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08-31-2019, 07:21 AM | #1 |
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Connecticut
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The dreaded death wobble
Yet another thread on the subject. I searched for previous postings but could not find what I was looking for. I am looking for suggestions on where to start. The wobble is not consistent. Typically only happens when breaking on a bumpy stretch of payment. I replaced the rubber insulator on the radius rod about 4 years/3000 miles ago. What is the life expectancy?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! |
08-31-2019, 07:46 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Roseville Ca.
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
A steering stabilizer might work. Page 49 new Mac's Model A catalog.
Lefthander 1929 now |
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08-31-2019, 08:17 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Cow Hampshire
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
Sadly, I would look for a bent front axle.
For the DIY mechanic, this means a complete tear down to axle beam, and then replacement after straightening the axle by means/methods given in the literature. Some have advocated bring the Model A to a "Big Truck Shop" who are acquainted with solid beam front axles. Few and far between in today's age and you can be sure that they will get their piece of your wallet since you're occupying shop space normally devoted to better heeled clientele with a job to do and money to be made. You may find the antique interest in your favor here. I would recommend you NOT use the 2-1/2" pipe method slipped over the end of the axle while on the car. You don't know against what defect you're pulling particularly, or where you want to go, and the results can be more irregular than the initial defect. And you may do damage to the rest of the car. Replacement front axles is where I have gone. I now have (um) four in various stages of rework. ALL of them are bent to some degree or another - so one can conclude after 80 years or so most all axles are bent to some degree - usually the passenger side "pushed back" somewhat. Having a replacement is nice since you can work on that in your (ahem) "spare" time and have it ready to go when you feel particularly motivated to work under a car. The steering stabilizer might be a temporary band-aid. Joe K
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08-31-2019, 08:21 AM | #4 |
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
Not by the book,but the way I stop it is by tightening the ends of the drag link and tie rod just where you can get the cotter pin in. Tighten pitman arm, check sector shaft bushings. Adjust gear, and make sure your toe-in is correct. I don’t agree with all those springs in the system.
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08-31-2019, 08:31 AM | #5 | |
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 293
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
Quote:
The July/August 2015 MAFCA Restorer has a very good article, "Causes and Fixes for Death Wobble in the Model A Ford" |
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08-31-2019, 08:39 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
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I'm not a fan of the rubber ball socket pad. Ford never used them during manufacture of these cars. |
08-31-2019, 09:10 AM | #7 |
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 260
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
Most everyone on FB would agree, throw the rubber ball away and buy the upper and lower metal caps. Might check the 3 steel balls on spindles to see if they're wore out, I replaced all of mine. If the front spring shackles are wore out, they might contribute to the problem. On this forum there has been many posts about the installation of a panhard bar that goes from frame to front axle.
carry on |
08-31-2019, 09:17 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Santa Maria, CA
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
Solved mine by rebuilding the sloppy steering box.
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08-31-2019, 09:34 AM | #9 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tacoma, WA
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
Please take the time to read my post from 2018. Go to search and look up steering box issues resolved. it's PDF and a long read but it will be worth your time.
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08-31-2019, 09:41 AM | #10 | |
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Redondo Beach, CA
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
Quote:
Are you referring to the rubber ball on the ball on the radius rod? If so, yes replace it as they get oil on them and degrade after time OR reinstall the stock setup. I may be off base but that is where I would start. |
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08-31-2019, 10:43 AM | #11 |
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
Do the easy things first, do as JacksonIII suggests. All play must be removed from the drag ling and tie rod. Bent axle? I doubt that would cause wobble, tire wear yes.
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08-31-2019, 11:04 AM | #12 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: brentwood, ca
Posts: 4,241
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
I would also include an inspection of the front wheel bearings. You are probably ready for repacking the bearings anyway. Jack up each front wheel and see if there is any play.
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08-31-2019, 11:20 AM | #13 |
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Location: Alabama
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
my experience has been that improper toe in is the main cause of death wobble !!! any looseness in other front end parts will contribute after death wobble sets in . I set my toe in at 1/16 . I've had model A's with loose king pins and worn play in the steering that didn't have the death wobble as long as the toe in was correct . I also doubt that a slightly bent axle would cause shimmy . Probably most model A front axles are bent to some degree . In nearly fifty nine years I don't remember more that three model A front axles that were found to be not bent after disassembly .
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08-31-2019, 11:22 AM | #14 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Largo Florida
Posts: 7,225
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
Like the others have said, your wobble comes from looseness. Check everything from the wheel bearings all the way thru to the steering box adjustment including correct toe setting.
I wouldn't recommend the stabilizer, they are a band-aid. |
08-31-2019, 12:01 PM | #15 |
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Location: In my garage
Posts: 465
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
I had the death wobble years ago. When I was new to this hobby. And my first model A! It was bad. I spent some time doing research reading supply houses catalogs. There wasn’t any internet or FB At that time. I saw that the stabilizer will fix the wobble ya! Bought one installed it no more wobble great!! Talking to model A friends they said find the problem please. That stabilizer doesn’t fix anything!! Well I ended up rebuilding the steering column and doing a front end alignment no more wobble!!
I did reinstall the stabilizer cuz it does steer better with it,doesn’t wonder or flow the cracks in the road
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08-31-2019, 09:57 PM | #16 |
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: College Station, Tx
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Re: The dreaded death wobble
I agree fix the problem if you can but if you want a stabilizer I will ship you one for $80 plus shipping
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