Steering wobble why?

Hi,

This new of a truck is still under warranty so clearly the things that have been done where done by a dealer?

If so, they need to make sure they report this issue to Ford. This system is not just a mechanical pump and rack and pinion. This is now electronically controlled and they vary the amount of power assist based on a lot of sensor inputs. This sounds like the control module is causing an issue in the assist.

If I am correct, then either the module will need to be replaced or possibly a sensor that is giving the module incorrect info. Either way, you need contact Ford directly and report the issue. They will ensure the dealer has started a technical assistance case which will engage engineering in they need too.

Unfortunately, with vehicles these days they are a full of computers and we don't have the ability to properly diagnose them in our driveway unless we have the proper scan tool.

Let me know if there is more detail that some of this has been done and we can work through it but what we can do is limited plus you want to make sure the dealer is doing the work so that your warranty remains unrestricted.

Maybe I read the original post wrong because this response makes me think you are correct with a mechanical issue. Since the dealer is working on it they should have the needed tools to figure this out (diagnosis) this in the proper manner. That makes the process easier because most people who are on the site are doing things themselves or having a side shop do it and they don't have access to the high end tools needed to properly diagnose the issue.

We need to find a dealer that has a vibration analyzer and a technician that knows how to use it. I would just suggest calling ahead and asking the manager if they have one. Hopefully you have a few dealers in your area. Simply explain the situation and that you are mechanically inclined so they understand why you are asking the question. Then tell them the other dealers have not done any diagnosis, just tried things like balancing the tires but nothing has worked. So you are looking for a dealer that has a tech that can actually diagnosis it.

The vibration analyzer will give them a reading in hertz which will tell them what system the vibration is coming from. They will know if it is a wheel/tire which includes everything spinning at that speed or engine/transmission, or driveshaft etc. I am not suggesting it could be one of these things but the tool will narrow it down to a specific system.

Normally ball joints and hub bearings don't create vibrations. This is something that is a rotating mass. Do you only feel it in the steering wheel?

Okay. Did they happen to tell you or document on the RO what the road force measurement was when they balanced the tires? A lot of times they don't get the tire low enough so that there is no vibration. They may get them "good enough" but they still have an issue.