Front end vibration mystery
05-06-2015, 02:18 AM
#12
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.
To the OP, I would try cheap things first. Rotate your tires front to rear and see if the vibration follows. If it does, you have a bad tire or a bent wheel.
Here is a Dodge with a death wobble: https://youtu.be/6LaMXupbfdA
Last edited by VTX1800N1; 05-06-2015 at 02:38 AM.
05-06-2015, 05:33 AM
#13
Another source for vibration would be a U joint. And did you replace both inner and outer tie rods? Wheel Hub assembly would be a great place to look as the first poster stated.
05-06-2015, 05:40 AM
#14
While shopping for my truck I test drove a lot of trucks. and I did test drive one (F250 RWD 2002) that did in fact have the "death wobble".
But then I am not a Brand specific kind of guy. If it is owned by a US company I would buy it if the price is right.
05-07-2015, 12:26 AM
#15
You are correct, I did cut and paste from another site, just items he hadnt listed, I should have paid more attention. This was an F250 with front end leafs and not Independent suspension. There was definitely some derp there.
Another source for vibration would be a U joint. And did you replace both inner and outer tie rods? Wheel Hub assembly would be a great place to look as the first poster stated.
Another source for vibration would be a U joint. And did you replace both inner and outer tie rods? Wheel Hub assembly would be a great place to look as the first poster stated.
05-07-2015, 01:11 AM
#16
You sound Butt hurt. Did you engineer the front end? Good thing you have not had this issue. I mean its like I went around for years putting videos and posts an write ups all over the internet JUST so I can post this. So since it never happened to you means it is not an issue with the design right?
While shopping for my truck I test drove a lot of trucks. and I did test drive one (F250 RWD 2002) that did in fact have the "death wobble".
But then I am not a Brand specific kind of guy. If it is owned by a US company I would buy it if the price is right.
While shopping for my truck I test drove a lot of trucks. and I did test drive one (F250 RWD 2002) that did in fact have the "death wobble".
But then I am not a Brand specific kind of guy. If it is owned by a US company I would buy it if the price is right.
The following users liked this post:
Summers22 (05-07-2015)
05-11-2015, 11:51 AM
#17
How did you remedy the problem on your truck Dembruski? And thanks for chiming in.
05-11-2015, 01:21 PM
#18
Chive So Hard
Although I am not sure about the ebrake problem, I do not doubt that could exist. Heres my suggestion. Lift the front end up so that the wheels are no longer touching the ground. Grab on to your wheel and move it around, see if you can find any play in any front end component. I would also check the sawy bar endlinks while you have it perched up and look to see if your outer tie rod ends have a littel bit of play. New doesnt always mean fixed.
The following 2 users liked this post by KCCOFox:
Michaelkeb (09-14-2022),
Shanester (05-11-2015)
The following users liked this post:
Shanester (05-13-2015)
09-12-2022, 12:50 PM
#20
I have a 2004 with similar problem. it use to drive smooth until I replaced the two front struts, inner and outer tie rods and upper control arms. and universal joints, plus 4wd actuator. I keep getting vibration at around 80km and it comes from the right side. but before you say tires, I had it balance and front computer align. I even change the brake and rotors but the same. I also had borrowed my buddy tires to try to see if it is the tires but it did the same vibration. those tires on my buddy truck don't vibrate. I also change the cv axel shaft. the only thing left to replace is the bearings. pleas let me know if anyone had this and found a solution thanks.