F 350 4WD Pickup V8-7.3L DSL Turbo VIN F (1994)
Technical Service Bulletin # 98-15-8
Date: 980803
Steering - Shimmy Diagnostic/Repair Procedure
Article No.
98-15-8
08/03/98
STEERING - SHIMMY - DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE -
4X2 AND 4X4 VEHICLES
LIGHT TRUCK:
1988-97 F SUPER DUTY, F-250 HD, F-35O
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to include the latest level parts and to include the F-250 HD 4X4.
The F-250 and F-350 listed include 4X4 and 4X2.
ISSUE
Front end shimmy may occur at various driving speeds and is usually induced when hitting bumps such as large potholes or rough railroad crossings.
Shimmy is not always verified during the road test.
ACTION
Check all the systems that can cause shimmy. After a general review of the front suspension and steering systems, make the necessary adjustments as
noted in the following diagnostic procedure. The review should include bolt and nut torques to ensure they are to specified torques. When encountering
excessively worn tires, shackle bushings and out-of-balance wheel or tire assemblies, refer to the appropriate Service/Workshop Manual, Section 04-00.
Shimmy, as observed by the driver, is defined as large amplitude, rotational oscillations of the steering wheel resulting from large, side-to-side (lateral)
tire/wheel movements. Shimmy should not be confused with nibble, a condition resulting from tire interaction with various road surfaces and observed
by the driver as small amplitude, rotational oscillations of the steering wheel. To diagnose nibble and other vibrations which are sometimes confused
with shimmy, such as steering column shake or wheel/tire imbalance, consult the Noise/Vibration/Harshness (NVH) diagnostic, Brake NVH and Tire
NVH sections in the appropriate Service/Workshop Manuals.
The following items will contribute to the shimmy condition and should be inspected and repaired as required to assure the total repair effectiveness.
After all components have been reviewed and repaired, install the appropriate Steering Damper Kit.
Parts Block
OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: 96-20-13, NONE
SUPERSEDES: 97-21-11
WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under The Provisions Of Bumper To Bumper Warranty Coverage For 1992-97 Model Years, Basic Warranty
Coverage For 1988-91 Model Years
OPERATION
DESCRIPTION
TIME
981508A
Inspect Steering Linkage,
1.2 Hrs.
Frame Ball Joints Or King
Pins (Includes Road Test,
Check Torque
Specifications, Inspect
Steering Linkage Joints
