Twice in the last couple weeks, while slowly turning a corner, I've encountered a strong oscillation in the steering wheel. It only last a couple seconds until the steering is straightened out, but when it happens it feels like a front wheel is about to fall off.
I've found a number of links online about Ford "death-wobble", but that's not what I'm experiencing. It's been fine at highway speeds. I did find 2 people who had the same symptoms I do, but there was never a resolution posted.
Before I climb underneath it, is there anything unusual I should check(other than the obvious steering links, bushings, wheel bearings, etc)?
Check out the steering column bearings, super common failure on them. Could be what your feeling.
In reply to Professor_Brap (Forum Supporter) :
Oh wow, I definitely wouldn't have thought to check those - thanks!
Oof, never did that to me. 
If it only happens while turning, could it be a failing power steering fluid pump or low fluid? You might be feeling a pulsating loss of assist more than a wobble.
Belt separating in a tire?
In reply to Tom Suddard :
That's a good idea Tom. I'll check it & report back. It's rather violent when it happens, I'm not sure if a PS pump is capable of generating a feedback loop like that?
In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :
I don't think so. The tires are a bit noisy & according to the tire shop they're beyond the point that rotating them would help(oops...I'd been meaning to do that for over a year), but they didn't cause any problem on our recent ~1700mi trip.
Edit: the PS level is actually high(with the engine off, I didn't start it), it's up to the top of the reservoir, which is above the max fill line. I've not checked it for about a year, would pump failure cause the fluid to read high?
FMB42
New Reader
3/10/21 2:23 p.m.
I'd start with 4 new tires and go from there.
I'd try rotating tires front/back and seeing if there's a change.
I have a 2008 E350. What year and model do you have?
In reply to Purple Frog (Forum Supporter) :
It's an 06 E250 2wd/4.6.
Pete Gossett (Forum Supporter) said:
In reply to Curtis73 (Forum Supporter) :
I don't think so. The tires are a bit noisy & according to the tire shop they're beyond the point that rotating them would help(oops...I'd been meaning to do that for over a year), but they didn't cause any problem on our recent ~1700mi trip.
I can dig it. I personally would try a rotation just because it's free.
I will also add this. My Fordzda Branger has some strange steering issues caused by what I think is a worn out steering box. If I'm doing something like getting on a cloverleaf exit ramp and have a long sweeping turn, the steering has a "hump" in it and going back and forth causes this kind of darting sensation.
I'm not overly familiar with the exact steering box (but I'm assuming it's a saginaw). Control valve sticking?
Purple Frog (Forum Supporter) said:
I have a 2008 E350. What year and model do you have?
IIRC, you have the first of the new stuff. I think the traditional twin I-beam econolines quit after 2007
Check the I-beam axle bushings they're probably torn or worn out. I replaced some on a co-workers 2012 E150 to stop it from going into death wobble. I know moog makes bushings. Best to check the front end over.
I had an older van e series van that did something similar, turns out it was very worn King pins and low tires. I wouldn't say it was oscillating as much as pulsing. It was also at highway speeds and a bit puckering.
We just got the van for work at a stupid low price and I thought I could get a little time out of the king pins before replacing them, turns out to be no.
But a local shop said they could do them for a very low price , $120? I think so a slight win that I didn't have to do them.
In reply to mjrj (Forum Supporter) :
Tom installed poly bushings not that long ago, but that's not to say something couldn't have happened to them.
I did check the steering shaft bearings as best I could. The steering is actually tight, with no dead spot in the middle & no wobble of the steering column in any direction.
Yeah, and the van got a reman steering box when I did the poly bushings, too.
In reply to Tom Suddard :
Yeah it definitely doesn't drive like a Ford van now. I honestly wish I could take it out on track at Nola.
