4th Gen death wobble

[ronalddragon]

Has anyone had a death wobble.
had it happen the finstructions time today.
driving about 78 mph. Started shaking like crazy.
did it again an hour later at 65mph.
is there a fix for this yet?

Thanks

 

[Tryingit]

The death wobble occurs when a part or parts are worn to the point they are no longer any good. One of the most common items is the steering damper. But other things can contribute to the issue i.e. Track bar, ball joints ect. I've never had it because in the space of three years I practically rebuilt my front end. A good friend of mine cured his death wobble with a steering damper and track bar. He didn't replace the ball joints but instead drilled grease fittings into them and added grease.

Here is a link to some helpful information
http://www.kevinsoffroad.com/dodge-wobble-ram-death-wobble-causes-cures/

 

[cerberusiam]

Most DW has its roots in tires, suspension changes, and alignment.

Without any info on what truck you have, miles on the truck, type of tires, upgrades, etc, it is impossible to form an opinion. You have to give us more info than what you did.

 

[Sticks]

Most DW has its roots in tires, suspension changes, and alignment.

^^^^^^This^^^^^^^^^

Leads to post #2 if not corrected. Tires first (balance, runout, etc) then alignment, then start looking at suspension. Jeep Wranglers are even more prone to it, and my wife's was evil until I made a tire shop precision balance (not "close enough") the tires.

I would have the tires re-balanced, rotated then see if you can duplicate it.

 

[ronalddragon]

OK, Heres all the info.
2011 2500
52,000 miles, 2.5" leveling kit.
new tires Michelin M/S stock size. running 40 PSI front and Rear.

 

[Sticks]

Mushy tires - especially with all that weight on the front is not helping. You are like 700# from max weight on the front axle as it is. 70+ psi in front if your tires are load range E, and 50ish in the rear if the bed is empty.

 

[Brocky]

Agree with Stick.. Bring the steering tires up to the pressure rated on the sidewall.. Probably 70 to 80 PSI. Also bring your rears up to at least 65 mty and 80 loaded. This will also help your tire life. Right now at 40 PSI you are also in danger of a sidewall blowout due to TOO MUCH flex and heat buildup.

 

[cerberusiam]

2.5" leveling kit.

Problem #1, you changed the suspension geometry and likely did not compensate. The suspension on your truck is the same as the 2nd and 3rd gens, suspectible to DW if you change things without compensating.

running 40 PSI front and Rear.

Prolbem #2, not enough air in the front tires. Minimum 70 psi in the fronts (maybe 60-65 but you have to look at tire wear, handling, and of course DW).

 

[CarlMumma]

2015 3500, 18000mi, much of it towing a fifth wheel, crew cab, 6.7 Cummings. Have experienced the " death wobble " four times. the first time at approx. 7500 miles. violent shaking of the whole truck. dealer is replacing the steering
stabilizer. anyone know anything?