2014 Ford F-350: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Sep 11, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · CO

I have a death wobble. Ball joints, sway arms replaced, wheels rotated and balanced and still has death wobble

Filed Jul 29, 2023 · Engine, Steering · IN

On 7/23/23 I experienced the death wobble in my 2014 F350 for at least the fifth time since purchasing the truck 4 years ago. This time was the most violent, scary and dangerous time of all. I was on an interstate, in heavy traffic, traveling at 65 miles per hour. Previous incidents have resulted in repairs to the suspension. Everything from tie rod ends, stabilizers and shocks. This most recent incident required that the steering damper to be replaced. All total, I have spent at least $3,000 in repairs in the last 4 years for this problem alone. Not to mention that I fear for me and my wife’s safety.

Filed Apr 4, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · CO

I have experienced three occurrences now where the vehicle suddenly begins to violently shake while driving between 50-70 MPH. All three times I was able to pull off the highway and stopped to inspect. Tires, lug nuts, brakes, and steering all appeared fine, so I cautiously resumed my trips without further incident. I have done some research and it appears that this is a well known issue, and is known as “Ford death wobble”. While I was able to safely move to the shoulder, I would be concerned if this occurred in heavy traffic, or if it occurred to an inexperienced driver. I am submitting this report to document these occurrences. During the last incident, I did get a traction control and hill descent malfunction indicator, but both of those cleared by themselves soon after resuming my trip. I am currently in the process of upgrading the steering stabilizer system, and replacing drag link, tie rods, ball joints to prevent any reoccurrences. While I understand these items are considered “wear” items, they should not be causing this severe of a problem at only 60k miles. (And I have no guarantee these will resolve my issue - I am replacing them as preventative measures)

Filed Mar 28, 2023 · Steering, Wheels · IN

I have experienced the "Death Wobble" numerous times. I have spent thousands of dollars since owning the truck chasing whatever we thought might be the issue. Ball joints, steering damper, tie rods/end, track bar, stabilizer bar, tires, the list is long. Stops for a time then starts up again. Death wobble consists of speeds over 60 mph and hitting bump and wheels wobble uncontrollably. This causes immediately slowing down until the wobble stops, however it is a violent shake and can pull the truck. Vehicles behind have no notice at immediate deceleration. Has not happen in the rain thank goodness.

Filed Mar 8, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · OR

2014 Ford F350 Super Duty Platinum 4x4 Diesel: Steering wheel started with small vibrations (90,000 miles), had Ford tell us that we needed a new track bar and bushing, so replaced it. Still having small vibrations in the 45-60 mph range. Then Ford said tie rod ends could be causing the problem did have some movement in the drag link, so replaced those, still having vibration. Had sound and clunking coming from steering box, so installed new steering box and pitman arm, and the small vibration has morphed into serious death wobble, and the pickup becomes almost uncontrollable until slowing down to under 45mph. Replaced all 4 shocks and the steering stabilizer. Sadly, the Ford dealership doesn't really seem to want to acknowledge there is a problem and work to fix it, and yet a quick internet search becomes extremely distressing quickly. To think, that you (NTSB) and Ford is likely going to wait until there is an accident before owning up to the fact that this is problematic and should be dealt with appropriately. They have offered to replace the steering stabilizer for 2017 or newer, even though they know it affects models as early as 2005. Clearly, neither you (NTSB) or Ford care about the people, it's just all about the dollar and CYA (Cover your [XXX]). INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Feb 16, 2023 · Suspension · TX

My F350 has had multiple occurrences of the front wheels violently shaking back and forth to the point the steering wheel is uncontrollable, literally shaking from my hands-a phenomenon many refer to as "death wobble". Steering control of the vehicle was lost. The only resolution was to stop the vehicle in the midst of traffic following me. vibration in the truck was so violent that it actually hurt my back. it is more than frightening. Ford has "repaired" this at least four times over the last 8 years. the first two times, at approximately 20,000 and 35,000 miles, the steering damper was replaced. Then at 55,800 miles I had a tire dealer replace the track bar. At 83113 miles, Gabriel Jordan Ford replaced the track Barr, track bar ball joint, steering shock, drag link, outer tie rod, and both outer spindles. At 84,000 miles the problem recurred and Gabriel Jordan Ford again replace the same components, while I was told to replace tires that had only 25,000 miles. As of this date, 2/15/2023, with the new components there are times when multiple road bumps are experienced that a small "death wobble" occurs. I worry on every bump this truck hits. A better solution is needed, else, I will need to replace this truck with another brand.

Filed Sep 19, 2022 · Steering, Suspension · IL

Vehicle has a sudden violent shimmy, vibration ("death wobble") at highway speeds, requiring the vehicle to be slowed or stopped immediately to stop the vibrations. So far no complete loss of control. The track bar ball joint was identified as the issue and has been replaced 3 times in the last 2 1/2 years. The most recent replacement include a new track bar and lasted 17 months.

Filed Nov 17, 2021 · Steering · UT

Something within the Steering component(s) are causing the truck to violently shake during highway speeds other wise known as a “DEATH WOBBLE” and I have to pullover and come to a complete stop for the shaking to quit. I have been to the dealer after my first experience ( June 2020) and they replaced a steering stabilizer. Now 1-1/2 years later (November 2021) the shaking reoccurred. There is only 42,000 miles on the truck and all tie rod, ball joint connections etc. appear to be tight. I might also note that I was pulling a 15,000lb 5th wheel trailer which seemed to compound the problem. It crossed my mind that the trailer was going to flip prior to getting to a stop

Filed Jan 19, 2021 · Steering, Suspension · 175,000 miles · CA

2014 f-350 front end / steering shaking known as the death wobble. Only way to stop the shaking was to reduce speed under 50 MPH. This has previously occurred in 8/2018 with approx 116k miles on the truck. Vehicle was checked more than once at service location, including brakes, tires, alignment,...but could not find a problem. Different "fixes" were tried, which included track bar and tie rod replacement. After 2nd track bar and ball joint replacement, issue seemed to be resolved. However, the death wobble has returned. Current mileage is no approx 175k miles. This is a known issue by ford, yet there have been no recalls to fix the issue. Truck will be returning to repair facility this week, costing more money out of my pocket, to hopefully put another band-aid on the problem.

Filed Jan 11, 2021 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 3 miles · CO · crash

Lost control of steering braking and speed .it has happen 3 times twice with my son . 1st time was about a month prior to the big one . Driving in a construction zone. So not about 45mph hit a pothole brakes started intermittently hitting all different sides . Very difficult to control. Almost hit concrete wall. 2nd time with similar to the 1st one however on highway going 75mph it took control while in motion. We almost wrecked 3rd time happened on a dirt road on a curve no control over steering brakes hit all for different areas at different times. Brakes hit so hard on the driver's side consistently it broke the tie rod and the arm sleeve slamming us into a dirt bank on the right side and some trees damaging our vehicle separating arm sleeve and tyrod.. We called ford dealer let them know what happened they said no recalls on our VIN they would fix but out of our pocket. We had to call ins to cover exterior damage as a result my brand new tires wore completely no one seems to want to help

Filed Jun 30, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 240,000 miles · AL

While traveling at interstate speed of 60-70 MPH my f350 will start violently shaking, what is commonly know as the death wobble. It can only be stopped by sharply braking the vehicle. I have experienced this violent shaking more than 20 times during the last two years. I have had several different vendors recommend and make repairs. For example, u-joint, stabilizer shock, tie rods, shocks, alignment. I continue to have incidences with the front going out of control. Very concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road because of the need to brake in order to bring the shaking under control. This is a common problem for the ford f250 and f350 and I am at a loss that it is not identified for a recall to ensure the safety of owners and other traveling on

Filed Aug 29, 2018 · Body, Steering · 50,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 ford f-350. While driving 25 MPH, the front end of the vehicle shimmied. The vehicle had to be restarted to gain control. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to sheehy performance center (600 n frederick ave, gaithersburg, md 20877, (301) 548-9132) where it was diagnosed that the ball joints, tie rod, shocks, and the tires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: 12943941. The failure mileage was 50,000.