Ford Super Duty Serious Issue

**BigGuy82** · 12-08-2018, 06:44 PM

Anyone here experience the “Death Wobble” on their late model Ford Super Duty? It happens randomly - you hit a bridge joint or a bump in the road at about 60 mph and results in a severe oscillation of the front wheels that can be catastrophic and can only be stopped by decelerating to under 10 mph, which of course is in itself dangerous on a highway. Ford dealers will take it for a test drive a then will politely tell you you’re hallucinating. Problem is that it is very real, it has been experienced by many owners, has been repeatedly reported to the NHTSB and Ford does in fact have a TSB out on it. Ford TSB 18-2268. By the way, the repair kit is severely back ordered.

Just a heads up for those who may not know.

**Cate&Rob** · 12-08-2018, 06:57 PM

Search on “death wobble” for earlier discussions about this . . .

Rob

**BigGuy82** · 12-08-2018, 07:01 PM

That’s ok. Can’t hurt to mention it again, especially since I didn’t find anything here when I looked. I didn’t know to search the term death wobble. That’s why it never hurts to repeat a subject, especially a safety issue.

Thanks

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**315RLTSinPA** · 12-08-2018, 08:51 PM

I've heard of the problem, but my F350 is 5 yrs old, and never had this problem. My 2006 F250 had that problem from brand new. Once the original tires wore out and were replaced with a different brand, never had the problem again.

**bertschb** · 12-08-2018, 09:00 PM

Hope it's been resolved for 2019 models!

**BigGuy82** · 12-08-2018, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by bertschb

Hope it's been resolved for 2019 models!

Yes, it has. The TSB is for trucks manufactured before 7/31/18, so my guess is you're good.

**BigGuy82** · 12-08-2018, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by 315RLTSinPA

I've heard of the problem, but my F350 is 5 yrs old, and never had this problem. My 2006 F250 had that problem from brand new. Once the original tires wore out and were replaced with a different brand, never had the problem again.

I think it's more than tires. However, it odes not happen on every truck. Here is a list of parets that are includede in the kit for the TSB:

Part Number Description Quantity
HC3Z-3E651-D Steering Linkage Damper 1
5C3Z-3B440-EEE 1º Adjuster Assembly 2
5C3Z-3B440-DDD 3/4º Adjuster Assembly 2
5C3Z-3B440-CCC 1/2º Adjuster Assembly 2
5C3Z-3B440-BBB 1/4º Adjuster Assembly 2
F2TZ-3A049-A Castle Nut 2
W525288-S437 Cotter Pin 2

In reality, it sounds like it's mainly a defective steering dampener. After the dealer fixes mine this Monday, I'm going to run it for a while and then switch over to a heavy duty dual dampener system. Probably also going to change out the front/rear shocks with Rancho's.

**bertschb** · 12-08-2018, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by BigGuy82

Yes, it has. The TSB is for trucks manufactured before 7/31/18, so my guess is you're good.

That cut off is probably pretty close to when my truck was built so I'll check into that. Thanks!

EDIT - According to the door sticker, my truck was built 7/2018. I haven't received a notice from Ford so maybe I'm OK. My truck has the snowplow prep so maybe that makes a difference.

**Leon T** · 12-09-2018, 08:49 AM

I once had a Ford with that death wobble. My solution was to sell it. Once it happens to you a few times it's hard to relax behind the wheel.

**BigGuy82** · 12-09-2018, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by Leon T

I once had a Ford with that death wobble. My solution was to sell it. Once it happens to you a few times it's hard to relax behind the wheel.

Stuff happens and then it gets fixed. Did they fix the problem on your truck or did the dealer give you the same "you're delusional" look I got and send you away? In my case, I did what the dealer should have done and actually researched the problem then I provided them with the TSB number and asked them how fast they could fix it. They were much nicer on that go around, especially since I told them I that the truck was thrown to the shoulder, I had to stop on the highway and I could have been killed. As long as Ford fixes it, I'm not going to take a beating on a 2-3 year old truck with only 50K on it. I agree that it's difficult to relax, but it should be OK with the upgrade. Also, I was planning on doing dual steering dampeners and Rancho shocks just to beef up my truck to defend against the lousy roads that have become the norm. I'm just waiting for the Extended Warranty to expire to do it because I don't want to give Ford any "you modified it" wiggle room.