04.5 3500 4x4 front end wobble (HELP)

[Sixpac2]

Hi,

I have an 04. 5 4x4 3500 dually 90K miles. We are full time RV'ers towing a large fifth wheel.

We are parked in Yuma, AZ and 2 days ago when pulling out of the parking lot when I turned right the front end and steering wheel wobbeled like the wheels were falling off.

I drove a few miles straight to walmart and all seemed tight and fine.

When I again pulled into the parking lots and turn sharp into the stall again feels like the wheels are wobbeling and falling off and the steering wheel osilates back and forth.



Checked and can find nothing abnormal.

Drove on freeway and is stable and tight as always.

but when pull off at exit and turn tight on a road comes back.



I hope I explain enough to make sense.



I did check the power steering fluid and is was on the low mark so added some but made no differance.



Please help, could it be a pump or else



Thanks, Marvin

 

[Prairie Dog]

You could do a search on here for "Death Wobble" and find hours of reading.
Essentially, any of many things in your front suspension can cause this as they become worn. Dodge's eventual fix was to redesign the front suspension for 2008 (and referred to as the 2008 suspension mod). You can get a a kit that updates your rig to the 2008 style. It replaces tie-rods and a few other items and it's not very expensive - around $250. But, it's best to replace the dampener ($150) and pitman arm ($55?) at the same time. Of course after all that, you'll need an alignment.
A dealer can do all this or the parts can be purchased in the aftermarket.

 

[macdaddy]

Doesnt really sound like death wobble if it isnt doing it while on the freeway, or at higher speeds.



Coming to a stop and turning and it returns?. I would look at the hub bearings.



Lift the truck in the front and and using a prybar, or 2X4 lift up on the wheels and check for play... .





Also air the tires up to 80PSI



Mac

 

[rscurtis]

Time for front axle U-joints.

 

[Sixpac2]

I agree I would not call it a death wobble. It is as stated only at low speed like a parking lot and have to turn fairly sharp like 45 degrees.



Hub bearing how much play are we looking at and or how will they feel?



I assume no one thinks a power steering issue?



Just trying to go down a correct path.



Marv

 

[MGreer]

These symptoms sound like making a sharp turn with the 4x4 engaged. Did you by chance have it in 4x4 and maybe forget to disengage it?

 

[Prairie Dog]

There was a great video on Utube of DW. Guy mounted a camera under the truck and showed it as started at about 30 MPH. At 90K miles, there's lots of loose parts up there.

 

[Sixpac2]

Utube of DW. what does that stand for, where to look.



Could it be a loose ball joint?

 

[rscurtis]

Video of death wobble from under the truck. I don't think that's your problem. Wheel bearings will give you a problem whether straight or turned. Axle u-joints are the issue when the wheels are turned. Since you'll have to remove the axles to change them, now would be the time to look at the ball joints and consider a free spin kit if you're going to keep the truck.

 

[Bob V]

I agree, sound like sized front axle u-joints

 

[SierraRam]

I am with the axle u-joint(s) binding.

 

[Slow Six]

I'd say axle u-joint(s).