Super Duty Front End Vibration Question

[Haoleguy]

I have noticed that on several Ford truck forums that there is a discussion about violent front end vibration on the newer Super Duty.....Ford F-250, F-350 & Super Duty Forum. Anyone know if this problem is now understood and has a correction course supported by Ford? Seems like a very dangerous issue based on the posts I read....Gary

 

[deerefan]

I have noticed that on several Ford truck forums that there is a discussion about violent front end vibration on the newer Super Duty.....Ford F-250, F-350 & Super Duty Forum. Anyone know if this problem is now understood and has a correction course supported by Ford? Seems like a very dangerous issue based on the posts I read....Gary

It was prevalent in my 06 f250. Steering stabilizers fixed. I have not noticed it in the new trucks.

 

[Soundguy]

i have an 04 250 that has a knocking sound up front.. though it is not felt at the wheel / steer wheel, and is not a vibration or shimmey. just a knock sound.

I've replaced both hubs, rod ends, knuckles.. shocks and stabs..e tc.

no change whatsoever

have bene under looked at all parts with rubber bushings.. everything is new or repalced or in good condition... can't see a thing wrong with friends helping me rock the truck while I'm on a creeper..e tc.

just letting it ride now.

no similar issue on my 99 350 4wd and 450 2wd.....250 is 4wd.

 

[robs660]

You are talks about the infamous ford death rattle. I had it in 2 of my f250 crew cabs. An 04 and a 07. Dealer told me everything from tires to steering stabilizer to my driving. I always lived with it. Because they could not fix

 

[Haoleguy]

You are talks about the infamous ford death rattle. I had it in 2 of my f250 crew cabs. An 04 and a 07. Dealer told me everything from tires to steering stabilizer to my driving. I always lived with it. Because they could not fix

Yes that's what I'm talking about. I had not seen the discussion before( had not been looking for it) and it disturbs me that it's been showing up in the newest Super Dutys....Gary

 

[jk96]

i have an 04 250 that has a knocking sound up front.. though it is not felt at the wheel / steer wheel, and is not a vibration or shimmey. just a knock sound.

I've replaced both hubs, rod ends, knuckles.. shocks and stabs..e tc.

no change whatsoever

have bene under looked at all parts with rubber bushings.. everything is new or repalced or in good condition... can't see a thing wrong with friends helping me rock the truck while I'm on a creeper..e tc.

just letting it ride now.

no similar issue on my 99 350 4wd and 450 2wd.....250 is 4wd.

Does this happen when driving straight or only turning? I also have a knocking sound as you describe in my 05 F250 but only when I turn. Almost like the 4wd is locked in even though its not.

Jeremy

 

[slowzuki]

I'm used to driving solid axle leaf sprung vehicles, lots of front ends rattles. Very important the panhard and draglink be keep in good shape.

On my 350 I've got an out of round front tire that thumps and slaps the leaf springs, a sway bar bushing that makes a teeny bit of noise and bad u-joints / needle bearing in the 4wd axle that rattle around over bumps. (The parts to fix the axle cost more than what I paid for the truck and they still work at low speed)

The newer coil sprung ones, the panhard is most important for death wobble.

In places without safety inspections I suppose the ball joints could get bad enough to give problems, here they won't let them go very far.

 

[rasimmo]

Yes that's what I'm talking about. I had not seen the discussion before( had not been looking for it) and it disturbs me that it's been showing up in the newest Super Dutys....Gary

If you have one with that problem ask the service dept at the dealership to check for any tech service bullitens on it.
I had a knock that I thought was in the front end on my 09 SD. They found a bulliten about a shim being added to the cab that stopped my problem. I am not saying that will fix the death wobble, just saying a check of bullitens may turn up something.

 

[Soundguy]

Does this happen when driving straight or only turning? I also have a knocking sound as you describe in my 05 F250 but only when I turn. Almost like the 4wd is locked in even though its not.

Jeremy

can happen straight or turning, only hapens straight if I'm changing elevations.. ie, driving up a curb or a bump.

not that I've replaced all the front suspension too, with neary a change..

 

[Johnp33]

I am a HD mechanic retired, I worked mainly on class eight engines but am 3/4 way finished building my shop.
I do quite a bit of Ford repaires especially on the 4x4 front axles, The first thing I would check is the steering box free play, turn the wheel full travel to the left unlock the jam nut. Hold it and turn in the Allen screw till it bottoms. back out 1/4 turn and lock it. You have to test it you do not want it binding on you just turning it on a smooth floor and see if it rebounds back each way.
That should take out a lot of the wobble. You want to get someone to shake the steering back and forth gently and with you finger see if there is any movement.
Then jack it up on 4 stands, all wheels off the ground, turn the wheel about 1/2 way to the right and with the front axle engaged, in first gear, at idle allow the wheels to turn if the wheel tries to straighten then a "U" joint is stiffened and you have to figure which one and replace the stiff one.
After a drive of about 1/2 hour, reach in and feel the shocks, if they are not warm they are junk.
Then there are the ball joints and hubs, also the needle bearings, front axle oil level. :thumbsup:I love Ford!