Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) What is happening during the Death Wobble?

[rjrkihap]

I know there is a ton of information related to what causes the Death Wobble and how to cure the Death Wobble, but can anyone explain what is actually happening to the truck during a Death Wobble episode? For example, if someone could theoretically videotape (from multiple angles) a truck experiencing the Death Wobble, what would we see?



Thanks a bunch.



Ron

 

[24Vpirate]

YOU WOULD SEE THE FRONT TIRES SHAKING LIKE MAD BACK AND FOURTH. The look on peoples face driveing toward you should tell you all you need to know lol.

 

[rjrkihap]

So it's kinda like a shopping cart with a bad front caster? I therefore assume it's also much worse than the feeling of driving with your tires out of balance?

Thanks

Ron

 

[BHanna]

It is quite a bit worse than out of balance tires. When I had it, it felt like the axle was hitting the bump stops and then slamming the tires into the ground and it wouldn't stop until I got under about 10 or 15 MPH.

 

[Regcabguy]

Thuren's got a video of it on his site.

 

[CumminsPower98]

Its the tires swinging side to side real fast just like a shopping cart as the other poster said. I have had it happen to me in '96 F-350 once. At that time I didn't know what it was but since learned. I saw a Jeep Cherokee do it once. I was heading down the interstate one way and he was coming at me. It was amazing to watch how hard the wheels were swinging. The guy pulled off, got out and was looking things over. He probably had no clue what had just happened. LOL, it was kinda of amusing.

 

[rjrkihap]

Thanks everyone.

First, I highly recommend that everyone watch the video's at ThurenFabrication.com, especially the slow motion video. These are great videos showing what happens during a Death Wobble incident. Also, based on what I saw, it looked as if the Death Wobble started within the tire, as in the tire is the root cause of the Death Wobble. It appeared as the side wall stability of the tire stopped working allowing the tire to become "floppy" (for lack of a technical term). Perhaps a completely functioning suspension and steering system is able to control/mask when a Death Wobble happens and therefore a loose suspension/steering system is not able to control/mask the Death Wobble. So therefore, when we replace this or that part on our system and make it "whole" again, we are in effect controlling/masking the Death Wobble event.

I could be completely wrong, and if so, please correct me. If not, then I certainly can understand how a good set of tires can prevent the Death Wobble.

Thanks again.

Ron

 

[Huff N Puff]

Here is my Theory

It is a gyroscope that starts forcing the trucks weak front end components into flexing. It will usually start after hitting a diagonal bump. The bump will knock one wheel up and start the gyroscopic reverberations,it will then amplifiy when that wheel hits the ground,and the other wheel starts the gyroscopic bounce. A weak set of shocks fixed my issues. Loose front end parts can also set it of. The gyroscopic forces are so strong,they will find any weakness.

 

[WBodine]

Well i am not sure of the cause of the DEATH WOBBLE, but it sure can make you need a clean pair of jeans quick fast and in a hurry. I had my first episode of it happen to me today. I have read all about it on here and have been procrastinating about fixing my front end. So today its getting fixed. Come hell or high water, because I won't have that happen again. I don't know if the old ticker can take it... ...

 

[rjrkihap]

So if I understand correctly, something in the front end must be loose in order for the event to take place? The tires, being the weakest/softest link in the front end, exasperate the death wobble event?

Thanks

Ron

 

[Huff N Puff]

So if I understand correctly, something in the front end must be loose in order for the event to take place? The tires, being the weakest/softest link in the front end, exasperate the death wobble event?



Thanks



Ron

The only thing that was weak on my front end was the shocks,I still have all the original front end parts,and to date I have not experianced an incident after replacing the shocks. I think the 4 control arms are strong fore and aft but are really weak when the front axle is twisted laterally. Tires can cause it, as well as exasperate it,tires that are aired up on the higher end of specs,will be more likly to cause it,cause they bounce better. I think its the bounce that starts it.