Fixing a ‘Death Wobble’ in a Dodge Ram
Does your truck shake while going a certain speed? Here’s how to fix that wobble before things get worse.
One issue most truck owners are familiar with is what is known as death wobble. And as scary as it sounds, experiencing it is equally terrifying. Essentially, traveling above a set speed causes the truck to shake violently and uncontrollably. This phenomenon is not just limited to vehicles like the Dodge Ram, but extends to pretty much anything with solid axles. The severity of death wobble varies greatly, but in extreme cases, can cause you to simply lose control of steering altogether.
Finding the source of your death wobble isn’t terribly easy, as it can come from a variety of sources. So Dodge Forum member C12Creed wisely headed to the forums seeking advice for his wobbly Dodge Ram.
“I’ve been told that my issue of the entire truck shaking violently above 50 mph is not an engine issue but suspension: the Death Wobble. I brought the truck to Tire Kingdom for a free inspection, and they showed me why I needed to replace the inner and outer tie rods. They told me my wheel joints and u-joints were fine. Who else has experienced the death wobble? What did you replace? The only other part I’ve been told to do is a steering column bushing. I’m looking to replace as much as I can in one service. Thanks!”
As Moparite points out, this kind of problem requires a thorough inspection.
“Any slop in the steering/suspension can cause it. Have them go over everything and anything that is questionable or will be going soon and replace it.”
AtomicDog took that same approach to fix the death wobble problem in his Ram.
“After reading up on death wobble and inspecting my truck’s front end, I went ahead and rebuilt the entire front suspension since it was beat up pretty good. Replaced both front wheel bearings, u-joints (at each wheel), ball joints, Rancho RS5000 shocks, tie rod ends, and upgraded to a Borgeson steering box. Plus intermediate shaft, in addition to a solid steel conversion bracket to support a 3rd gen style solid steel adjustable track bar (with urethane bushings in each end). Also replaced the control arms with Spohn boxed arms with greaseable urethane bushings. My death wobble issues are cured and the truck rides like a dream.”
Thanks to this advice, the OP got a second opinion. And some more parts.
“I went to another mechanic (local store), where they told me to change the steering dampener and tie rods. I just went and ordered a 6 piece tie rod kit, sway bar links and bushings, as well as the steering dampener.”
Hopefully that will be enough to solve the OP’s death wobble issue. But in the meantime, we want to know if you’ve got any suggestions these responses missed! If so, head over here and chime in. Or, if you’re trying to fix your own death wobble issue, be sure and check out all the helpful responses.
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