that has affected certain Ford trucks, particularly the F-250 and F-350 models. It is characterized by intense shaking and difficulty in controlling the vehicle, typically occurring at speeds above 50 miles per hour when one of the tires hits a groove or bump in the road. Ford has faced criticism for its handling of the issue, and there have been ongoing class action lawsuits and customer complaints. Upgrading steering components and suspension, as well as regular maintenance, can help address and prevent the Death Wobble .

Should you brake during a death wobble?

Don’t Immediately Hit the Brakes:
Riders who have experienced the “Death Wobble” actually advise you to hit the throttle a little more, to try and straighten out, or to minimize the landing of the crash.

What is Ford doing about the 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. In December 2020, the auto manufacturer offered extended warranties and free repairs for the steering wheel oscillation issue.

When did Ford fix the death wobble?

Currently, Ford has not addressed the death wobble, they have not addressed the multiple complaints from drivers, and they have not addressed any possible remedy or repair for the issue. Currently, there is no indication from the Ford motor company that they are intending to do anything about the issue.

Do all Fords have death wobble?

It’s as scary as the name sounds. The death wobble is a violent shaking that happens to the front end of many Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty trucks.

What causes the Ford Death Shake?

The drag link or the tie rod ends. And you know the drag link and the tie rod ends are specific to the steering. So the wheels. If they’re loose in the steering. They can also do the S vibration.

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.

How many people have died from the death wobble?

However, drivers are warned to take caution; while there has yet to be a reported death connected to the death wobble, it does not make the vehicle defect any less dangerous.

Is it bad to drive with death wobble?

In summary, operating a car with a death wobble can be extremely dangerous and cause you to crash. The fact that the issue is limited to certain types of vehicles means it is not overly widespread, but the cases that crop up are harrowing for the victims.

Is it safe to 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.

Why do they call it the death wobble?

Death wobble happens in Jeeps, 4x4s, and trucks when rapidly rotating steering wheel components cause your steering wheel to move rapidly from side to side. This causes your vehicle to feel like it’s about to fall apart and you want to hold onto the steering wheel for dear life.