Front end vibration mystery
05-04-2015, 11:06 AM
#1
Front end vibration mystery
Hi folks. I have a 2005 F150 Supercrew 2WD 4.6V8. I developed a violent vibration in the front end and figured it was something like a bad alignment because I recently had the entire front end redone with new tie rods and all new joints. After replacing the tires and struts, it is still happening, although less violently. The tires are new and aligned, new struts, new front end joints, and yet I can't figure out the issue. The front brakes are a little worn but not in dire need of replacing. Pressing the brakes has no bearing on the vibration and neither does speed. The odd thing is that it is not something that always happens. It seems to occur at random. In fact, I dropped it with a reputable shop for a week and the mechanic could never get it to vibrate. Anyone had such an issue?
05-04-2015, 11:18 AM
#2
Mark
iTrader: (1)
Wheel bearings ??
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Shanester (05-05-2015)
05-04-2015, 04:48 PM
#4
I may get banned for this, but it is a sad truth.... Ford Front End. That is what is wrong with it. No one makes a perfect car / truck. Etc. And the Ford trucks have a bad front end design. Google Death Wobble.... But, here are a few things that cause it you haven't listed as replaced already. Also Tires... even new ones are bad off the line, more often than you think.
Track Bar
Death wobble can most often be traced back to the track bar. The track bar's job is to locate the front axle under the truck. Because the track bar attaches at one end to the frame, and the opposite to the axle, it is subjected to significant loads as the steering and suspension cycle. Once any of its components have been compromised-such as bolts, bushings, or bracket welds and mounting holes-it can transfer vibrations and start the oscillations that eventually become death wobble. An adjustable, or upgraded track bar is always a good idea.
Drag Link
The drag link is the rod between the pitman arm and your knuckle. It's what transfers steering input from the steering box to the knuckle. You'll want to examine the drag link for signs of damage, such as bends, and the condition of the joints on each end. There shouldn't be any up-and-down play in these joints. Heavy-duty drag links and joints are available from several aftermarket companies.
And any bushing/ control arm, etc.
Track Bar
Death wobble can most often be traced back to the track bar. The track bar's job is to locate the front axle under the truck. Because the track bar attaches at one end to the frame, and the opposite to the axle, it is subjected to significant loads as the steering and suspension cycle. Once any of its components have been compromised-such as bolts, bushings, or bracket welds and mounting holes-it can transfer vibrations and start the oscillations that eventually become death wobble. An adjustable, or upgraded track bar is always a good idea.
Drag Link
The drag link is the rod between the pitman arm and your knuckle. It's what transfers steering input from the steering box to the knuckle. You'll want to examine the drag link for signs of damage, such as bends, and the condition of the joints on each end. There shouldn't be any up-and-down play in these joints. Heavy-duty drag links and joints are available from several aftermarket companies.
And any bushing/ control arm, etc.
Last edited by cj152290; 05-04-2015 at 04:56 PM.
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Shanester (05-05-2015)
05-05-2015, 02:53 PM
#6
Senior Member
I may get banned for this, but it is a sad truth.... Ford Front End. That is what is wrong with it. No one makes a perfect car / truck. Etc. And the Ford trucks have a bad front end design. Google Death Wobble.... But, here are a few things that cause it you haven't listed as replaced already. Also Tires... even new ones are bad off the line, more often than you think.
Track Bar
Death wobble can most often be traced back to the track bar. The track bar's job is to locate the front axle under the truck. Because the track bar attaches at one end to the frame, and the opposite to the axle, it is subjected to significant loads as the steering and suspension cycle. Once any of its components have been compromised-such as bolts, bushings, or bracket welds and mounting holes-it can transfer vibrations and start the oscillations that eventually become death wobble. An adjustable, or upgraded track bar is always a good idea.
Drag Link
The drag link is the rod between the pitman arm and your knuckle. It's what transfers steering input from the steering box to the knuckle. You'll want to examine the drag link for signs of damage, such as bends, and the condition of the joints on each end. There shouldn't be any up-and-down play in these joints. Heavy-duty drag links and joints are available from several aftermarket companies.
And any bushing/ control arm, etc.
Track Bar
Death wobble can most often be traced back to the track bar. The track bar's job is to locate the front axle under the truck. Because the track bar attaches at one end to the frame, and the opposite to the axle, it is subjected to significant loads as the steering and suspension cycle. Once any of its components have been compromised-such as bolts, bushings, or bracket welds and mounting holes-it can transfer vibrations and start the oscillations that eventually become death wobble. An adjustable, or upgraded track bar is always a good idea.
Drag Link
The drag link is the rod between the pitman arm and your knuckle. It's what transfers steering input from the steering box to the knuckle. You'll want to examine the drag link for signs of damage, such as bends, and the condition of the joints on each end. There shouldn't be any up-and-down play in these joints. Heavy-duty drag links and joints are available from several aftermarket companies.
And any bushing/ control arm, etc.
The DERP is strong with this one!
The following 2 users liked this post by Taildragger:
KCCOFox (05-11-2015),
powerranger262 (05-05-2015)
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05-05-2015, 03:54 PM
#8
05-05-2015, 05:30 PM
#9
Senior Member
CJ, it is this reference;
Track Bar
Death wobble can most often be traced back to the track bar. The track bar's job is to locate the front axle under the truck. Because the track bar attaches at one end to the frame, and the opposite to the axle, it is subjected to significant loads as the steering and suspension cycle. Once any of its components have been compromised-such as bolts, bushings, or bracket welds and mounting holes-it can transfer vibrations and start the oscillations that eventually become death wobble. An adjustable, or upgraded track bar is always a good idea.
You probably just cut a pasted that without knowing it.
Track Bar
Death wobble can most often be traced back to the track bar. The track bar's job is to locate the front axle under the truck. Because the track bar attaches at one end to the frame, and the opposite to the axle, it is subjected to significant loads as the steering and suspension cycle. Once any of its components have been compromised-such as bolts, bushings, or bracket welds and mounting holes-it can transfer vibrations and start the oscillations that eventually become death wobble. An adjustable, or upgraded track bar is always a good idea.
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powerranger262 (05-05-2015)
05-05-2015, 09:14 PM
#10
Senior Member
^^X2^^
Last time I checked the 2wd does not have a track bar or a drag link. It goes from the steering column to the rack and pinion.
I would check out the ebrake next time it happens. It will feel like a shake from the front end, had this happen on my last truck.
Last time I checked the 2wd does not have a track bar or a drag link. It goes from the steering column to the rack and pinion.
I would check out the ebrake next time it happens. It will feel like a shake from the front end, had this happen on my last truck.
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Shanester (05-11-2015)